We are pleased to announce that from mid-February 2026, we will have access to DIRCO's registered agent programme. This official programme allows recognised document legalisation professionals to submit and collect documents on behalf of clients, with a structured weekly schedule. How the agent programme works:
This is an official DIRCO programme for recognised agents—not a workaround or unofficial channel. Contact us for current availability and turnaround times.[Get in Touch →]
A DIRCO apostille is an official certificate issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation that authenticates South African government-issued documents for use abroad. The apostille confirms that the signature, seal and stamp on your document are genuine. Once apostilled, your document is legally recognised in all 129 countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention—including the UK, Germany, Australia, USA, and most of Europe. South Africa has been a Hague Convention member since 1995. If your destination country is a member, an apostille is the only authentication required—no embassy legalisation needed.
DIRCO apostilles government-issued documents: Home Affairs Documents
SAPS Documents
Academic Documents (after verification)
Other Government Documents
Not sure which route? Notarised documents (powers of attorney, affidavits, certified copies) go through the High Court, not DIRCO. High Court Apostille →
From 2 September 2024, DIRCO no longer accepts certified copies of:
You need the original government-issued document. We can help you obtain original, unabridged certificates from Home Affairs if needed.
Step 1: Contact Us
Tell us what documents you need apostilled and your destination country. We'll confirm requirements, pricing, and current turnaround times.
Step 2: Send Your Documents
Courier your original documents to our Pretoria office. We confirm receipt within 24 hours.
Step 3: Document Review
We check that everything meets DIRCO's requirements before submission. If there's an issue, we contact you immediately—avoiding rejection.
Step 4: Lodgment
We submit your documents to DIRCO through the agent programme.
Step 5: Collection & Delivery
We collect your apostilled documents and courier them to you.
Contact us for current submission schedules and availability.
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Our service fee | R850 |
| DIRCO government fee | R0 (no charge) |
| Total per document | R850 |
Additional costs:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Local courier (return) | R250-R350 |
| International courier (return) | R700-R950 |
| Document procurement | Quoted separately |
| Embassy Services | Quoted Separately |
What's included:
Processing multiple documents? Contact us for volume pricing.[Contact Us for a Quote →]
✅ Original documents only – Not photocopies or scans
✅ Unabridged certificates – Birth, marriage, and death certificates must be full versions
✅ Good condition – Legible and undamaged. Laminated documents rejected.
✅ Recent issue – Some countries require certificates issued within 3-6 months
✅ Pre-verification complete – Academic documents need SAQA/Umalusi verification first
Common rejection reasons:
Not sure if your document qualifies? Send us a scan, and we'll check before you courier the original.
Your destination country determines the process:
Apostille (Hague Convention Countries)
Single step. An apostille is the final authentication.UK, Germany, Australia, Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain, USA, China, South Korea, and 120+ others
Authentication + Embassy Attestation (Non-Hague Countries)
Two or three steps: DIRCO authentication, then embassy attestation. UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand and more
We handle both processes. Check if your country is a Hague member →
When does the agent programme access start?
Our registered agent access begins mid-February 2026. Contact us for the exact start date and current availability.
What is the turnaround time?
The agent programme operates on a Wednesday-to-Wednesday schedule. Contact us for current turnaround times, as these may vary.
Can you apostille a certified copy of my birth certificate?
No. Since September 2024, DIRCO requires original unabridged certificates for Home Affairs documents. We can help you obtain these if needed.
Do I need to come to Pretoria? No. Courier your documents to us from anywhere in South Africa or internationally. We handle everything and can courier the apostilled documents back.
Can you obtain my birth certificate AND apostille it?
Yes. We offer complete document procurement plus apostille services.
Our DIRCO apostille service through the registered agent programme launches mid-February 2026. Contact us now to discuss your requirements.[Contact Us for Details →]Get in touch:
