What is a Documents Apostilled?
The Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, also known as the Apostille Convention, is an international treaty drafted by the Hague Conference on Private International Law
Where Can I Get Documents Apostilled In South Africa?
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation
Responsible for issuing the apostille is the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
How do I get a document apostilled in South Africa?
If your documents originate in South Africa and will be used in another country they must first be “authenticated” or “legalized”. This is a process in which various seals are placed on the document so they will be recognized as legal documents in other countries.
The Legalisation Section at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation can issue the relevant Apostille Certificate or Certificate of Authentication subject to the following rules:
- The documents are still valid.
- You must advise the Legalisation Section in which country the document will be used to allow the section to determine if an Apostille or Authentication Certificate is required.
- Depending on the type of documentation, you may first have to get the documentation stamped/signed by the appropriate department or institution; by a magistrate, an additional magistrate or assistant magistrate; or a registrar or an assistant registrar of the High Court of South Africa before the Legalisation Section can issue the relevant Apostille or Authentication Certificate.
How long does it take to get documents apostilled in South Africa?
South African High Court
The High Court is one of the departments that issue Apostille Certificates. It can take any time between a day to 5 days to have your document apostilled. This is because they allow walk-ins, where you can personally submit your documents, with no appointment needed.
How much does it cost to attest documents in South Africa?
Pricing
| Service description | Price(excl VAT) |
|---|---|
| Apostille / Authentication / Attestation fees | |
| DIRCO Apostille/Authentication DIRCO (Pretoria) | R875 per document |
| High Court Apostille (includes Notary) | R1,825 – R2,875 per document |
| Apostilled SA qualification (first SAQA/Umalusi, then DIRCO) | R2,750 – SAQA R2,750 – Umalusi R875 – DIRCO |
Where can I get a document notarized in South Africa?
Documents used for legal purposes in South Africa can often be notarized free of charge at a South African Police Service (SAPS) station. Contact your nearest SAPS station for details.