Does SUSI Accept Foreign-Language Documents? Translation Rules for Divorce Decrees and Tax Returns
Short answer: SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) will only accept supporting documents in English or Irish. If a document, such as a foreign divorce decree or an overseas tax return, is in another language, SUSI's guidance asks you to send a translated copy, and for foreign income documents it specifically asks for a certified English or Irish translation. SUSI's site currently shows online applications closing on Thursday 5 November 2026, so check susi.ie for the latest position before you plan your timing.
This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Your own circumstances may differ, so check with SUSI's support desk or a qualified adviser before you send anything.
What SUSI actually says
SUSI's "Submitting your documents" page states: "Documents will only be accepted in either English or Irish." It adds that any document in another language needs a verified translated copy. The page does not define what "verified" means or who must provide the translation, which is why it pays to read the detailed guidance as well.
The 2026/27 document requirement guidelines go further. Foreign-language birth certificates need an official English translation, and foreign-language documents supporting income items (listed there as F1, F4 and F7) need "a certified English or Irish translation". The guidelines use three different words, official, certified and verified, without explaining the difference. A cautious reading is that a professionally certified translation, with a signed statement from the translator or company confirming it is complete and accurate, is the safest option.
Foreign divorce decrees and separation evidence
Where you need to show that your parents are separated or divorced, or that you are an independent student, SUSI lists a separation agreement, divorce decree, court-ordered maintenance arrangement or a decree of dissolution of a civil partnership among its accepted documents. Alternatives include a solicitor's letter confirming separation or a letter from a family mediation service. The guidelines also say affidavits are not accepted as separation evidence. They do not single out foreign decrees by name, but the general translation rule applies: if the decree is not in English or Irish, SUSI expects a translated copy.
Foreign tax returns and overseas income
For income earned outside Ireland, SUSI asks for official documentation from a government department or equivalent covering the relevant tax year. Several Irish forms, including a Statement of Liability and the Revenue self-assessment evidence, can be replaced by an overseas equivalent where the income was sourced outside the State. Overseas pensions and social welfare payments should be evidenced by official documentation from the paying authority. The guidance does not list "foreign tax returns" as a named category, but any tax assessment, return or employer statement that is not in English or Irish falls under the translation rule above.
How to send your documents
SUSI only requires photocopies of original documents, not the originals.
Put your application (W) number on every page and post everything together where possible.
Post to P.O. Box 869, Little Island, Cork, or email support@susi.ie, as set out in SUSI's guidance.
Your request letter shows a deadline date. If you are delayed in getting a document, contact the SUSI support desk and tell them.
Applications are reviewed in the order documents arrive, so late or incomplete packs slow things down.
Checklist of documents to prepare
The original foreign document (clear, complete, every page, including stamps and annotations).
A certified English translation of each non-English document, with the translator's or company's signed statement.
Your SUSI request letter and application (W) number.
Any forms SUSI asks you to complete, signed by all relevant parties (incomplete declaration forms are not accepted).
Official evidence of income from the relevant tax authority or government department for the correct tax year.
Photocopies of everything, with your W number written on each page.
Common mistakes to avoid
Sending a foreign-language document with no translation at all.
Sending a casual or self-made translation when the guidance asks for certified or official translations.
Translating only part of a document, such as the front page of a court decree and not the operative order.
Using bank statements or mobile phone bills alone as proof of separate residence, which SUSI says it does not accept on their own.
Waiting until the deadline on the request letter is close. Translation takes time, so start as soon as you know which documents you need.
When you need a certified translation, and what a Zood certificate includes
If any document in your SUSI pack is not in English or Irish, plan for a certified translation of the whole document. A certified translation from Zood Language Services (registered as SAHAMI ENTERPRISES LTD in England and Wales, company number 16658164) is delivered as a certified DOCX or PDF. It opens with a Certificate of Translation Accuracy, follows with the translation laid out to mirror the original, and ends with images of the original pages. Each certificate carries a reference number that can be checked through the verification portal at www.zoodltd.com/terms-of-use. Turnaround depends on the length and complexity of the document, and your quote confirms it.
Read more about what certification means in our guides: What is a Certified Translation?, How to Get a Sworn Translation and certified translations of German financial documents for UK visa applications.
FAQ
Does SUSI accept documents in languages other than English or Irish? Not as they stand. SUSI says documents are only accepted in English or Irish, so other languages need a translated copy.
Do I need to send original documents? SUSI's guidance says it only requires photocopies of the originals. Keep your originals safe.
Is a translation made by a friend or family member enough? The guidance asks for official, certified or verified translations, so a professional certified translation is the safer choice.
What if I cannot get a document in time? Contact the SUSI support desk before your deadline and explain the delay, as SUSI's own page advises.
Do all pages need translating, including stamps? A complete translation that records stamps, seals and handwritten notes avoids questions later.
Get a quote
Need a foreign divorce decree, tax document or certificate translated for SUSI? Send us a clear copy at www.zoodltd.com and we will confirm the price and turnaround before you commit.
Last verified: 3 November 2026
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