Since 7 November 2023, applying for a work visa for China from South Africa has become significantly easier. This positive development occurred when China officially joined the Hague Apostille Convention, eliminating the need for document legalisation at Chinese embassies or consulates.
Previously, the process was time-consuming and costly, involving multiple steps at various government offices. Consequently, the new apostille system has streamlined the entire application process for South Africans. Now, each document required for a China work visa in South Africa only needs an apostille certification from DIRCO (the Department of International Relations and Cooperation), which verifies its authenticity internationally.
The apostille process usually takes 4–5 weeks through the standard DIRCO service, although an expedited option is available within 5 days. Once you understand the requirements, the process becomes straightforward.
In this comprehensive DIRCO apostille guide for a China work visa, we will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining a China work visa from South Africa. We will focus specifically on the DIRCO apostille requirements for your bachelor’s degree, TEFL certificate and police clearance certificate.
Understanding the Apostille Process for China Work Visas
On 8 March 2023, China joined the Hague Apostille Convention, fundamentally transforming the way documents are authenticated for use in China. This change came into effect on 7 November 2023, creating a simpler pathway for South Africans seeking work opportunities in China.
What changed after China joined the Hague Convention
Prior to China’s accession to the Convention, documents required a complex, three-step authentication process. Now, however, the procedure has been streamlined to just two steps. First, the relevant authority, such as the South African Police Service (SAPS) for police clearance or the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for degrees, issues the document. Then, a competent authority, such as the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), applies the apostille certificate directly. This change eliminates the need for multiple levels of notarisation, dramatically reducing processing times from approximately 20 working days to just a few.
Why apostilles replaced embassy legalization and How this affects South African applicants
An apostille is an internationally recognised certificate that verifies the authenticity of a document. It confirms the validity of the signature and the identity of the signatory, as well as the validity of the seal or stamp. Unlike the previous system, apostilles eliminate the need for consular legalisation by Chinese embassies or consulates.
For South Africans applying for work visas to China, this means that your documents only require apostille certification from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). The Department of International Relations and Cooperation is the designated authority to issue apostilles in South Africa.
It is worth noting that apostille certificates themselves never expire, although certain documents, such as police clearance certificates, have their own validity periods. The process has also become more accessible for South Africans living abroad — you can submit documents to DIRCO by mail or courier, or appoint someone to handle it on your behalf.
Despite these improvements, it is essential to confirm with your prospective Chinese employer that they accept apostilled documents, as some HR departments may still be adjusting to the new system.
Documents You Need to Apostille for china work visa
The first hurdle for South Africans seeking a work visa for China is preparing the proper documentation. Following China’s adoption of the Hague Convention, the process now involves obtaining the correct documents apostilled through DIRCO.
Educational qualifications
You must submit proof of your highest educational qualification for a China work visa. This may include any postgraduate diploma or degree. Unlike other documents, your degree must first be authenticated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), who will issue a verification letter for the degree. This letter is then submitted to DIRCO for a legalisation, known as an apostille. This multi-step process ensures that your qualifications meet China’s educational standards.
Online TEFL certificate
The legalisation process for TELF certificates comprises two main steps. Firstly, the hard copy must be authenticated, so the TELF certificate must be printed and notarised by a notary public. Following this, the notarised document must be submitted to the High Court for an apostille. Please note that TEFL certificates cannot be apostilled at DIRCO. This is a simplified overview of the fundamental steps of TEFL certificate legalisation in South Africa, which must be completed in this specific order.
Police clearance certificate
A police clearance certificate from the South African Police Service (SAPS) is mandatory for all China work visa applications. These certificates are only valid for six months from the date of issue, so timing is crucial. The good news is that original police clearance certificates can be submitted directly to DIRCO for an apostille without prior notarisation.
Other possible documents requested by employers
Alongside these standard requirements, certain situations may require additional apostilled documents:
- Marriage certificates (if bringing a spouse)
- Birth certificates (if bringing children)
- Medical certificates (sometimes requested by employers)
- Reference letters from previous employers
- Transcripts to accompany your degree
Essentially, the specific document requirements may vary based on your employer’s HR department requests, so double-check what documents they need before beginning the apostille process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apostilling Documents via DIRCO
Navigating the DIRCO apostille process requires careful attention to detail when preparing your documents for a work visa for China from South Africa. The procedure has specific steps that must be followed correctly to avoid delays.
Document Preparation: Before applying for a DIRCO Apostille for china work visa , ensure that the document is an original. DIRCO does not apostille copies. For educational certificates, as mentioned earlier, you may need to obtain a verification letter first from SAQA.
Submission to DIRCO: The next step is to submit the document to DIRCO for an Apostille. DIRCO offers two submission options for your documents:
- In-person submission: Visit the DIRCO Legalization Section in Pretoria. They’re open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 AM to 12:15 PM, excluding holidays.
- Courier service: Send documents to DIRCO’s physical address: OR Tambo Building, 460 Soutpansberg Road, Rietondale, Pretoria, 0084.
Always include a cover letter specifying the destination country (China) and your contact details, especially email.
Payment and processing timelines: Standard DIRCO processing currently takes between 4-5 weeks due to backlogs. This is substantially longer than the previous 1-5 day processing time. If you are on a tight schedule, it is advisable to use the expedited services of a third party, such as Global Apostille.
The apostille certificate itself is issued free of charge by DIRCO. Nevertheless, you may incur:
- Courier fees (R150-R500 depending on location)
- Service agency fees (R1,000-R2,500 per document) if using expedited services
Collecting or receiving your documents: Once processed, DIRCO will notify you via email that your documents are ready. You have two options:
- Collection: Pick up your documents in person from the DIRCO office
- Delivery: Have them couriered back to your address
The apostille appears as an A4 certificate attached to your document. Once affixed, it must never be removed as this will invalidate it.
Special Cases and Tips for South Africans Abroad
For South Africans residing overseas, securing the necessary documents for a China work visa presents unique challenges. Thankfully, several pathways exist to complete your document apostille requirements without returning home.
How to apostille documents if you live outside South Africa
South Africans living abroad can authenticate documents through multiple channels. Firstly, you can submit your documents to a South African diplomatic mission in your country of residence. Alternatively, you can mail or courier your paperwork directly to DIRCO in Pretoria. Alternatively, you can authorise a family member or agency in
South Africa to manage the process on your behalf. These options ensure that you do not need to travel back to South Africa solely for document authentication.
Validity periods of apostilled documents
The apostille certificate itself has no expiration date; hence, once attached, it remains permanently valid. On the contrary, certain underlying documents have built-in validity periods. Currently, police clearance certificates remain valid for only six months from issuance date. Therefore, timing your application process correctly becomes crucial, especially when dealing with time-sensitive documents.
Global Apostille Services for China work visa
Global Apostille is your one-stop shop for Apostille services. If you need Apostille services in Pretoria, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, we can help! We provide apostilles from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in Pretoria as well as from the High Courts. Our DIRCO Express Apostille service provides you with a guaranteed expedited Apostille within 5 days, which is faster than the standard DIRCO option which usually takes 4-5 weeks. We ensure that your important documents are properly certified in the shortest possible time. For more information on our services please contact us. Tel: 012 348 3134| Mobile: 081 347 6060 | Email: info@apostillelegalisation.co.za
