If you are dealing with documents for international use, knowing where to obtain an apostille in each country is essential. The Hague Apostille Convention has over 120 member states, each with its own designated authority for issuing apostilles. This directory covers the countries most commonly relevant to notary clients in Cork.
Ireland
Issuing Authority: Department of Foreign Affairs, Apostille & Authentication Section
Address: 76-78 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, D02 RX78
Fee: €40 per document
Application: In person (Dublin office) or by post
Processing Time: Same-day/next-day (in person); 5-10 working days (postal)
Website: dfa.ie
United Kingdom
Issuing Authority: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Legalisation Office
Address: Milton Keynes, MK10 1GR
Fee: £75 standard service; £75 + premium for faster service
Application: Online via GOV.UK
Processing Time: Standard 2 working days; premium same-day available
United States
Issuing Authorities: Each US state has its own designated authority, typically the Secretary of State's office
Note: For federal documents, the US Department of State issues apostilles
Fee: Varies by state (typically $2-$25)
Processing Time: Varies by state
Australia
Issuing Authority: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
Application: By post or in person at DFAT offices
Fee: AUD $82 per document
Processing Time: 2-5 working days
Canada
Issuing Authority: Global Affairs Canada, Authentication Services Section
Address: Ottawa, Ontario
Fee: CAD $30 per document
Application: By mail or in person
Processing Time: 10-20 working days (mail); 1 day (in person)
Spain
Issuing Authorities: Various, depending on document type — Colegio de Notarios, Tribunales Superiores de Justicia, Ministerio de Justicia
Fee: Varies
Note: Spain has multiple designated authorities depending on the origin of the document
France
Issuing Authorities: Cour d'appel (for notarial documents); Procureur de la République (for other documents)
Fee: Free in most cases
Processing Time: Varies by court
Germany
Issuing Authorities: Varies by state (Land) — typically Landgericht (Regional Court) or designated state authority
Fee: €13-€25 per document
Italy
Issuing Authority: Procura della Repubblica (for court documents); Prefettura (for administrative documents)
Fee: Small administrative fee
United Arab Emirates
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFA)
Note: The UAE acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention in 2023. Prior to this, all authentication was through embassy legalisation channels
Fee: Varies
India
Note: India is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents for use in India require embassy legalisation rather than apostille. The Embassy of India in Dublin handles document attestation.
South Africa
Issuing Authority: High Court of South Africa
Fee: Nominal fee
New Zealand
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Fee: NZD $24 per document
Note: New Zealand was an early adopter of the e-Apostille system
Important Notes
- Fees and processing times change — always verify current information with the relevant authority before submitting documents
- The Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) maintains the official list of member states and designated authorities at hcch.net
- Some countries have recently joined the Convention — check the latest member list
- Countries not listed as Convention members require embassy legalisation instead of apostille
Contact Hugh Phelan
Hugh Phelan, Solicitor and Notary Public in Douglas, Cork, can advise on the specific apostille or legalisation requirements for your destination country and prepare your documents accordingly.
Contact us at 021-489-7134 or info@phelansolicitors.com, or book an appointment online.
Need Documents Apostilled?
Hugh Phelan is a Solicitor & Notary Public appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland.
Book an Appointment📞 +353-21-489-7134 · East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork