Who Can Apostille Documents In South Africa
The time-consuming process by which various nations had to separately authenticate and legalize official public documents that might be used abroad was superseded by the Apostille Convention. An international treaty known as the Apostille Convention lays out the conditions under which a document issued in one of the signatory governments may be acknowledged for legal purposes in another signatory state. The Apostille confirms the signature, the authority of the signatory, and the legitimacy of the seal or stamp in addition to providing information on the substance of the official document. Both the country of the document’s origin and the country where it will be used must be signatories to the Apostille Convention for an apostille to be effective. if not, the Apostille will be void and of no use.
To authenticate papers for usage in nations that are signatories to the 1961 Hague Convention, a “apostille” is issued.
What is an apostille certificate ?
When a document is authenticated (or “apostillized”), it indicates that its provenance may be shown to the authorities of the country of destination (the country where the document is submitted or used).
In South Africa, where can I find an apostille stamp?
Apostilles are issued in South Africa by the Legalization Sector and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). Despite having a location in Cape Town, the DIRCO head office in Pretoria/Tshwane is the only location where apostilles can be obtained.
What kind of documents can you apostille?
Basically any document that you require for travel or employment may require apostillation.
These records include, but are not limited to:
birth certificates that have not been edited
Marriage licenses
Police Clearance Certificates
Certificates of Completion Degrees, Diplomas, and No Impediment Letters of Power of Attorney
Contracts with Powers of Attorney
How long does it take to have documents apostilled in South Africa?
It will take roughly 5 to 7 working days after we get your documents to apostille them.
How long is an apostille valid in South Africa?
(These documents are only valid for a period of six (6) months from the date of issuance.) Important:Important: The Department of Home Affairs affirmed that the Letter of No Impediments (marriage status) is only issued, stamped, and signed by the authorized official at the Department of Home Affairs’ head office.
In South Africa, are banks permitted to certify documents?
A certified copy of your original document (the “good standing” certification”) must be provided, and it must be signed by experts or other well-known locals. You might be able to get this service through a bank or building society representative.
Who is responsible for apostilles?
How do I obtain it? Find out what kind of document you need the Apostille for first. You must get in touch with the Ministry if the documents are judicial, including those that were issued or certified by notaries.
