What does it mean if a South African Government document is apostilled?

Apostilling of  a South African document or certificate simply means that the signatory reflected on the document or certificate has been authenticated and this is reflected by the inclusion of a traditional wax seal bearing the stamp of the respective ministry in the bottom left corner of the document.

Many official documents and certificates  issued by any South African ministry can be apostilled provided that the document is valid, i.e.: it does not have an expiry date and providing the document was issued by the same ministry from which apostilling is required.

What documents can be apostilled?

The following documents are regularly requested to be apostilled:

• Unabridged marriage, birth and death certificates
• Letters of no impediment providing they are still valid
• Vault copy of birth certificates
• Foreign work permits affording foreign workers the permission to work in South Africa
• Permanent and other residence permits
• Certificate of naturalisation or renunciation issued by the Department of Home Affairs
• Police clearance certificates and certificate confirming expungement of criminal records
• Valid drivers, and other licences such as liquor licences etc issued by the relevant ministry.

Applicants are encouraged to verify the validity of their documents as expired documents and certificates submitted for apostilling will be rejected and will not be apostilled.

Applications for apostilling of documents must include justification for the request as well as to which country the documents will be submitted and for which purpose. 

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