If you are using South African documents overseas, you will often be told they need to be "apostilled" or "attested". The two terms are easy to confuse, and getting it wrong can cost you weeks. Here is a plain-English guide.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that confirms a South African public document is genuine, so it can be accepted in another country without further legalisation. It is used for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, the USA and many others.
What is attestation?
Attestation (also called legalisation) is a longer, multi-step process used for countries that do not accept the apostille, or that require their own embassy stamp. This is common for Gulf countries such as the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. The document is usually authenticated in South Africa and then attested by the relevant embassy, and sometimes again by a ministry in the destination country.
Which one do I need?
It depends on the country receiving the document and what it is for. As a general rule, Hague Convention countries ask for an apostille, while many Middle East countries ask for attestation. Some employers, universities and authorities also add their own rules, such as a certified translation. Always confirm what the receiving authority wants before you start.
Which documents are commonly affected?
Police clearance certificates, birth and marriage certificates, degrees and diplomas, academic transcripts and some company documents. A police clearance is one of the most requested, especially for work visas, residency and citizenship applications.
How ClearPath SA can help
We help South Africans at home and abroad get their police clearance and arrange the apostille, attestation or certified translation they need, all in one process, with courier delivery to your door. Not sure which one applies to you? Tell us your destination country and purpose, and we will confirm it before you spend anything.
WhatsApp us on +27 62 313 9099 or use the contact form for a free quote.