Who Issues Apostille Certificates in SA?

If you have ever needed to use your documents internationally, you may have heard the term apostille certificate. But what exactly does this mean, and why is it so important in South Africa? At Burger Huyser Attorneys, we specialize in helping clients navigate the apostille process, ensuring their documents are correctly authenticated for international use. 

An apostille certificate is an official verification attached to documents to confirm their authenticity for international use. Under the Hague Convention of 1961, countries that are part of the agreement (including South Africa) simplify the legalisation of documents through the apostille process.

The apostille certificate serves as proof that the document is genuine and has been issued by an authorised authority in South Africa. It’s used for a wide range of documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, notarised affidavits, court documents, and more. Once a document has been apostilled, it is recognized by other Hague Convention countries without the need for additional legalization by foreign embassies or consulates.

In South Africa, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is responsible for issuing apostille certificates. DIRCO verifies the authenticity of public documents and affixes an apostille stamp or certificate, allowing the document to be used in foreign countries.

Why Do You Need an Apostille Certificate?

An apostille certificate is essential when you need to use your South African documents abroad for legal, business, educational, or personal purposes. Here are some common situations where an apostille is required:

  1. Immigration and Visas: If you are applying for a visa or permanent residency in another country, you may be asked to submit authentic documents, such as your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and police clearance certificate. To be accepted internationally, these documents must have an apostille certificate.
  2. Educational Purposes: When applying to study abroad, universities may require apostilled copies of your academic transcripts or diplomas to verify their authenticity.
  3. Business Transactions: In international business dealings, documents such as contracts, financial statements, and company registrations may need to be apostilled for legal recognition in foreign countries.
  4. Legal Proceedings: For legal matters like property sales, inheritance, or family law matters, apostilled documents (such as court orders or powers of attorney) may be necessary to ensure their validity in a foreign jurisdiction.
  5. International Adoption: Individuals involved in international adoption may be required to submit apostilled documents like adoption papers, medical records, and consent forms to be recognized by foreign authorities.

How Much is an Apostille Certificate in South Africa?

In South Africa, obtaining an apostille certificate involves a fee. The cost may vary depending on several factors, such as the type of document, the urgency of the request, and the number of documents you need to have apostilled.

The current fees for apostille services are set by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and can range from around R200 to R400 per document, though additional charges may apply in certain cases. For example, expedited services or multiple documents may incur higher fees. It’s always a good idea to check with DIRCO for the most up-to-date fee structure before submitting your documents.

How to Obtain an Apostille Certificate in South Africa?

Getting an apostille certificate for your documents in South Africa is a simple process, though it requires some preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get an apostille certificate:

  1. Prepare Your Documents: Ensure that your documents are in order before submitting them for apostille. For example, if you need to have your birth certificate apostilled, make sure it is an official copy obtained from the Department of Home Affairs. If your document has been notarized, the notary must sign and seal the document before it can be apostilled.
  2. Submit Your Documents to DIRCO: You will need to submit your documents for apostille to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). DIRCO has offices in Pretoria and Cape Town, where you can submit your documents in person. Alternatively, you can mail your documents to DIRCO if you are unable to visit in person.
  3. Pay the Fees: DIRCO charges a fee for apostille services, which can be paid via bank transfer or in person at their office. As mentioned earlier, the fees range from around R200 to R400 per document, depending on the type and number of documents being apostilled.
  4. Processing Time: DIRCO typically processes apostille requests within 2 to 5 business days. However, expedited services may be available for a higher fee.
  5. Receive Your Apostilled Documents: Once your document has been apostilled, DIRCO will attach the apostille certificate and return the documents to you. You can then use these apostilled documents for legal, business, or personal matters abroad.

An apostille certificate in South Africa is an essential part of the process for authenticating documents for international use. Whether you are dealing with immigration, education, business, or legal matters, obtaining an apostille certificate ensures that your South African documents will be recognized and accepted abroad without the need for additional verification.

The cost of obtaining an apostille certificate in South Africa is relatively affordable, typically ranging from R200 to R400 per document. However, the process involves submitting your documents to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) for verification and certification.

At Burger Huyser Attorneys, we understand how important it is to ensure your documents are properly authenticated for use in foreign countries. If you need assistance with obtaining an apostille certificate for your documents, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our apostille services and how we can assist with your international legal needs.

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