List of documents eligible for apostille by DIRCO - South Africa

DIRCO can apostille original public documents, educational qualifications, police clearance certificates, Authorisation letters and more.

No. DIRCO only accepts original documents for apostille services.

In most cases, yes. Depending on the document, you may need to make arrangements and courier an original to Dirco. But it is usually not a problem to submit your documents to Dirco, no matter where in the world you are located.

DIRCO will inform you if your specific document requires additional processing before receiving an apostille. Be prepared to follow those instructions to ensure smooth processing.

An apostille is a specific type of authentication recognized by countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. It simplifies the legalization process compared to traditional authentication procedures, which may involve multiple steps and embassy/consulate verification.

Processing times can vary depending on the current workload and complexity of your specific case. It’s generally recommended to consult with DIRCO directly for an accurate estimate.

• It is an intergovernmental convention which set about establishing a simplified system to allow documentation originating in one member country to be easily recognized as authentic in another member country. The norms were established at The Hague Convention of 6 October 1961.

In South Africa, Apostilles certificates are provided by the South African High Courts and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) located in Pretoria.

Approximately 6 – 7 weeks