Document Apostille (South Africa)
R4,100.00
An apostille authenticates a South African document so that it is accepted in another country. Countries that are party to the Hague Apostille Convention accept an apostille. Other countries require a certificate of authentication instead.
Police Clear prepares your documents, helps you confirm the destination-country requirements and handles the submission. From R4,715 including VAT. DIRCO does not charge for legalisation.
- Description
- Additional information
Description
Police Clear (Pty) Ltd is an independent document facilitation company. We do not issue apostilles. Documents are authenticated by the official authorities.
Apostille or authentication: which do you need?
It depends on the country where the document will be used, not on the document.
- If that country is party to the Hague Apostille Convention, the document needs an apostille
- If it is not, the document needs a certificate of authentication, and may also need legalisation by that country’s embassy
DIRCO decides which applies once it knows the destination country, so the destination is the first thing to confirm.
Documents that commonly need an apostille
- Police clearance certificates
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Verification letters for academic qualifications (see SAQA verification and Umalusi verification)
- Legal and corporate documents
Police clearance certificates have a time limit. DIRCO requires an original police clearance certificate to be no older than 6 months when it is submitted for legalisation. See our validity guide.
Who needs an apostille
- People relocating or working abroad
- Students applying to institutions outside South Africa
- Businesses that need documents authenticated for foreign use
- Legal and compliance submissions
What we handle
- Reviewing and preparing your documents
- Guidance on apostille or authentication for your destination country
- Submission to the relevant authorities
- Updates while your documents are in progress
What you need to start
- The original documents. The service requires originals.
- The name of the country where the documents will be used
How long does an apostille take?
Timeframes depend on the service level you choose, the authority and the documents. Contact us for the timeframe and price that apply to your documents. Timeframes are estimates, not guarantees.
Document apostille cost
| Document apostille assistance | From R4,715 including VAT |
| DIRCO legalisation fee | None |
| Turnaround | Depends on the service level, confirmed on request |
Pricing correct as at 16 September 2026. Prices include VAT at 15%, are quoted in South African rand, are subject to change without notice, and are indicative rather than an offer. A binding price is given in a written quotation. Any statutory fees charged by SAPS, Home Affairs or another authority are set by that authority and are payable in addition unless your quotation says otherwise. DIRCO does not charge for legalisation. Timeframes are estimates, not guarantees. Our refund and cancellation terms are in our terms and conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates a South African document for use in a country that is party to the Hague Apostille Convention.
Do I need an apostille or an attestation?
It depends on the destination country. Hague Convention countries accept an apostille. Other countries require a certificate of authentication, and may also require embassy legalisation.
How old can my police clearance certificate be for an apostille?
DIRCO requires the original certificate to be no older than 6 months when it is submitted.
Can a copy be apostilled?
The service requires original documents.
This page describes a document facilitation service. It is general information and is not legal or immigration advice. Requirements and timeframes are set by the relevant department, institution or authority, and change from time to time. Confirm them with that body before you rely on them.
Additional information
| Processing Time | Standard (8–10 Weeks), Express (10–15 Business Days), Priority (3–5 Business Days) |
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