Apostille & Document Legalisation Services South Africa

Contact

  • Document Services (Pty) Ltd, 2nd Floor, Northern Pavilion, Apostille Certificate Services Office 5, Loftus Versveld, 416 Kirkness St, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0007

apostille.co.za is a privately owned document procurement and legalisation facilitation firm. We are not a government department. We act as an independent agent to facilitate services provided by these entities for a fee.


FAQ -

Yes!  We specialise in helping people just like you prepare your documents to be used in foreign countries.  

We can certainly handle the legalisation or acquiring an apostille certificate on your behalf.

You send or drop off your documents to us, and we will handle the rest, often in as little as a few days. This process consists of three steps:
  1. Document preparation – we ensure your documents meet the criteria of each process step.
  2. Document authentication – we will have your documents authenticated by the appropriate authorities in South Africa. 
  3. Document legalisation – we will have your documents legalised at the embassy or consulate of the destination country.
Contact our friendly specialists to discuss your options and answer your questions. We would be happy to hear from you!
SUBMIT ONLINE FORM to get free no-obligation quotation and timelines. 
We know that everyone's situation is unique and may have different notary services or document legalisation needs. Our document legalisation specialists will work closely with you to ensure that all documents receive the proper certification that is required for the relevant country and situation. If you would like to clarify the process on your documents or have any special requests, please Message Us
ORDER AND GET A QUOTE ONLINE

Ordering and quoting online is simple and safe. Complete the secure online form to get a no-obligation quotation with a time estimate for completion. You can use the secure incorporated facility to upload any documents you would like us to check.
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  • Albania - Competent Authority (Art. 6) - Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Andorra - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Antigua and Barbuda - Competent Authority (Art. 6) - Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Argentina - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Armenia - Competent Authority (Art. 6) - Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Australia - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Austria - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Azerbaijan - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Bahamas - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Bahrain - Competent Authority -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Barbados - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -   Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Belarus - Competent Authorities (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Belgium - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Belize - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Bolivia - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Botswana - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Brazil - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Brunei Darussalam - Competent Authority (Art. 6) - Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Bulgaria - Competent Authorities (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Burundi - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Cabo Verde - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Chile - Competent Authorities -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • China (Hong Kong) - Competent Authorities (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • China (Macao) - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Colombia - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Cook Islands - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Costa Rica - Competent Authority -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Croatia - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Cyprus - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Czech Republic - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Denmark - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Dominica - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Dominican Republic - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Ecuador - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • El Salvador - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Estonia - Competent Authorities (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Eswatini - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Fiji - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Finland - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • France - Competent Authority (Art. 6) - Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Georgia - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Germany - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Greece - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Grenada - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Guatemala - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Guyana - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Honduras - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Hungary - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Iceland - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • India - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Ireland - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Israel - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Italy - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Japan - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Kazakhstan - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Korea, Republic of - Competent Authorities (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Kosovo - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Kyrgyzstan - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Latvia - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Lesotho - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Liberia - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Liechtenstein - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Lithuania - Competent Authority (Art. 6) - Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Luxembourg - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Malawi - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Malta - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Marshall Islands - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Mauritius - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Mexico - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Monaco - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Mongolia - Competent Authority (Art. 6) - G Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Montenegro - Competent Authorities (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Morocco - Competent Authority (Art. 6) - Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Namibia - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Netherlands - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • New Zealand - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Nicaragua - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Niue - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Norway - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Oman - Competent Authority -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Palau - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Panama - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Paraguay - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Peru - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Philippines - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Poland - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Portugal - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Republic of Moldova - Competent Authority (Art.6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Republic of North Macedonia - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Romania - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Russian Federation - Competent Authority (Art. 6) - Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Saint Lucia - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Samoa - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • San Marino - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Sao Tome and Principe - Competent Authorities -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Serbia - Competent Authority (Art. 6) - G Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Seychelles - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Slovakia - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Slovenia - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • South Africa - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Spain - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Suriname - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Sweden - Competent Authority (Art. 6) - Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Switzerland - Competent Authority (Art. 6) - Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Tajikistan - Competent Authority - Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Tonga - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Trinidad and Tobago - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Tunisia - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Turkey - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Ukraine - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 6) - Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • United States of America - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Uruguay - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Uzbekistan - Competent Authorities (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Vanuatu - Competent Authorities (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
  • Venezuela - Competent Authority (Art. 6) -  Get Apostille or Document Legalisation Quotation for. 
Each Competent Authority must keep a register that records the date and number of every Apostille it issues, as well as information relating to the person or authority that signed or sealed the underlying public document.

Recipients may contact the Competent Authority identified on the Apostille and ask whether the information on the Apostille corresponds with the information in the register.

The High Court, DIRCO or Notary Public can be contacted in South Africa.

ORDER AND GET A QUOTE ONLINE

Ordering and quoting online is simple and safe. Complete the secure online form to get a no-obligation quotation with a time estimate for completion. You can use the secure incorporated facility to upload any documents you would like us to check.
Apostilles issued in accordance with the requirements of the Convention must be recognised in the country where they are to be used.

Apostilles may only be rejected when:
• their origin cannot be verified (i.e., when the particulars on the Apostille do not correspond with those in the register kept by the Competent Authority that allegedly issued the Apostille); or
• their formal elements differ radically from the Model Certificate annexed to the Convention.

ORDER AND GET A QUOTE ONLINE

Ordering and quoting online is simple and safe. Complete the secure online form to get a no-obligation quotation with a time estimate for completion. You can use the secure incorporated facility to upload any documents you would like us to check.
The Hague Conference on Private International Law was established in 1893 and became a permanent intergovernmental organization in 1955. Today, the Hague Conference is the pre-eminent World Organization dealing with cross-border legal issues in civil and commercial matters. Its mission is to work towards a world in which individuals and companies can enjoy a high degree of legal certainty in cross-border situations.

Responding to the needs of a globalizing international community, the Hague Conference develops multilateral Conventions (45 since 1893) and assists with their implementation and practical operation. These Hague Conventions deal with such diverse fields as Apostilles; service of process abroad; taking of evidence abroad; shares, bonds, and other securities; child abduction, intercountry adoption, maintenance obligations, etc. These Conventions serve to build bridges between various legal systems while respecting their diversity. The Secretariat of the Hague Conference is called the Permanent Bureau.
Get Apostille Certificate Quotation.
The word “Apostille” (pronounced a-pos-TEE, not a-pos-TEAL or a-pos-TILL-ee) is of French origin. It comes from the French verb “apostiller”, which derives from the old French word apostille meaning “annotation”, and before it the Latin No suggestions, a variation of the word postea, which means “thereafter, afterwards, next” (Le Nouveau Petit Robert: Dictionnaire alphabétique et analogique de la langue française, Paris, 2004). Usage of the words “Apostille” and “apostiller” dates to the end of the 16th century in France. Thus, an Apostille consisted of an annotation in the margin of a document or at the end of a letter.

During the negotiations on the Hague Apostille Convention, the term “Apostille” was preferred because of its novelty. According to the reporter: “Following a discussion on terminology [in the French language], the word Apostille has been preferred because of its appealing novelty.” The meanings of the word Apostille described above are still valid today.
Get Apostille Certificate Quotation.
In South Africa, Apostille Certificates are issued primarily by

1. The Registrar of the High Court, where documents have been
  • Authenticated by a notary public.
  • Translated by a sworn translator.
2. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation's (DIRCO) in respect of the following documents
  • Unabridged birth and marriage certificates.
  • Police clearance certificates.
  • Degrees, diplomas, and transcripts.
  • Matric certificates, school transfer certificates and reports.
  • Driver's license confirmation letter.
  • Medical Reports.
Louwrens Koen Attorneys deliver comprehensive Apostille certificate services. Contact us Tel: 0870010733 or Email info@louwrenskoen.co.za for more information.

ORDER AND GET A QUOTE ONLINE

Ordering and quoting online is simple and safe. Complete the secure online form to get a no-obligation quotation with a time estimate for completion. You can use the secure incorporated facility to upload any documents you would like us to check. 
  • When a document issued in South Africa is required to be used in another country which is also a signatory to the Apostille Convention, an Apostille Certificate will be issued either by the High Court or by the Department of International Relations (DIRCO). This will be the end of the Apostille process.
  • Where a document is required to be used in a country which is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention (such as China or the UAE) the document will receive an Authentication of Signature Certificate (not an apostille certificate), which must be issued by DIRCO, irrespective of whether the document has gone to the High Court first.
  • Once authenticated by DIRCO, the document must then be submitted to the relevant country's Embassy for legalisation. Only once legalised by the Embassy will the authentication process be complete.
Get Apostille Certificate Quotation. 
The Hague Apostille Convention, formally known as the “Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents”, is an international agreement governing how a document issued in one country can be certified for legal purposes in another.  

This certification is called the apostille process. Any country that is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention will legally recognise documents from other signatory countries if these documents have first been “apostilled”.

Therefore, countries that are not a signatory to The Hague Apostille Convention cannot obtain an apostille on their official documents. The appropriate document legalisation process to certify the signatures on documents for these countries is called authentication and embassy attestation.

For more information on the Hague Apostille Convention, contact us. We would happily discuss your documents and how to best have them processed for use abroad. Call us at 087 0010 733 or submit an online form to get an obligation-free online quotation.

An Apostille is an internationally recognised certificate that verifies the authenticity of a South African document's signature and seal. You typically require one when a foreign authority (in a country that is part of the Hague Convention) needs to confirm that your South African public document is genuine.
Apostilles are accepted by all member states of the Hague Apostille Convention. If your destination country is not a member (such as the UAE or China), your documents must instead undergo a multi-stage Authentication and Embassy Attestation process.
An Apostille is a simplified, one-step legalisation for Hague Convention countries. Authentication is the first step in a longer "chain" process required for non-Hague countries, usually involving the High Court, DIRCO, and final approval by the destination country's Embassy.
Absolutely. We understand that every situation—from international adoptions to complex corporate mergers—is different. Our specialists provide tailored guidance to ensure your specific documents meet the exact criteria of the receiving country.
Yes, if you intend to use a South African POA for legal actions abroad, it must almost always be legalised. This process typically starts with our Notary Public verifying your signature before the document proceeds to the High Court or DIRCO.
Yes. You can courier your documents to our Pretoria offices, and we will manage the entire High Court, DIRCO, and Embassy process on your behalf. Once legalised, we can courier them directly to your international address.
DIRCO (Department of International Relations and Cooperation) will not apostille or authenticate an original South African degree or diploma without a corresponding verification letter from SAQA. This letter confirms that your qualification is registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and is genuine.
Generally, all tertiary qualifications—including Higher Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees (Undergraduate and Postgraduate)—must be verified by SAQA before they can be legalised for international use.
The standard turnaround time for SAQA to issue a verification letter is typically between 15 and 25 working days. This timeline depends on how quickly your specific university or college responds to SAQA's verification request.
Yes. A common pitfall is having an outstanding financial balance at your university. If your student account is not settled, the institution may refuse to verify your records, which halts the SAQA process.
No. While SAQA handles tertiary qualifications, school-level qualifications (such as the National Senior Certificate) must be verified by Umalusi before they can proceed to DIRCO for legalisation.
For many jurisdictions, a notarised and High Court-authenticated copy of your degree may be acceptable. However, most high-stakes visa applications (such as those for the UAE, Qatar, or China) specifically demand the legalisation SAQA verification letter authenticated by DIRCO. 
We provide end-to-end management of the academic legalisation chain. Our service includes:
  • Compliance Audit: Reviewing your documents to ensure they meet SAQA and DIRCO standards.
  • Application Management: Facilitating the verification request with SAQA on your behalf.
  • Final Legalisation: Hand-delivering the verified documents to DIRCO or the High Court for the final Apostille or Embassy Attestation.
This is an official document issued by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) in South Africa. It confirms the validity of your license, the date it was first issued, the vehicle codes you are authorised to drive, and that your license has not been suspended or cancelled.
Foreign governments cannot verify the authenticity of an RTMC signature on their own. By obtaining an Apostille (for Hague Convention countries) or Authentication (for non-Hague countries), you provide the foreign transport authority with the legal proof that the letter is a genuine South African public document.
You must apply directly to the RTMC. They typically require a copy of your ID and your current driver’s license. While you can apply yourself, many clients find the process slow; our service includes the facilitation and collection of this letter to ensure it moves directly into the legalisation chain.
Generally, no. Most countries will not apostille the plastic card itself. Instead, they require the RTMC Verification Letter to be apostilled. In some specific cases, a Notary Public can certify a "notarised copy" of your card, which is then authenticated by the High Court, but the RTMC letter remains the "gold standard" for license conversions.
Most foreign authorities require the letter to be "fresh," usually issued within the last 3 to 6 months. If your letter is older than this, it may be rejected, and you will need to apply for a new one before it can be legalised.
Yes. We frequently assist South Africans already living in the UK, Australia, Europe, or the Middle East. We can manage the application with the RTMC on your behalf, obtain the necessary Apostille or Embassy Attestation in Pretoria, and courier the final documents directly to your international address.
The most common documents include:
  • Special Power of Attorney (POA): Authorising an agent or lawyer abroad to sign on your behalf.
  • Property Sale/Purchase Agreements: The formal contract of transfer.
  • Spousal Consent Forms: Required in many jurisdictions to confirm a spouse's agreement to the sale.
  • Mortgage & Finance Documents: Documents required by foreign banks to secure property funding.
Because these are private legal documents (not issued by a government department like Home Affairs), they almost always follow the Notary Public route:
  1. Notarisation: You must sign the original document in the presence of a Notary Public who verifies your identity and witnesses your signature.
  2. High Court Authentication: The Notary’s signature is then authenticated by the High Court (Gauteng Division, Pretoria) to confirm they are a registered practitioner.
  3. Final Legalisation: Depending on the destination, the document receives an Apostille (Hague countries) or proceeds to DIRCO and the relevant Embassy for Attestation (Non-Hague countries like the UAE or China).
Foreign authorities often reject General POAs because they are too broad. A Special Power of Attorney drafted specifically for a single property transaction (identifying the Erf/Plot number) is much more likely to be accepted by foreign notaries and registries.
Real estate transactions often have strict "transfer dates." A rejection at a foreign land registry due to an incorrect stamp or a missing High Court authentication can cause the sale to fall through, leading to significant financial penalties or the loss of a deposit.
As experts in notary public services and document legalisation, we ensure your property documents are "Registry-Ready" before they leave South Africa. We manage the entire chain of attendances at the High Court, DIRCO, and foreign embassies.
Issued by the SAPS Criminal Record Center (CRC), a PCC is an official document that confirms whether or not any criminal convictions are recorded against your name in South Africa. It is a standard requirement for almost all international visa and immigration applications.

Let's get your clearance moving.
Every day you wait is another day added to the government's backlog. Whether you are in South Africa or already abroad, we take the stress out of the SAPS and DIRCO chain.

While the SAPS document itself does not have an "expiry date," most foreign embassies and authorities will only accept a PCC that was issued within the last six months. If your PCC is older than this, you will likely need to apply for a fresh one before it can be legalised.
Yes. You can have your fingerprints taken at your nearest South African Embassy or local police station abroad. You then courier those prints to our offices in Pretoria, and we will manage the submission to the SAPS CRC and the subsequent legalisation at DIRCO on your behalf.
You must provide a full set of fingerprints (taken on the official SAPS 91(a) form), a clear copy of your South African ID or Passport, and the required application fee.
The SAPS CRC processing time can vary from 7 to 21 working days depending on their current backlog. Once issued, the DIRCO Apostille process currently takes an additional 4 to 6 weeks, though expedited services are occasionally available.

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Death Certificate Apostille 

Death Certificates for International Estate & Legal Matters

Dealing with a loved one's overseas assets? Claiming foreign insurance or pension benefits? Applying for an ancestral visa? South African death certificates must be apostilled or authenticated before foreign authorities will accept them. We obtain replacement certificates and handle the complete legalisation process.📞 087 001 0733 | ✉️ info@apostille.co.za[Get a Quote →]

When You Need an Apostilled Death Certificate

Common Reasons for Death Certificate Apostille

Overseas Estate Settlement

When the deceased held assets abroad—property, bank accounts, investments—foreign authorities require an apostilled death certificate before releasing or transferring assets.

Foreign Insurance & Pension Claims

Claiming life insurance payouts or pension benefits from overseas institutions typically requires apostilled proof of death.

Ancestral Visa Applications

Many countries offer ancestral visas based on deceased parents or grandparents. Applications require apostilled death certificates proving the family connection.

Foreign Citizenship by Descent

Claiming citizenship through deceased ancestors often requires apostilled death certificates as part of lineage documentation.

Inheritance & Probate Abroad

Beneficiaries of foreign estates need apostilled death certificates to prove their claim and relationship to the deceased.

Updating Foreign Records

Notifying overseas banks, property registries, or government departments of a death requires official apostilled documentation.

Abridged vs Unabridged

Which Death Certificate Do You Need?

AbridgedUnabridged
Basic details of the deceasedFull details of the deceased
Date of deathDate of death
No cause of deathIncludes cause of death
Issued by defaultMust be specifically requested
Accepted by most countriesRequired for some visas and applications
Can be apostilledCan be apostilled


Which one do you need?

  • Most estate and insurance matters: Abridged is usually sufficient
  • Ancestral visas: Often require unabridged
  • Specific authority requests: Check what they've asked for

Not sure? Contact the requesting authority or send us their requirements—we'll confirm which certificate you need.

The Apostille Process

How Death Certificate Apostille Works

For Hague Convention Countries

Original death certificate (abridged or unabridged)
↓
DIRCO Apostille
↓
Ready for use

Countries: UK, Germany, Australia, Netherlands, USA, most of Europe, and 120+ others.

For Non-Hague Countries

Original death certificate
↓
DIRCO Authentication
↓
Embassy Attestation
↓
Ready for use

Countries: UAE, Qatar, Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, and others.

Important: You must send us the original certificate—not a copy. The apostille and or authentication is attached directly to the original document.

Obtaining a Replacement Certificate

Don't Have the Death Certificate?

We obtain replacement death certificates from Home Affairs on your behalf.

The Challenge with Death Certificates

Home Affairs archives are not fully digitised. Locating records—especially older ones—can be difficult. Vault copies (original death registration documents) have only a 20-30% retrieval success rate in some cases.

The more supporting documentation you can provide, the faster the process.

What We Need From You

✅ Deceased's ID number – Essential for the search

✅ Your ID document – Clear PDF scan (as the applicant)

✅ Completed DHA-132 form – Application for a copy of the death certificate

✅ Any supporting documents you have:

  • Copy of the original death certificate (even if damaged)
  • Deceased's ID document
  • Death notice or burial order
  • Any Home Affairs reference numbers

[Download DHA-132 Form →]

Processing Times

Certificate TypeTimeFee
Abridged death certificate2-4 weeksR2,500
Unabridged death certificate4-8 weeksR3,500

Times depend on the availability of records in Home Affairs archives. Older records may take longer.


Records marked "lost or missing": In some cases, Home Affairs cannot locate vault copies. If this occurs, we'll discuss alternative options with you.

Section 5: Complete Service Packages

Death Certificate Packages

Need Certificate + Apostille

PackageTimeFee
Abridged Certificate 3 to 7 Working DaysR4500
Unabridged Certificate 7 to 14 Working DaysR5000

Courier fees are additional if required.[Get a Quote →]

Estate Documents for Overseas Assets

Complete Estate Document Packages

When the deceased held assets overseas, you may need multiple documents apostilled:

DocumentPurpose
Death certificateProof of death
Marriage certificateProof of spousal relationship
Birth certificatesProof of family relationship (for children/heirs)
Last will and testamentDistribution instructions
Grant of probate / Letters of executorshipAuthority to administer the estate


Will and Probate Documents

Wills and grants of probate follow the notarisation route:

Will / Probate document
↓
Notarisation by Notary Public
↓
High Court Apostille
↓
DIRCO Authentication (non-Hague only)
↓
Embassy Attestation (non-Hague only)

We handle complete estate document packages. Tell us what assets are involved and where they're located—we'll advise on exactly which documents need legalisation.

Section 7: Deaths That Occurred Abroad

South Africans Who Died Outside South Africa

If a South African citizen died in another country:

  1. Death registered in that country – Foreign death certificate issued
  2. Reported to the SA Embassy/Mission – Death recorded with the South African authorities
  3. SA death certificate may be issued – Based on the foreign registration

For apostille purposes:

  • The foreign death certificate must be apostilled in the country where death occurred
  • A South African death certificate (if issued based on foreign registration) can be apostilled in South Africa

Not sure which applies to your situation? Contact us with the details, and we'll advise on the correct approach.

Section 8: Document Requirements

What to Send Us

If you have the death certificate:

  • Original certificate (not a copy)
  • Scan of your ID (for our records)

If you need us to obtain a replacement:

  • Deceased's ID number
  • Your ID scan (as applicant)
  • Completed DHA-132 form
  • Any supporting documentation

Document condition:

  • Must not be laminated
  • Must be legible and undamaged
  • Must be the original (certified copies no longer accepted since September 2024)

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apostille a certified copy of the death certificate?

No. Since September 2024, DIRCO only accepts original death certificates—not certified copies.

How long does it take to get a replacement death certificate?
Abridged: 2-4 weeks. Unabridged: 4-8 weeks. Times depend on how accessible the records are in Home Affairs archives.

What if Home Affairs can't find the records?
Unfortunately, some vault copies are lost or missing—especially older records. If this happens, we'll discuss alternative documentation options with you.

Do I get my original certificate back after the apostille?
Yes. The apostille is attached to your original certificate, and both are returned to you.

Can you help if I'm overseas?
Yes. Provide the required information via email, and we handle everything in South Africa. We courier the apostilled certificate to you internationally.

I need the death certificate for an ancestral visa—which type?
Most ancestral visa applications require the unabridged death certificate. Check your specific country's requirements or contact us to confirm.

Can I get a death certificate for someone who died decades ago?
Yes, but older records are harder to locate. Provide as much supporting information as possible to help with the search.

What's the difference between a death certificate and a death report?
The death certificate is the official document issued by Home Affairs. The death report (BI-1680) is an internal form used during registration. For international use, you need the death certificate.

Who can apply for a death certificate?
Immediate family members, executors of the estate, or persons with a legitimate legal interest. You may need to show proof of your relationship or interest.

Section 10: Preserving Important Documents

A Note on Document Safekeeping

Death certificates and related documents (death reports, burial orders) are difficult—sometimes impossible—to replace if lost. Home Affairs archives have significant gaps, and vault copy retrieval rates can be as low as 20-30%.

We strongly recommend:

  • Keeping original death certificates in a secure location
  • Making certified copies for everyday use
  • Storing digital scans as backup
  • Never laminating original certificates

If you're obtaining a death certificate now, consider getting multiple originals if you anticipate needing them for different purposes.

Section 11: Call to Action

Get Your Death Certificate Apostilled

We understand this is a difficult time. Let us handle the paperwork so you can focus on what matters. Whether you need to obtain a certificate or apostille one, we manage the entire process.[Get a Quote →]Contact us:

Related Documents

Divorce Decree Apostille

High Court Stamped Copies for International Use

Need proof of your divorce for visa applications, remarriage abroad, or overseas legal matters? We obtain certified copies of divorce decrees from all 14 South African High Courts and handle the complete apostille process.📞 087 001 0733 | ✉️ info@apostille.co.za[Get a Quote →]

What is a Divorce Decree?

What is a Divorce Decree?

A Decree of Divorce (also called a decree absolute or final divorce order) is the official court document proving your divorce was legally finalised in South Africa.The decree is:

  • The front page of your divorce settlement
  • Stamped and signed by the High Court that granted the divorce
  • Legal proof that your marriage has been dissolved

This document is essential for many legal processes, both in South Africa and abroad. If you've lost your original, we can obtain a certified High Court copy.

When You Need a Divorce Decree

Common Reasons for Divorce Decree Apostille

Remarriage Abroad

Foreign authorities require proof that previous marriages were legally dissolved before they will register a new marriage.

Visa & Immigration Applications
Many countries request divorce decrees as part of visa applications, particularly for family or spouse visas.

Letter of No Impediment
When applying for a single status certificate, you may need to provide your divorce decree alongside it.

Overseas Property or Asset Division
Legal proceedings involving foreign assets from a previous marriage may require apostilled divorce documentation.

Name Change Verification
If you changed your name after a divorce, foreign authorities may need the decree as supporting documentation.

Estate & Inheritance Matters
Claims on a former spouse's estate or disputes involving overseas assets may require apostilled divorce decrees.

Obtaining Your Divorce Decree

Don't Have Your Divorce Decree?

Lost your original? Never received a copy? We obtain certified, High Court-stamped copies from all 14 South African High Courts.

What We Need From You

The more information you provide, the faster we can retrieve your file:

✅ Court where divorce was finalised – Essential (mandatory)

✅ Divorce case number – Significantly speeds up the search

✅ Date of divorce – Day, month, and year

✅ Names and ID numbers – Both parties (plaintiff and defendant)

Don't have all these details? We can still help in most cases, but the process takes longer and costs more without key information.

Processing Times

SituationTimeSuccess Rate
Full details available1-2 weeksVery high
Partial details2-4 weeksHigh
Minimal details4-8 weeksModerate
Pre-2000 divorces (archived)3-6 monthsVariable

We successfully assist 80-90% of clients in obtaining their divorce decrees.

Challenges with Divorce Records

Why Divorce Decrees Can Be Difficult to Obtain

Court Archive Quality Varies

Not all High Courts maintain equally organised archives. Cape Town generally has better records than Johannesburg, for example.

Older Divorces (Pre-2000)

Physical files from divorces before 2000 are often stored in off-site archives. Retrieval requires:

  • Two separate applications
  • Department of Justice involvement
  • An additional 3-6 months processing time
  • Higher costs

Missing or Empty Files

In rare cases, the court archive file is empty or missing entirely. When this happens, options are limited:

  • The registrar may re-issue an unsigned decree if you can provide a copy
  • Your original divorce attorney (if you used one) may have records
  • In some cases, the decree simply cannot be recovered

We're upfront about this: While we have an excellent success rate, there are cases where files cannot be retrieved due to archive issues beyond anyone's control.

Relocated Files

Files are sometimes moved between courts or to off-site storage without clear tracking. This can add months to the retrieval process.

The Apostille Process

How a Divorce Decree Apostille Works

For Hague Convention Countries

Divorce decree (High Court stamped copy)
↓
DIRCO Apostille
↓
Ready for use

Countries: UK, Germany, Australia, Netherlands, USA, most of Europe, and 120+ others.

For Non-Hague Countries

Divorce decree (High Court stamped copy)
↓
DIRCO Authentication
↓
Embassy Attestation
↓
Ready for use

Countries: UAE, China, Qatar, Vietnam, Thailand, and others.

Section 6: Pricing

Divorce Decree Pricing

Obtain + Apostille Packages

ServiceFee
Obtain decree only (no apostille)From R2,500
Obtain decree + DIRCO ApostilleFrom R3,350
Obtain decree + DIRCO + EmbassyFrom R4,500

Already Have Your Divorce Decree?

ServiceFee
DIRCO Apostille onlyR850
DIRCO + Embassy attestationFrom R1,700

Additional Costs

SituationAdditional Fee
Pre-2000 divorce (archived files)From R1,500
Department of Justice applicationFrom R2,000
Urgent/expedited searchQuoted individually

Fees vary based on court location and the information available. We provide accurate quotes after assessing your case.[Get a Quote →]

All 14 High Courts

We Work With All South African High Courts

We retrieve divorce decrees from every High Court division:

ProvinceHigh Court
GautengJohannesburg, Pretoria
Western CapeCape Town
KwaZulu-NatalDurban, Pietermaritzburg
Eastern CapeGrahamstown, Port Elizabeth, Mthatha
Free StateBloemfontein
LimpopoPolokwane
MpumalangaMbombela
North WestMahikeng
Northern CapeKimberley

Don't know which court handled your divorce? If you know the area where you lived at the time, we can determine the likely court.

Why Records Aren't Available Online

Can I Get My Divorce Decree Online?

No. Divorce records are not publicly accessible online due to privacy laws.

Access is restricted to:

  • Parties to the divorce (you or your ex-spouse)
  • Legal representatives acting on behalf of a party

A formal legal application must be made to the High Court that issued the decree. This is why you need your case number or sufficient details for the court to locate your file.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a divorce decree?
With full details (case number, court, date): 1-2 weeks. Without full details or for older divorces, several weeks to months.

What if I don't know my case number?
We can search using other details (court, approximate date, names, ID numbers), but it takes longer and may cost more.

What if the court can't find my file?
In rare cases, files are missing or empty. If this happens, we'll advise you on alternatives, such as obtaining records from your original attorney or requesting a reissue.

Can my ex-spouse also get a copy?
Yes. Both parties to a divorce can apply for copies of the decree.

Do I need my ex-spouse's permission?No. You can apply for your own divorce decree without involving your former spouse.

What's the difference between a divorce decree and a divorce settlement?
The decree is the court order confirming the divorce is final. The settlement is the full agreement covering assets, maintenance, children, etc. For international use, usually only the decree (front page) needs to be apostilled.

Can I apostille my divorce settlement agreement?
Yes, if the foreign authority specifically requests it. The settlement follows the same apostille route as the decree.

I was divorced outside South Africa—can you help?
No. Foreign divorce decrees must be apostilled in the country where the divorce was granted. We can only apostille South African court documents.

What if I need both a divorce decree AND a letter of no impediment?
We handle both. Many clients need both documents for remarriage abroad.

Call to Action

Get Your Divorce Decree Apostilled

We work with all 14 South African High Courts and successfully assist the vast majority of clients. Provide your details and we'll retrieve, certify and apostille your divorce decree.[Get a Quote →]Contact us:

Related Documents

Police Clearance Apostille

Get your SAPS police clearance apostilled in through our DIRCO agent access. We can also obtain your PCC for you – complete service from application to apostille.

Need your South African police clearance certificate for a visa, work permit, or immigration application? We provide fast, reliable apostille services through our registered DIRCO agent access.Our Turnaround:

  • DIRCO Apostille: 7 Working Days
  • Express SAPS PCC: 5-15 Working Days
  • Complete Service: 3-4 Weeks Total

What is a Police Clearance Certificate?

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), also known as a SAPS Criminal Record Check, is an official document confirming whether you have any criminal convictions recorded in South Africa.You need an apostilled police clearance for:

  • Work visas (UK, UAE, Australia, Germany)
  • Immigration and emigration
  • Permanent residence applications
  • Teaching positions abroad
  • Professional registrations
  • Adoption applications

Why Does Your Police Clearance Need Apostilling?

A police clearance certificate on its own is only valid within South Africa. For use abroad, it must be legalised.For Hague Convention countries (UK, Australia, Germany, Netherlands): Your PCC needs a DIRCO apostille.For non-Hague countries (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, China): Your PCC needs DIRCO authentication PLUS embassy attestation.

Our Service Options

Option 1: Apostille Only

You already have your SAPS police clearance

  • DIRCO Processing: 7 working days
  • Price: From R1,085
  • Total time: Approximately 10 days

Process:

  1. You courier your original PCC to us
  2. We submit to DIRCO (every Wednesday)
  3. We collect after 7 working days
  4. We courier back to you

Option 2: Complete Service (PCC + Apostille)

We obtain your police clearance and apostille it

  • SAPS Express PCC: 5-15 working days
  • DIRCO Apostille: 7 working days
  • Price: From R3,500
  • Total time: 3-4 weeks

Process:

  1. We take your fingerprints (or you provide them)
  2. We submit to SAPS for express processing
  3. We collect your PCC
  4. We submit to DIRCO
  5. We courier the apostilled document to you

Requirements

For SAPS Application:

  • Copy of ID document (South African citizens)
  • Copy of passport (foreign nationals)
  • Full set of fingerprints (ink on card)
  • Completed application form

For DIRCO Apostille:

  • Original PCC (not copies)
  • Document in good condition
  • Recent issue (within 6 months for most countries)

Important: Validity Period

Police clearance certificates are typically valid for 6 months from the issue date. Plan your timeline carefully:

  • Don't apply too early (it may expire before you need it)
  • Allow 6-8 weeks before your deadline
  • Factor in courier time

Why Choose Apostille.co.za?

7-Day DIRCO Processing: While the public queue takes 4-8 weeks, we process in 7 working days through our registered DIRCO agent access.Complete Service: We can handle everything from fingerprints to final apostille.Attorney-Backed: Operated by Louwrens Koen, admitted attorney and notary public since 1995.Pretoria-Based: Direct access to SAPS Criminal Record Centre and DIRCO.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a SAPS police clearance take?Standard processing is 6-12 weeks. Our express service takes 5-15 working days.How long is a police clearance valid?Most countries accept PCCs issued within 6 months. Some accept 12 months.Can you apostille a PCC that shows a conviction?Yes. DIRCO apostilles the certificate regardless of content. The conviction may affect your visa application separately.Can I get a police clearance from abroad?Yes. You'll need fingerprints taken at a South African embassy or local police service.

Get Your Police Clearance Apostilled

Ready to start? Contact us for a free quote.Phone: 087 001 0733Email:info@apostille.co.zaOffice: Pretoria

Document Legalisation Services (Pty) Ltd is a private company and registered DIRCO agent. We are not affiliated with SAPS, DIRCO, or any government department.

Important Disclaimer 

apostille.co.za is a privately owned document procurement and legalisation facilitation company. We are not a government department, not the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), not a High Court, and not an official Apostille issuing authority. We act as an independent agent to facilitate services provided by these entities for a fee. Use of this website and our services constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use.

Document Legalisation Services Pty Ltd

Office 5, Second Floor, Northern Pavilion, Loftus Versveld Stadium, 416 Kirkness Street, Arcadia, Pretoria.
Walk-In Service. For complicated matter please call first. 
tel:+27870010733
info@apostille.co.za
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