Contract Urgent Apostille Service
Contracts are legal agreements between two or more parties that outline the terms, responsibilities, and obligations of the parties involved. They are used in both private and commercial matters, including business transactions, partnerships, service agreements, and property arrangements. When contracts need to be presented in another country, their authenticity must be verified through a High Court Apostille.
In South Africa, a High Court Apostille for contracts is issued on a notarised copy of the document, not on the original. A certified Notary Public first reviews and certifies the copy, applying the official notarial seal.
The notarised copy is then submitted to the High Court, where the Apostille certificate is affixed, ensuring international recognition in countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention.
At Global Apostille, our professional team can assist you with the notarisation and High Court apostille of your contract to ensure its authenticity and legal compliance in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
Get your Notary and High Court apostille Service in as little as 1 to 2 working days.
Notarisation and High Court Apostille Process for Contracts
The process begins with notarisation by a certified South African Notary Public, who verifies the identities of the signatories and certifies the copy of the contract as true and accurate. After notarisation, the document is submitted to the High Court, where the Apostille certificate is applied.
The High Court Apostille confirms the legality of the notarisation, allowing the contract to be recognised abroad for legal, commercial, or administrative purposes. It does not verify the content of the contract itself but certifies the validity of the notarisation.
Cost of High Court Apostille for Contracts
- High Court Apostille: R650 per document
- Notary Public Certification + High Court Apostille: R1,200 per document
Secure courier delivery is available for South African and international clients for an additional fee.
Apostille Processing Times
- High Court Apostille: 1–2 working days
Processing times begin after notarisation is complete and may vary depending on the number of documents and submission logistics.
Common Documents Eligible for High Court Apostille
Contract Apostille Requirements
To obtain a High Court Apostille for a contract, the document must be:
- A notarised copy certified by a South African Notary Public
- Clear and legible, with all signatures, stamps, and dates visible
- Free of markings, alterations, or labels that could affect authenticity
Only contracts issued or signed in South Africa can be apostilled by the High Court. Foreign contracts cannot be apostilled in South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does my contract need an apostille?
Yes, if you intend to use a notarised copy internationally in a Hague Convention member country. - How quickly can I get a contract apostilled?
The High Court Apostille process is usually completed within 1–2 working days after notarisation. - How much does it cost to apostille a contract?
- High Court Apostille: R650 per document
- Notary Public certification + High Court Apostille: R1,200 per document
- Can a foreign contract be apostilled in South Africa?
Only contracts issued or signed in South Africa are eligible for High Court Apostille certification. - Can I apostille my contract from overseas?
Notarised copies can be submitted via courier. Depending on the document, the original may be required, but South African contracts can generally be processed internationally.