Dealing with a loved one's overseas assets? Claiming foreign insurance or pension benefits? Applying for an ancestral visa? South African death certificates must be apostilled or authenticated before foreign authorities will accept them. We obtain replacement certificates and handle the complete legalisation process.📞 087 001 0733 | ✉️ info@apostille.co.za[Get a Quote →]
Overseas Estate Settlement
When the deceased held assets abroad—property, bank accounts, investments—foreign authorities require an apostilled death certificate before releasing or transferring assets.
Foreign Insurance & Pension Claims
Claiming life insurance payouts or pension benefits from overseas institutions typically requires apostilled proof of death.
Ancestral Visa Applications
Many countries offer ancestral visas based on deceased parents or grandparents. Applications require apostilled death certificates proving the family connection.
Foreign Citizenship by Descent
Claiming citizenship through deceased ancestors often requires apostilled death certificates as part of lineage documentation.
Inheritance & Probate Abroad
Beneficiaries of foreign estates need apostilled death certificates to prove their claim and relationship to the deceased.
Updating Foreign Records
Notifying overseas banks, property registries, or government departments of a death requires official apostilled documentation.
| Abridged | Unabridged |
|---|---|
| Basic details of the deceased | Full details of the deceased |
| Date of death | Date of death |
| No cause of death | Includes cause of death |
| Issued by default | Must be specifically requested |
| Accepted by most countries | Required for some visas and applications |
| Can be apostilled | Can be apostilled |
Which one do you need?
Not sure? Contact the requesting authority or send us their requirements—we'll confirm which certificate you need.
Original death certificate (abridged or unabridged)
↓
DIRCO Apostille
↓
Ready for useCountries: UK, Germany, Australia, Netherlands, USA, most of Europe, and 120+ others.
Original death certificate
↓
DIRCO Authentication
↓
Embassy Attestation
↓
Ready for useCountries: UAE, Qatar, Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, and others.
Important: You must send us the original certificate—not a copy. The apostille and or authentication is attached directly to the original document.
We obtain replacement death certificates from Home Affairs on your behalf.
Home Affairs archives are not fully digitised. Locating records—especially older ones—can be difficult. Vault copies (original death registration documents) have only a 20-30% retrieval success rate in some cases.
The more supporting documentation you can provide, the faster the process.
✅ Deceased's ID number – Essential for the search
✅ Your ID document – Clear PDF scan (as the applicant)
✅ Completed DHA-132 form – Application for a copy of the death certificate
✅ Any supporting documents you have:
[Download DHA-132 Form →]
| Certificate Type | Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Abridged death certificate | 2-4 weeks | R2,500 |
| Unabridged death certificate | 4-8 weeks | R3,500 |
Times depend on the availability of records in Home Affairs archives. Older records may take longer.
Records marked "lost or missing": In some cases, Home Affairs cannot locate vault copies. If this occurs, we'll discuss alternative options with you.
| Package | Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Abridged Certificate | 3 to 7 Working Days | R4500 |
| Unabridged Certificate | 7 to 14 Working Days | R5000 |
Courier fees are additional if required.[Get a Quote →]
When the deceased held assets overseas, you may need multiple documents apostilled:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Death certificate | Proof of death |
| Marriage certificate | Proof of spousal relationship |
| Birth certificates | Proof of family relationship (for children/heirs) |
| Last will and testament | Distribution instructions |
| Grant of probate / Letters of executorship | Authority to administer the estate |
Wills and grants of probate follow the notarisation route:
Will / Probate document
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Notarisation by Notary Public
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High Court Apostille
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DIRCO Authentication (non-Hague only)
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Embassy Attestation (non-Hague only)We handle complete estate document packages. Tell us what assets are involved and where they're located—we'll advise on exactly which documents need legalisation.
If a South African citizen died in another country:
For apostille purposes:
Not sure which applies to your situation? Contact us with the details, and we'll advise on the correct approach.
If you have the death certificate:
If you need us to obtain a replacement:
Document condition:
Can I apostille a certified copy of the death certificate?
No. Since September 2024, DIRCO only accepts original death certificates—not certified copies.
How long does it take to get a replacement death certificate?
Abridged: 2-4 weeks. Unabridged: 4-8 weeks. Times depend on how accessible the records are in Home Affairs archives.
What if Home Affairs can't find the records?
Unfortunately, some vault copies are lost or missing—especially older records. If this happens, we'll discuss alternative documentation options with you.
Do I get my original certificate back after the apostille?
Yes. The apostille is attached to your original certificate, and both are returned to you.
Can you help if I'm overseas?
Yes. Provide the required information via email, and we handle everything in South Africa. We courier the apostilled certificate to you internationally.
I need the death certificate for an ancestral visa—which type?
Most ancestral visa applications require the unabridged death certificate. Check your specific country's requirements or contact us to confirm.
Can I get a death certificate for someone who died decades ago?
Yes, but older records are harder to locate. Provide as much supporting information as possible to help with the search.
What's the difference between a death certificate and a death report?
The death certificate is the official document issued by Home Affairs. The death report (BI-1680) is an internal form used during registration. For international use, you need the death certificate.
Who can apply for a death certificate?
Immediate family members, executors of the estate, or persons with a legitimate legal interest. You may need to show proof of your relationship or interest.
Death certificates and related documents (death reports, burial orders) are difficult—sometimes impossible—to replace if lost. Home Affairs archives have significant gaps, and vault copy retrieval rates can be as low as 20-30%.
We strongly recommend:
If you're obtaining a death certificate now, consider getting multiple originals if you anticipate needing them for different purposes.
We understand this is a difficult time. Let us handle the paperwork so you can focus on what matters. Whether you need to obtain a certificate or apostille one, we manage the entire process.[Get a Quote →]Contact us:
