Refugee Status

Gather and prepare the following documents before your application. You do not need to have all of them — provide whatever you have — but missing documents may delay processing or result in a negative decision if they would have supported your claim.

Identity and Travel Documents

• Passport(s) — yours, your spouse's, and any dependent children's (even if expired)
• National identity card — if issued by your country
• Travel documents — airline tickets, boarding passes, train tickets, or any evidence of your journey to Ireland (even if not issued in your name)
• False or fraudulent passports — if you used any during travel, you must declare them
• Visa stamps or entry permits — from any country you transited through

Family and Civil Status Documents

• Birth certificate — yours and any dependent children's
• Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
• Divorce decree or dissolution of civil partnership (if applicable)
• Custody or guardianship documents — if you are caring for children who are not biologically yours

Education and Professional Credentials

• School certificates or diplomas
• University degrees or transcripts
• Professional licenses or qualifications
• Employment letters or references

Evidence of Persecution or Threat

• Medical records — if you have been tortured, beaten, or otherwise physically harmed
• Police reports or court documents — if you have been arrested, detained, or prosecuted
• Threatening letters, emails, or messages — from persecutors or authorities
• Photographs — of injuries, destroyed property, or other evidence of harm
• Witness statements — from people who can corroborate your account
• News articles or reports — documenting persecution in your country or of your community
• Country-of-origin documentation — government records, military conscription notices, or official documents showing your status or involvement

Membership and Affiliation Documents

• Membership cards — from political parties, unions, religious organisations, or civil society groups
• Certificates of membership — from any organisation relevant to your claim
• Correspondence — emails, letters, or messages showing your involvement or affiliation

Character and Support Documents

• Character references — from employers, teachers, community leaders, or others who know you
• Testimonials — from people in Ireland or abroad who can vouch for your character
• Letters of support — from family, friends, or organisations

Translation and Certification

• Certified translations — any documents not in English must be translated by a certified translator (the IPO will advise on acceptable translators)
• Originals or certified copies — provide original documents where possible; if you only have copies, they should be certified as true copies
• Apostille certification — official documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, court orders) from some countries may require apostille certification (a special international certification) — ask the IPO if you are unsure

Important Note on Documentation

Failure to provide available documentation may be considered a failure to cooperate with the protection process and can result in a negative decision. You are expected to provide all documents you have as soon as possible. If you do not have a document, explain why in writing.