If your destination country is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, your South African documents require embassy attestation. This is an additional step after DIRCO authentication where the destination country's embassy stamps and validates your documents for use in their jurisdiction.📞 087 001 0733 | ✉️ info@apostille.co.za[Contact Us for a Quote →]
Embassy attestation is the final authentication of your South African documents by the embassy or consulate of the country where you intend to use them.For countries that are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention, a DIRCO apostille is not sufficient. These countries require their own embassy to verify and stamp the document before they will accept it as legally valid.Think of it this way:
Without embassy attestation, your documents may be valid in South Africa but will not be legally recognised in the destination country.
| Apostille | Embassy Attestation | |
|---|---|---|
| For which countries? | Hague Convention members (129 countries) | Non-Hague countries |
| Issued by | DIRCO or High Court | Destination country's embassy |
| Embassy step required? | No | Yes |
| Examples | UK, Germany, Australia, USA, most of Europe | UAE, China, Qatar, Vietnam, Thailand |
| Process length | Shorter | Longer (additional embassy step) |
Important: Some countries have recently joined the Hague Convention. Saudi Arabia, for example, now accepts apostilles. Always confirm current requirements with us before starting.
For non-Hague countries, documents follow a chain of authentication:
Step 1: Original document from issuing authority
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Step 2: DIRCO Authentication (Certificate of Authentication, not Apostille)
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Step 3: Embassy AttestationStep 1: Notarisation by Notary Public
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Step 2: High Court Authentication
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Step 3: DIRCO Authentication
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Step 4: Embassy AttestationStep 1: SAQA or Umalusi Verification
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Step 2: DIRCO Authentication
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Step 3: Embassy AttestationEach step must be completed in order. Skipping a step will result in rejection at the next stage.
Embassy attestation is commonly required for:Middle East
Asia
Africa
Note: Country requirements change. Saudi Arabia recently joined the Hague Convention and now accepts apostilles. We confirm current requirements before processing your documents.
Each document type follows a specific route. We'll confirm the exact process for your documents and destination.
The following are typically not accepted for embassy attestation:
If you have any of these: Contact us. We can often help you obtain replacement documents or advise on alternative routes.
Employment OverseasWorking in the UAE, Qatar, China or other non-Hague countries requires attested qualifications, police clearance and sometimes birth certificates for visa applications.Studying AbroadUniversities in non-Hague countries require authenticated academic records before accepting international students.Getting Married AbroadForeign authorities need legally recognised civil documents including birth certificates and single status letters.Business RegistrationSetting up a company or branch office abroad requires attested corporate documents.Family VisasSponsoring family members for residency requires attested personal documents.
We manage the complete chain from document review to final embassy attestation:Step 1: Document AssessmentSend us scans of your documents. We confirm:
Step 2: PreparationWe ensure your documents meet all requirements before submission. This prevents rejections.Step 3: DIRCO AuthenticationWe submit to DIRCO and obtain the Certificate of Authentication.Step 4: Embassy SubmissionWe attend the destination country's embassy, submit your documents, and collect once attested.Step 5: Return DeliveryYour fully attested documents are couriered to you or available for collection.We handle every step. You don't need to visit DIRCO or the embassy yourself.
Pricing varies by document type and destination embassy. Each embassy sets its own fees.
| Component | Fee |
|---|---|
| DIRCO Authentication | R850 |
| Embassy attestation fee | Varies (R500-R2,000+) |
| Our facilitation fee | R650 |
| Total per document | From R2,000 |
| Embassy | Typical Fee Range |
|---|---|
| UAE | R800-R1,500 |
| China | R600-R1,200 |
| Qatar | R500-R1,000 |
| Vietnam | R400-R800 |
Additional costs may include:
Every case is different. Contact us with your specific documents and destination for an accurate quote.[Get a Quote →]
Many embassies require documents to be translated into their official language before attestation:
We arrange certified translations through sworn translators. Translations are included in the attestation chain—the translation itself must also be notarised and authenticated.
Typical timeframes (after documents reach us):
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Document review & preparation | 1-2 days |
| DIRCO Authentication | Contact us for current times |
| Embassy Attestation | 3-14 days (varies by embassy) |
| Total | 2-4 weeks typical |
Factors that affect timing:
Start early. We recommend beginning the process at least 6-8 weeks before you need your documents.
Avoid these common errors:
1. Submitting laminated certificates
Embassies reject laminated documents. You'll need to obtain unlaminated replacements.
2. Using abridged certificates
Unabridged versions are required for birth, marriage, and death certificates.
3. Skipping High Court authentication
Notarised documents must go through High Court before DIRCO. Missing this step means rejection.
4. Commissioner of Oaths certification
Documents certified by a Commissioner of Oaths are not accepted. You need Notary Public certification.
5. Incorrect translations
Translations must be done by sworn translators and properly certified.
6. Outdated documents
Some countries require documents issued within specific timeframes (e.g., police clearance within 6 months).
We check for all of these issues before submission, preventing costly rejections and delays.
How do I know if my destination country requires embassy attestation?
If the country is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, embassy attestation is required. Contact us with your destination and we'll confirm.
Can I do embassy attestation myself?
Technically, yes, but the process requires visiting DIRCO in Pretoria and then the relevant embassy. Many embassies have limited appointment slots and complex requirements. Most people find using a facilitation service more practical.
Do all my documents go to the same embassy?
Yes. All documents destined for the same country are processed by that country's embassy in South Africa (usually in Pretoria).
What if there's no embassy for my destination country in South Africa?
Some countries are represented by embassies in neighbouring countries or have consulates. We'll advise on the correct route.
Can you help if I'm already overseas?
Yes. Have your documents couriered to us in Pretoria. We handle everything and courier the attested documents to you internationally.
How long is embassy attestation valid?
The attestation itself doesn't expire, but some destination countries require underlying documents (like police clearance) to be recently issued. Check your destination's specific requirements.
Embassy attestation can be complex, but we've done it hundreds of times. Contact us with your documents and destination country—we'll provide a clear route and accurate quote.[Contact Us →]Get in touch:
Office 5, Second Floor, Northern Pavilion, Loftus Versveld Stadium, 416 Kirkness Street, Arcadia, Pretoria.
Walk-In Service. For complicated matter please call first.
