Do All Countries Accept Apostille Documents the Same Way?
No — and this is where many South Africans get caught off guard. While the apostille is a widely accepted form of document legalisation under the Hague Convention, each country has its own rules about what they’ll accept and how they want to receive it. Even though you may have apostille documents issued correctly in South Africa, that doesn’t guarantee smooth processing abroad unless you’ve followed that specific country’s rules.
What Is the Hague Apostille Convention?
The Hague Convention of 1961 established a simplified way for member countries to recognise each other’s official documents. South Africa is a member. That means once a document is apostilled by DIRCO, it’s legally valid in over 100 countries — without needing embassy legalisation. But even within the Convention, countries can still have their own quirks, like requiring translations or certified duplicates.
Which Countries Are Stricter Than Others?
Countries like the Netherlands, Italy, the UAE, and China have stricter document requirements. China, for example, is not part of the Hague Convention — so an apostille is not enough. You’ll need embassy legalisation instead. Other countries may require that your apostille documents be translated into the local language, stamped by additional authorities, or submitted with supporting affidavits.
Can an Apostille Be Rejected by a Foreign Government?
Yes — and it happens more often than people realise. A document can be rejected if:\n- It’s expired or damaged
- It hasn’t been translated
- It was issued in the wrong format
- It’s missing stamps or not signed by an authorised person
That’s why it’s essential to double-check what the receiving country actually wants before you submit anything. Apostille documents are only valid when they meet every requirement on both sides.
Where Can You Check Apostille Rules for a Specific Country?
You can usually find this information on that country’s embassy or consulate website. Look for visa or immigration document requirements, or check under “document legalisation” or “public document use.” If you’re unsure, contact a legal consultant or a trusted apostille service like Doc Assist. We handle international document preparation daily and can guide you through it all.
Should You Prepare Extra or Duplicate Copies?
Absolutely. Some countries want the apostilled original, while others only need a certified copy. Having a few extra sets ready can save you major headaches — especially for time-sensitive applications like visas, scholarships, or international legal filings. It’s also a good idea to keep a digital scan for your records (just don’t submit it unless the country accepts digital copies).
Doc Assist Helps You Meet Every Country’s Apostille Requirements
At Doc Assist, we don’t just process apostille documents — we help you meet the exact standards of the country you’re dealing with. From translations to notarisation, certified copies to courier delivery, we handle it all. No matter where you’re sending your documents, we’ll make sure they’re accepted the first time. Let’s get it done right, together.