A Form VIF is a Declaration of Verification of Identity required by non-Irish beneficial owners in Irish companies and industrial and provident societies. 

This form is a significant legal document that is required if you do not have a PPSN. 

When completing a VIF Form from outside of Ireland, you need to sign it in the presence of a practising notary public. Notarisation confirms that the signatory has been correctly identified and that the signed form can be relied on. This enables the RBO (Central Register of Beneficial Ownership of Companies and Industrial and Provident Societies) to accept it as a genuine legal document.

Jump to…

  1. What is a VIF Form?
  2. Notarising a VIF Form
  3. Do you Need an Apostille for a VIF Form?
  4. Process for Notarising and Legalising a VIF Form

What is a VIF Form?

The VIF Form, officially known as Form VIF, is a document required by regulatory authorities for reporting significant beneficial ownership in a company. It is specifically used in Ireland.

If you do not have a PPSN (Irish Personal Public Service Number), you must complete a VIF Form in order to apply for an RBO Transaction Number.

The form should include key details about the individual holding substantial interests in the company:

  • Full Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Nationality
  • Place of Residence
  • Signature

Notarising a VIF Form

If signing your Form VIF in the UK, you will need to have it notarised. The Irish authorities will not accept digital or electronic signature. You will need to visit a notary public to sign the Form VIF, and at the appointment the notary will verify your identity, witness your signature and complete the relevant fields of the form.

Below, we explain the process for notarising and legalising a VIF Form.

Do you Need an Apostille for a VIF Form?

Although both the UK and Ireland are contracting members of the Hague Apostille Convention, if the VIF Form is signed in the UK, the Irish authorities will accept it without requiring an apostille.

Process for Notarising and Legalising a VIF Form

The process for notarising a VIF Form typically involves the following steps:

  • Preparation of the Form: Ensure Part A of the VIF Form is correctly filled in with accurate information as of the time of signing.
  • Appointment with a Notary Public: Schedule an appointment with one of our qualified notaries in London Victoria, Canary Wharf, or Surrey.
  • Verification of Identities: During the appointment, you will need to present a valid form of ID, such as a passport, to confirm your identity.
  • Notarisation: We will verify the document’s authenticity and witness the signing. We will then complete Part C of the form and return it to you.
  • Document Upload: Once notarised, you can upload your VIF Form to the RBO portal. You will receive an RBO Transaction number which can be used in beneficial ownership filings going forward.

If you need a notary public to witness the signing of your VIF Form, contact us today. At Notary.co.uk, we offer transparent pricing and a fast, professional service.

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