Apostille in South Africa

An apostille is a form of authentication that is used to certify the authenticity of documents for use in countries that are parties to the Hague Convention of 1961. In South Africa, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is responsible for issuing apostilles for documents that will be used abroad.

To get an apostille in South Africa, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Have the document notarized by a Notary Public. This can be done at a law firm or at the High Court.
2. Take the notarized document to DIRCO to be authenticated. You will need to provide a copy of the document, as well as the original.
3. Pay the fee for the apostille. The current fee is ZAR 220 (South African Rand) per document.
4. Wait for the apostille to be issued. This process can take several days, depending on the workload at DIRCO.

It's important to note that not all documents are eligible for apostille. DIRCO will only issue an apostille for documents that are issued by a government department or agency, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate. Private documents, such as contracts and deeds, are not eligible for apostille.

If you have any questions about the process of getting an apostille in South Africa, you can contact DIRCO for more information.

Documents required for apostille in South Africa

To get an apostille in South Africa, you will need to provide the following documents:

1. The original document that you want to have apostilled. This can be a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or any other document issued by a government department or agency.
2. A copy of the document. This copy should be an exact copy of the original, including any stamps or seals.
3. A completed application form. This form is available on the DIRCO website and must be completed in full.
4. Payment for the apostille fee. The current fee is ZAR 220 (South African Rand) per document.

It's important to note that not all documents are eligible for apostille. DIRCO will only issue an apostille for documents that are issued by a government department or agency, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate. Private documents, such as contracts and deeds, are not eligible for apostille.

If you have any questions about the documents required for an apostille in South Africa, you can contact DIRCO for more information.

How to obtain an apostille certificate?

An apostille is a form of authentication that is used to certify the authenticity of documents for use in countries that are parties to the Hague Convention of 1961. To obtain an apostille certificate, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Determine whether your document is eligible for an apostille. Not all documents are eligible for apostille. Generally, only documents issued by a government department or agency, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate, are eligible for apostille. Private documents, such as contracts and deeds, are not eligible.
2. Have the document notarized by a Notary Public. This can be done at a law firm or at the High Court. The notarization process involves the document being signed and sealed by a Notary Public, who attests to the authenticity of the document.
3. Take the notarized document to the appropriate government agency or department to be authenticated. In most countries, this will be the Department of Foreign Affairs or a similar agency. You will need to provide a copy of the document, as well as the original.
4. Pay the fee for the apostille. The fee for an apostille varies from country to country.
5. Wait for the apostille to be issued. This process can take several days, depending on the workload at the government agency or department.

Once the apostille has been issued, it will be attached to the document, and the document will be considered authenticated for use in countries that are parties to the Hague Convention.

If you have any questions about the process of obtaining an apostille certificate, you can contact the appropriate government agency or department for more information.Top of Form

Meaning of Apostillation

The term "apostille" refers to a form of authentication that is used to certify the authenticity of documents for use in countries that are parties to the Hague Convention of 1961. An apostille is a standardized form that is issued by a government agency or department and attached to a document as evidence of its authenticity.

The process of obtaining an apostille is called "apostillation." This involves having the document notarized by a Notary Public and then authenticated by the appropriate government agency or department. Once the apostille has been issued, the document is considered authenticated for use in countries that are parties to the Hague Convention.

Apostilles are used to facilitate the legal recognition of documents in foreign countries. They are commonly used for documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other official documents that may be needed for legal purposes in another country.

If you have any questions about the meaning of apostillation or the process of obtaining an apostille, you can contact the appropriate government agency or department for more information.

Who is responsible for issuing apostilles in South Africa?

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is responsible for issuing apostilles in South Africa.

What documents are eligible for apostille in South Africa?

In South Africa, only documents issued by a government department or agency, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate, are eligible for apostille. Private documents, such as contracts and deeds, are not eligible.

How do I get an apostille in South Africa?

To get an apostille in South Africa, you will need to have the document notarized by a Notary Public and then take it to DIRCO to be authenticated. You will need to provide a copy of the document, as well as the original, and pay the fee for the apostille.

How much does an apostille cost in South Africa?

The current fee for an apostille in South Africa is ZAR 220 (South African Rand) per document.

How long does it take to get an apostille in South Africa?

The process of getting an apostille in South Africa can take several days, depending on the workload at DIRCO.

Can I get an apostille online in South Africa?

No, you cannot get an apostille online in South Africa. You will need to visit a Notary Public in person to have the document notarized, and then take it to DIRCO to be authenticated.

Do I need to have my documents translated for an apostille in South Africa?

No, you do not need to have your documents translated for an apostille in South Africa. The apostille only authenticates the authenticity of the document, not its content.

Can I get an apostille for a document that was issued in another country?

No, you cannot get an apostille for a document that was issued in another country. You will need to follow the apostille process in the country where the document was issued.

Can I get an apostille for a copy of a document?

No, you cannot get an apostille for a copy of a document. The apostille must be issued on the original document.