What is an Apostille and the Hague Convention?
When dealing with international affairs, such as applying for a visa, studying abroad, or conducting business across borders, you may need to have certain documents authenticated through the apostille process. An apostille verifies that a document is genuine and legally recognised in countries that are members of the Hague Convention.
At Burger Huyser Attorneys, we understand that one of the most common questions people have when seeking apostille services is: How much does it cost to apostille a document in South Africa?Â
Before we dive into the costs, let’s quickly review what an apostille is. An apostille is an official certification attached to a document, verifying its authenticity for international use. This process is governed by the Hague Convention of 1961, which simplifies the legalization of documents for use in foreign countries that are members of the convention.
In South Africa, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is responsible for issuing apostilles. DIRCO attaches the apostille certificate to documents like birth certificates, academic records, powers of attorney, and other public documents to make them valid for use in foreign countries.
The Cost of Apostille in South Africa
The cost of apostille services in South Africa depends on various factors, including the number of documents being apostilled and whether you choose to handle the process yourself or use a professional service.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
- Government Fees (DIRCO Apostille Fees)
DIRCO charges a standard fee for apostille services. As of the latest available information, the cost is approximately R150 per document. However, this fee is subject to change, so it’s advisable to confirm the current rate with DIRCO before submitting your documents.- Single Document Fee: R150 per document.
- Multiple Documents: Each document requires a separate apostille certificate, so if you are having multiple documents apostilled, you will need to pay the fee for each one.
- Additional Service Fees (Legal or Agency Fees)
If you choose to use a legal service or agency to handle your apostille, there may be additional service fees. Legal professionals or agencies, like Burger Huyser Attorneys, offer apostille services that can save you time and ensure that the process is handled correctly.
The fees for these services typically include:- Document Submission and Processing Fees: These can vary based on the urgency of the request and the number of documents. Some agencies charge a flat fee for handling the apostille process, which can range from R300 to R600 or more.
- Expedited Service Fees: If you need your apostille quickly, you may be able to request expedited services, which usually come with an additional fee. These fees can range from R200 to R500 depending on how fast you need the documents processed.
- Postal Fees (If Submitting by Mail)
If you’re submitting your documents by mail to DIRCO, you’ll also need to consider postal fees. These will vary depending on the postal service you use and the size of your package, but the typical cost for registered mail or courier services is around R50 to R100. - Notary Fees (If Applicable)
In some cases, certain documents (like powers of attorney or affidavits) may need to be notarized before they can be apostilled. Notary fees are separate from the apostille cost and can range from R150 to R350 per document, depending on the notary and the complexity of the document.
Total Cost of Apostille in South Africa
When you add up the various costs involved in obtaining an apostille for a document in South Africa, you can expect the total cost to range from:
- Basic Apostille Fee (per document): R150
- Agency Service Fees (optional): R300 to R600 (for handling the apostille process)
- Expedited Services (optional): R200 to R500
- Postal Fees: R50 to R100
- Notary Fees (if applicable): R150 to R350
For example, if you need to get a single document apostilled and choose to use an agency service, the total cost could range from R500 to R1,200, depending on the complexity and urgency of your request.
Why Use a Legal Service for Apostille?
While it’s possible to handle the apostille process on your own by submitting documents directly to DIRCO, many people choose to use a professional service to save time and avoid any potential mistakes. Here’s why using a legal service like Burger Huyser Attorneys may be beneficial:
- Expert Guidance: Our experienced team can help you determine which documents need an apostille and guide you through the submission process to avoid delays.
- Convenience: Instead of spending time waiting in line or dealing with the intricacies of the DIRCO process, we handle everything on your behalf, ensuring your documents are processed quickly and accurately.
- Expedited Services: If you need an apostille urgently, we can assist in fast-tracking your request to ensure you meet your deadlines.
- Peace of Mind: When you work with a trusted legal service, you can have confidence that your documents will be properly apostilled without issues.
The cost of apostilling a document in South Africa typically includes government fees, service fees (if you use an agency or legal service), postal fees, and any notary fees if required. On average, the cost per document ranges from R150 to R1,200, depending on whether you handle the process independently or with professional assistance.
If you need help navigating the apostille process, Burger Huyser Attorneys is here to assist. We offer efficient, reliable apostille services to ensure your documents are correctly authenticated for international use. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get your documents apostilled quickly and hassle-free.
Contact Burger Huyser Attorneys, and book a consultation.
To speak to one of our experienced attorneys in South Africa for immediate assistance, contact us on the numbers below:
Randburg call 061 516 6878; Roodepoort call 061 516 0091; Sandton call 064 555 3358;  Pretoria call 064 548 4838;
Centurion call 061 516 7117; Alberton call 061 515 4699; Bedfordview call 061 536 3223
DISCLAIMER: Information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to constitute legal advice. READ MORE