DIRCO is the acronym for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the government department responsible for South Africa’s diplomatic relations. It deals with foreign affairs. DIRCO provides government services through various channels to South African citizens, residents, visitors, companies and businesses and is the executive body responsible for the issuance of Apostille and Authentication Certificates, one of the most important legalisation documents in South Africa.
Authentication and Apostille are both certifications by DIRCO of official documents issued by the South African government / public authorities. An authentication / apostille is required when you need to submit official South African documents for various procedures such as marriage, citizenship applications, visa applications, study and work permits, incorporation of a business or buying property abroad.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what is the meaning of DIRCO, the importance of DIRCO legalisation and how you can get your documents legalised at DIRCO without any hassle. Read on to learn everything you need to know about DIRCO and ensure a smooth document verification process.
What is DIRCO Legalisation, and why is it important?
With globalisation and increased mobility, the need for document verification has become more important than ever. Foreign governments, educational institutions and employers need to verify the validity of documents presented by individuals for various purposes. This is where DIRCO Legalisation plays a vital role in the international acceptance of South African documents.
DIRCO Legalisation is the process of certifying government issued documents so that they are recognised as valid abroad where the document is used for an official purpose. The importance of DIRCO Legalisation cannot be overstated as it adds an extra layer of credibility to your documents and is often a mandatory requirement. Without it, your documents may not be considered valid or accepted by foreign authorities. DIRCO Legalisation endorsement gives your documents a trusted, authentic and legal status abroad.
Types of documents Dirco legalised
The documents required for DIRCO Legalisation vary depending on the purpose and type of document. Here are some common documents that require DIRCO Legalisation:
- Educational Documents: These include degrees, diplomas, transcripts and certificates from educational institutions. These documents are usually authenticated by SAQA, the education authority or a notary before being submitted to DIRCO for legalisation.
- Personal Documents: Personal documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and PCCs may require DIRCO legalisation. They must be submitted in the original computerised version and Apostille certificates will be attached directly.
- Commercial Documents: Commercial documents CIPRO Certificate of Incorporation, contracts and invoices. These documents are usually certified by the Chamber of Commerce, Notaries Public or the relevant government authority before being submitted for DIRCO legalisation.
Common challenges and solutions in the DIRCO legalisation process
While DIRCO Legalisation is a necessary step, it can sometimes be challenging due to various factors. Here are some common challenges faced during the DIRCO legalisation process and their solutions:
- Lack of information: The requirements and procedures for DIRCO Legalisation can vary from country to country, and the information available online may not always be up-to-date or accurate. This lack of information can make it difficult to navigate DIRCO Legalisation process on your own. It is important to do thorough research and seek guidance from professionals or reliable sources to ensure you have accurate information.
- Document preparation: Prior to DIRCO legalisation, your documents may need to undergo various levels of authentication such as notarisation, SAQA certification or HPCSA stamp or certification by other relevant authorities in South Africa. Ensuring that your documents meet these requirements can be time consuming and confusing.
- Lengthy processing delays: Sometimes, individuals may face time constraints due to urgent requirements. DIRCO’s Apostille processing time can take up to 3-5 weeks due to backlogs, causing delays and frustration. In such cases, it is advisable to opt for expedited or express processing where available. This can help ensure that the certification is completed within the required timeframe.
- Distance: The DIRCO Apostille can only be obtained in Pretoria, Gauteng. For South Africans who live in other provinces such as Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha or outside the country and who are not able to physically visit the DIRCO office in Pretoria, the distance can be a significant barrier. In such cases, the best option is to work with a service provider such as Global Apostille, who can make the application on behalf of their customer, request the document to be fast-tracked and deliver the document to the client by courier.
Global Apostille delivers fast document legalisation.
Need to get your documents apostilled quickly at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)? Global Apostille offers a fast, reliable, 3 days express service for apostilling documents, ensuring they are ready for use abroad. Our premium DIRCO Apostille service is available in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town for individuals and companies. We process all types of documents, including personal documents such as birth certificates and company certificates. In addition, our team of licenced and professional translators offers same-day translation services from Spanish, German, French and Portuguese into English and vice versa, ensuring a secure and private translation service. For more information, please contact us at: Tel: 012 348 3134; Mobile: 081 347 6060; Email: info@apostillelegalisation.co.za.
