Start the police certificate and apostilles first, because they take the longest. A Garda Police Certificate takes about three weeks, and the Department of Foreign Affairs apostille adds roughly a week by post. Then confirm the exact list with the school and the destination's embassy, since the rules are set by the country and change.
The core documents
| Document | Where from | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Passport Service | Check validity. South Korea's embassy asks for at least six months beyond your stay. |
| Police certificate | An Garda Síochána | Free, about three weeks, issued for purposes such as foreign visas. Not the same as Garda vetting. |
| Degree certificate | Your university | Usually needs an apostille for visa use. |
| Apostille | Department of Foreign Affairs, Dublin or Cork | €40 per stamp. About 5 to 7 working days by post, 3 to 5 by drop-off in Dublin. |
| TEFL certificate | Your course provider | Keep originals and digital copies. |
| Medical certificate | Doctor or approved clinic | Required by some countries. Format varies. |
| Passport photos | Photo booth | Sizes vary by country. |
Eligible documents for an apostille include recognised educational certificates and Garda police certificates. If your destination has not joined the Hague apostille convention, the documents need legalisation instead, which means DFA authentication followed by the destination country's embassy. Embassies and consulates cannot issue apostilles themselves, so apply directly to DFA in Dublin.
Country-specific points
- South Korea (E-2). Needs a bachelor's degree, a clean criminal record check and a medical check. Both the degree and the police check are apostilled, and recruiter guidance says the police check should be issued within six months of your contract start. Translations may be needed.
- Japan. The sponsoring employer files a Certificate of Eligibility with Japan's immigration agency before you apply for the visa.
- Vietnam. Recruiter and law-firm guidance describes a degree legalisation process, a criminal record certificate issued within six months before the dossier, and a health certificate valid for 12 months. The sponsoring school submits the work-permit application.
- Thailand. The school helps with the Non-Immigrant B visa and work permit; the permit is tied to one employer.
- Spain and Italy. No visa for Irish citizens. After three months, register: a Certificate of Registration in Spain, and the Anagrafe in Italy, with a codice fiscale to work.
Details for each country are in the guides for Spain, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea and Thailand.
A suggested order of work
- Confirm requirements in writing from the school and the embassy.
- Apply for the Garda Police Certificate (online or by post).
- Request your degree certificate and any translation you need.
- Send both to DFA for apostille, or book a drop-off.
- Book the medical check if required, and keep it within its validity window.
- Arrange travel and health insurance, and for EU countries carry your European Health Insurance Card.
- Photocopy everything and keep digital copies.
An example timeline
This sample assumes a sponsored job in South Korea and a start date about 12 weeks away. It is an illustration, not a guarantee, because processing times vary by office and time of year.
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Request the Garda Police Certificate. Order your degree certificate if you do not have the original. |
| Weeks 3 to 5 | Certificate arrives. Post or deliver the certificate and degree to the Department of Foreign Affairs for apostille. |
| Weeks 5 to 7 | Apostilles returned. Get translations if the embassy requires them. Book the embassy appointment. |
| Weeks 7 to 9 | Submit visa application with the employer's documents. Passport is retained during processing. |
| Weeks 9 to 11 | Collect passport, book flights, arrange travel insurance. |
| Week 12 | Travel. Complete the medical check and registration after arrival. |
If you are going to Spain or Italy, you can skip the visa steps and the timeline is shorter, but a police certificate is still often requested for work with children. Always ask the employer which documents they want and in what format, since an apostilled original and a notarised copy are not the same thing.
Several countries require the permit before you teach. Teaching on a tourist entry can lead to fines, deportation or both. If an employer asks you to start before the paperwork is complete, treat that as a red flag.
Thinking about a TEFL qualification? See course options from an Irish-based provider.
Compare TEFL coursesThis is an affiliate link. See our affiliate disclosure.Frequently asked questions
How long does a Garda Police Certificate take?
An Garda Síochána says about three weeks. Recruiter guides report longer, so apply well ahead of your deadline.
What is an apostille?
A certificate from the Department of Foreign Affairs confirming that the signature or seal on a public document is genuine, accepted in Hague convention countries.
Can an embassy apostille my documents?
No. Only the Department of Foreign Affairs Authentications Section in Dublin or Cork can issue apostilles for Irish documents.
Do I need a visa to teach in Spain or Italy?
No, as an Irish citizen. You must register with the local authorities if you stay beyond three months.