Irish companies expanding internationally — whether opening subsidiaries, registering branches, entering joint ventures, or bidding on foreign contracts — frequently need notarised company documents. Foreign company registrars, banks, and business partners need authenticated evidence that the Irish company exists, is properly constituted, and that the people signing on its behalf have authority to do so.
Common Company Documents Requiring Notarisation
- Certificate of Incorporation — proves the company legally exists
- Constitution / Memorandum & Articles of Association — the company’s governing document
- Board resolutions — authorising the foreign registration, appointment of local agents, etc.
- Director and shareholder details — CRO filings, annual returns
- Certificate of Good Standing — from the CRO, confirming the company is compliant
- Power of attorney — authorising a local agent or lawyer to act for the company
- Specimen signatures — of authorised signatories
- Notarised passport copies — of directors and beneficial owners
- Tax clearance certificates
- Financial statements — audited accounts if required
Step 1: Identify What the Foreign Authority Requires
Requirements vary dramatically by country. A US state company registration has different requirements from a UAE free zone, which differs from a UK Companies House filing. Get the list first.
Step 2: Prepare Company Documents
Key preparation steps:
- Check your CRO filings are current (annual returns filed, no compliance issues)
- Request a Certificate of Good Standing from the CRO if required
- Draft and pass board resolutions authorising the foreign registration and appointing signatories
- Prepare the power of attorney if a local agent will handle the registration
Step 3: Book Notarisation
Hugh Phelan, Solicitor and Notary Public at East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork, has extensive experience with corporate notarisations. He holds a BCL from UCC, a Diploma in Notarial Law, and is dual-qualified in Ireland and England & Wales.
Step 4: Attend With Authorised Signatories
At the appointment:
- Identity verification of all signing parties
- Certification of company documents (copies of Certificate of Incorporation, Constitution, etc.)
- Witnessing of signatures on board resolutions, powers of attorney, and declarations
- Application of notarial seal to all documents
Step 5: Apostille or Embassy Legalisation
Step 6: Send to Your Foreign Advisors
Use tracked courier for all original authenticated documents. Keep copies for your company records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all directors need to attend?
Only the directors who are signing documents need to attend. If a board resolution authorises one director to handle the foreign registration, that director alone can attend (with the resolution already passed by the full board).
What is a Certificate of Good Standing?
It is a certificate from the Companies Registration Office (CRO) confirming that the company is on the register, has filed its annual returns, and is in compliance. Many foreign registrars require this.
How much does corporate notarisation cost?
Costs depend on the number and complexity of documents. Corporate notarisations typically involve multiple documents and may cost more than a single personal document. Contact Hugh Phelan’s office for a quote.
Can a company secretary attend instead of a director?
For some documents, yes, if the company secretary is authorised by board resolution. For others (particularly powers of attorney), a director must attend. Check the specific requirements.
Need Notarial Services in Cork?
Contact Hugh Phelan, Solicitor & Notary Public, at East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork for prompt professional service.