Quick Answer: Legalise Documents for Immigration
Immigration applications frequently require South African documents to be legalised before a foreign authority will accept them. Which documents, and by which route, depends on the destination and the immigration category.
Legalisation is a chain: the underlying document must exist in the right form, then be legalised, and sometimes then be translated. Each link has its own timeline, and doing them out of order means repeating work. 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 preparing South African documents for an immigration application abroad.
For which route applies, see Apostille vs Authentication for Visa. For translation, see Sworn Translation Requirements South Africa.
Eligibility Requirements
Immigration applications commonly require several documents legalised together, and each may follow a slightly different path.
Applicant type
- Civil status documents. Birth, marriage and death certificates, normally required in unabridged or full form.
- Police clearance. Frequently required and time sensitive.
- Educational and professional documents. Often requiring verification before legalisation.
- Court and notarial documents. Such as divorce orders or powers of attorney.
- Translation. Where the destination language differs, translation is normally done after legalisation, though some authorities require the reverse. Confirm the order.
Documents You May Need
Work backwards from what the receiving authority requires, since obtaining the underlying documents is often the longest step.
Required proof
- Original documents in the form the legalising authority accepts.
- Unabridged or full civil certificates where required, obtained from Home Affairs.
- Identity document or passport.
- Completed legalisation application forms.
- Proof of payment for each step.
Steps to Apply or Prepare
List every document the immigration application requires and confirm which need legalisation and in what form.
Obtain any missing underlying documents first, particularly unabridged civil certificates, which take time.
Legalise by the correct route, then translate if required, confirming the order the receiving authority expects.
Costs, Processing Times and Validity
Each document and each step carries its own fee and timeline. Documents with limited validity should be sequenced last so they remain current. Budget for the whole chain rather than a single fee.
Common Mistakes and Delays
Common mistake
- Translating before legalising, or the reverse, without confirming the order required.
- Assuming an abridged certificate will be accepted where an unabridged one is required.
- Legalising documents that the receiving authority did not ask for.
- Starting with time-limited documents rather than ending with them.
- Using an agent without confirming the official process and fees.
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
Which documents need legalisation for immigration?
It depends on the destination and category, but civil certificates, police clearance and educational documents are commonly required. Confirm the list with the receiving authority.
Should I translate before or after legalisation?
It differs by authority. Confirm the required order before starting, since doing it the wrong way round can mean repeating both steps.
Do I need unabridged certificates?
Full or unabridged civil certificates are commonly required for immigration purposes. Confirm before ordering.
How long does the whole process take?
It depends on how many documents are involved and whether underlying documents must be obtained first. Treat it as a chain of steps, each with its own timeline.
Where can I confirm what is needed?
Confirm with the receiving immigration authority, and with DIRCO for the legalisation route.