The Irish authorities have updated the name of the body responsible for issuing apostilles, as well as the procedure for document legalization. These changes are reflected on the official website of the Hague Conference on Private International Law.
Apostille in Ireland
Ireland joined the Hague Apostille Convention (the 1961 Convention abolishing the requirement of legalization for foreign public documents) on October 29, 1996, and the Convention entered into force for Ireland on March 9, 1999.
Before that date, any foreign document intended for use in Ireland—and any Irish document intended for use abroad — had to go through consular legalization. This was a two-step process: first, the document had to be legalized in the country of origin, and then certified again by the consulate of the country where it would be used.
This system was complicated, costly, and time-consuming. In addition, a legalized document could only be used in the specific country where the legalization was obtained.
The apostille system simplified this. An apostille is a standardized international form that confirms the authenticity of a document so it can be used abroad. For paper documents, it is usually a special stamp placed on the back of the document or on a separate attached certificate.
All countries that have ratified the Hague Convention of 1961 recognize apostilled documents without the need for further certification.
In Ireland, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the authority responsible for issuing apostilles. Previously, this was handled by the Consular Section of the Ministry, but the designated department has now changed.
How to get an apostille in Ireland
In June 2025, the Irish authorities updated their official page on the Hague Conference on Private International Law website, clarifying the procedure for apostille services.
As of today, apostilles in Ireland are issued by the Authentications and Apostille Unit of the Consular Directorate, Department of Foreign Affairs.
Apostilles in Ireland are issued only on paper documents. Digital apostille services are not available as of summer 2025.
You can apply in person at Dublin (42-47 Mount Street Lower, Dublin 2) and at Cork (1A South Mall, Cork).
Contact Persons (Summer 2025):
- Ms Davina Johnston (Dublin)
- Ms Emma McMahon (Dublin)
- Mr George O’Reilly (Dublin)
- Ms Mary Kelleher (Cork)
Documents can be submitted without an appointment in Dublin on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 and from 14:30 to 15:30 p.m.), and in Cork on Tuesdays and Thursdays (from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30).
To submit an application in person, you must have the document to be apostilled and a cover letter containing the applicant's first and last name, the country where the document will be used, and contact information (phone number and email address).
Moreover, you will need to present a receipt for payment of the fee (which can be paid at the cash desk, by postal order, or by bank transfer). The fee is currently 40 euros. The time required for apostille certification when submitting in person is approximately 30 minutes. No more than five documents can be submitted at a time in person.
If there are more than five documents or if they are submitted outside of office hours, they must be processed through the drop-off service. In this case, they can be collected by mail or by arranging for pickup. Payment for these services is made by card.
Documents can also be sent for apostille by mail (special address for this: Iveagh House 80 St. Stephen&Green Dublin 2 D02 VY53). After receipt, the average processing time is three to seven days (however, this is not officially guaranteed).
It is recommended to send documents for apostille certification by registered mail. When submitting by mail, the postal address must be indicated in the accompanying letter.
The authenticity of the apostille can be verified using a special online service provided by the Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Police certificates” are accepted for apostille only in paper form with a “wet” seal. You can contact the national police station (Garda station) with a request to send the certificate directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and then go to the Authentication and Apostille Department with a cover letter and a receipt of payment.
In addition, documents relating to education, civil status certificates (birth, marriage, and death), and notarized copies are subject to apostille.
If the applicant has additional questions, they can be asked by phone or via a special online form.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that any insults or threats directed at staff accepting documents for apostille are unacceptable.
What is an apostille?
What is an apostille? Why do I need an apostille? How do I get an apostille? - Our video will explain everything you need to know about the apostille. If you have a document that needs to be certified with an apostille for use abroad, Schmidt and Schmidt will assist you! We provide apostille services in more than 100 countries worldwide.
