Need to Use a South African Document Overseas?
Whether you’re applying for a visa, studying abroad, or closing a business deal, you’ll likely be asked to provide apostille documents. These prove that your South African paperwork is legitimate and recognized in other countries. If the process sounds complicated — don’t worry. We’re breaking it down step by step so you can handle it with confidence.
What Is an Apostille, Exactly?
An apostille is a special stamp or certificate that makes your South African documents valid in countries that are members of the Hague Convention. It’s basically international proof that your documents are the real deal. Without it, your birth certificate, degree, or police clearance may be rejected — even if they’re completely legitimate.
Which Documents Can You Apostille?
The most common apostille documents include:
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Academic records and diplomas
- Police clearance certificates
- Notarial documents (like affidavits or contracts)
- Power of attorney and legal declarations
Each type of document may have its own route and requirements, so it’s important to double-check before starting.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents the Right Way
Before anything gets apostilled, your document needs to be in its correct format. For example:
- A birth certificate must be an original from Home Affairs, not a copy.
- A degree must be verified by the Department of Higher Education.
- An affidavit must be signed by a notary or commissioner of oaths.
Get this step wrong, and your application could be rejected — or delayed for weeks.
Step 2: Decide Where to Submit — DIRCO or High Court?
You have two main options in South Africa:
- DIRCO (Department of International Relations and Cooperation) – Handles most government-issued documents (e.g., police clearances).
- The High Court (Registrar’s Office) – Used for notarized or sworn legal documents.
Each has different processing times and procedures. Knowing which route applies to your apostille documents is key to avoiding setbacks.
Step 3: Delivery, Tracking, and Follow-Up
Once submitted, you’ll usually wait anywhere from 3 days to 6 weeks, depending on where you apply and how busy the system is. It’s best to send your documents with tracking or use a courier. And don’t forget — some embassies or overseas institutions may require an unabridged version of your document, especially for personal matters like marriage or custody.
Let Doc Assist Take the Guesswork Out of It
There’s a lot that can go wrong in the apostille process — from missing signatures to submitting the wrong version of a document. But with Doc Assist on your side, you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’ll help you identify the correct route, prepare your paperwork, and manage the back-and-forth with Home Affairs or the High Court. Your apostille documents will be handled quickly, professionally, and with zero confusion. Contact Doc Assist today and let’s get your documents ready for the world.