If you need to use South African documents abroad, you may be required to get an apostille. An apostille is a form of authentication that verifies the legitimacy of your document for international use under The Hague Convention. This guide explains everything you need to know about obtaining an apostille in South Africa, including where to get it, how long it takes, and why using a Notary Public can simplify the process.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official certificate issued to verify a document’s authenticity for use in countries that are part of The Hague Apostille Convention. It is commonly needed for:
Birth, marriage, and death certificates – Required for immigration, visas, and international legal matters.
Academic qualifications – Needed for studying or working abroad.
Police clearance certificates – Required for foreign employment and visa applications.
Court orders – Used in international legal disputes or custody cases.
Company registration documents – Essential for foreign business transactions and contracts.
Who Issues Apostilles in South Africa?
In South Africa, apostilles are issued by:
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) – This applies to public documents such as marriage certificates, police clearance certificates, and birth certificates. DIRCO verifies the signatory on the document.
The High Court – This applies to notarised documents. A Notary Public first notarises or notarially attests to/certifies the document, and the High Court then attaches the apostille to confirm its authenticity for international use.
How to Get an Apostille in South Africa
Prepare Your Document: Ensure the document is an original or a notarised copy.
Notarisation by a Notary Public (If Required): Private documents must be notarised before they can be apostilled. The Notary Public attaches a notarial certificate to authenticate the document.
Apostille Process:
Public Documents (e.g., birth certificates, police clearances): Sent to DIRCO for authentication.
Notarised Documents: The Notary Public attaches their certificate, and the document is then submitted to the High Court for an apostille.
Receive Your Apostille: Processing times vary based on the type of document and issuing authority.
Why Use a Notary Public for Apostille Services?
Ensures legal compliance – Notaries verify and prepare documents correctly.
Avoids unnecessary delays and rejections – Properly prepared documents are processed faster.
Convenience and expertise – A Notary Public, like Spence Attorneys, handles everything, from notarisation to submission.
If you need help with obtaining an apostille, professional notarial services can ensure a smooth and efficient process. Contact Spence Attorneys today at info@spencelaw.co.za and www.spencelaw.co.za for more, or book an appointment online!
The Notary Cape Town. Your Notary in Practice.
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