Legalisation may also be referred to as authentication of documents and implies authenticating documents executed in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for use in other countries. It intends confirming that a signature, seal or stamp on the document in question are genuine. Please note that legalisation does not confirm the accuracy of the text or the approval thereof, but authenticity of the signature, seal or stamp only.
Legalisation of documents may be required for legal, business, commercial or personal reasons. Prior to authenticating your documents, please confirm the requirements and the exact procedures with the relevant authority of the country the documents will be used in.
In our Belfast Office we offer three kinds of legalisation:
- Notary Certification
- Apostille
- Power of Attorney
Notary Certification
Notary translation includes translation of the document and certification of it by a Notary. This service may also be referred to as translation with notary certification or notarised translation.
Notary translation of documents from English into a foreign language is required for use of such documents abroad. While notary translation may be sufficient for legal purposes, please note that in some counties legalisation (Apostilling or consular legalisation, depending on the destination country) might be required for ascertaining validity of the documents.
Please check in advance with competent authorities of the country the document is to be used in what langauge it has to be presented in (should there be several official languages) as well as what kind of legalisation marks might be required. This way your documents will be prepared correctly and in timely manner.
Apostille
An Apostille is a stamp on the document (or attached to it), which certifies the country of origin of the document, the identity and authority of the person who signed it as well as the name of the authority that has sealed or stamped it.
Apostille is accepted in most counties of the world. Following the 1961 Hague Convention, in force in Ireland from 1999, Foreign Public Documents (such as birth certificates, documents issued by a Notary Public, etc.) no longer need to be legalised for use in the countries parties to the Convention.
With Apostille you would not require any further certification and can send or use your documents directly to the country where it is to be used.
We can certify with an Apostille, prepare your documents for the certification and safely deliver them anywhere in the world.
Power of Attorney
Power of Attorney is a legal device that allows a specially appointed person (the Attorney) to take actions on behalf of the first party (the Donor) in case of Donor’s absence, whether abroad or following an illness. Anyone, either family member or a friend, can be appointed as the Attorney in this case.
