Quick Answer: Apostille Requirements for Visa
An apostille is a certificate attached to a South African document confirming that the signature, seal or stamp on it is genuine, so that it can be accepted in another country that is party to the Hague Apostille Convention.
It does not verify the content of the document, only its provenance. It is issued in South Africa by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, and for certain documents through the High Court. Requirements.co.za is an independent information website. It is not DIRCO, an embassy or a legalisation agent, and it does not process or issue documents.
Who This Requirement Applies To
This guide is for anyone whose documents need to be accepted by an authority in a Convention country.
If your destination is not party to the Convention, a different route applies. See Apostille vs Authentication for Visa.
Eligibility Requirements
Not every document can be apostilled as presented, and preparation is where most applications stall.
Applicant type
- Civil records. Birth, marriage and death certificates, normally in unabridged or full form issued by Home Affairs.
- Police clearance certificates. Commonly apostilled for immigration purposes. See Apostille Police Clearance for Visa.
- Educational qualifications. Normally require verification or specific certification before they can be legalised.
- Documents signed before a notary. Such as affidavits or powers of attorney, handled through the relevant route.
- Copies. Ordinary certified copies are frequently not accepted. Confirm what form the authority requires.
Documents You May Need
The underlying document normally has to be an original issued by the relevant South African authority.
Required proof
- The original document to be apostilled.
- Identity document of the applicant or authorised representative.
- Completed application form.
- Proof of payment of the applicable fee.
- Authorisation where someone is submitting on your behalf.
Steps to Apply or Prepare
Confirm that the destination accepts apostilles and that your document is in a form that can be apostilled.
Obtain the underlying document in the required original form first, which for civil records means applying to Home Affairs.
Submit for apostille, allowing for processing time, and check the certificate is attached correctly before sending it abroad.
Costs, Processing Times and Validity
Fees and processing times are set by the issuing authority. Where the underlying document must be obtained first, that timeline comes before the apostille. A document with limited validity, such as a police clearance, should be apostilled promptly and used before it expires.
Common Mistakes and Delays
Common mistake
- Submitting an ordinary photocopy where an original is required.
- Obtaining an apostille for a country that does not accept them.
- Not allowing time to obtain the underlying original document first.
- Assuming an apostille validates the content of the document rather than its provenance.
- Using an unofficial agent without confirming the official route and fee.
Where to Confirm Official Requirements
Confirm the legalisation route and current process with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, and confirm what the receiving country accepts with its embassy or consulate. The Official Requirements Sources South Africa page links to the responsible bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an apostille?
A certificate confirming that a signature, seal or stamp on a document is genuine, so the document can be accepted in another country party to the Hague Apostille Convention.
Who issues apostilles in South Africa?
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation, and for certain documents the High Court. Confirm which applies to your document.
Does an apostille verify the content?
No. It confirms the provenance of the signature or seal, not that the content is accurate.
Can a copy be apostilled?
Often an original is required, and ordinary certified copies are frequently not accepted. Confirm what form is required.
Where can I confirm the process?
Confirm with DIRCO and with the receiving authority.