Planning to Emigrate? Start With Your Birth Certificate
Your birth certificate is one of the first documents foreign governments request during the emigration process. Whether you’re applying for permanent residence, a partner visa, or dual citizenship, you’ll need a full unabridged birth certificate.
Don’t wait until the last minute to sort it out. Delays here can affect your entire timeline.
Why the Unabridged Version Matters
Unabridged certificates list both biological parents. This version is required for legal and immigration purposes. Abridged certificates are no longer accepted by most countries, especially when applying with dependents or for family-related visas.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply?
To apply for an unabridged birth certificate, prepare:
- Certified copy of your ID or passport
- Details of your parents (names, ID numbers)
- Your abridged birth certificate (if you have one)
- Completed BI-154 application form
If anything is missing, Doc Assist can help you retrieve or verify it before submission.
How Long Does It Take in 2025?
It can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks. Some applications are processed faster, others much slower, especially if you were born before 1990 or if your records are paper-based.
Doc Assist often speeds up this process through expert handling and follow-up.
Do You Also Need It Apostilled?
Yes, most foreign governments require your unabridged birth certificate to be apostilled by DIRCO or the High Court. This confirms its authenticity and makes it legally acceptable overseas.
Doc Assist can obtain both the certificate and apostille without you lifting a finger.
What If You’re Already Abroad?
No problem. Doc Assist helps South Africans living overseas get their certificates and apostilles delivered internationally. We work directly with SA authorities so you never need to travel back just to fix paperwork.
Doc Assist Handles It So You Can Focus on the Big Move
Planning an international move is stressful, your paperwork shouldn’t be. Doc Assist gets your unabridged birth certificate and apostille sorted, fast. Contact us today and let’s help you emigrate with confidence.