What is an Apostille?
An Apostille is a way to legalise and validate a document issued in South Africa, for international use.
The Apostille certifies the signature of the person who signed the document and it also certifies the role of that person.
In South Africa, an Apostille is an extra page which is bound to your original document with a seal, while Apostilles from other countries are often stamps or labels on the back of the document.
Does my translation need an Apostille?
Sworn translations required by the Italian Consulate or by other Italian authorities need to either have an Apostille (issued by the High Court free of charge) or alternatively they can be legalised by the Italian Consulate (a stamp duty fee applies in certain cases).
Does my South African certificate need an Apostille?
South African certificates required by the Italian Consulate or by other Italian authorities need an Apostille.
Who issues the Apostille in South Africa?
The office issuing the Apostille varies according to the type of document.
– Sworn translations are apostillised by the High Court.
– Birth, marriage and death certificates as well as police clearance certificates are apostillised by DIRCO in Pretoria. They have a simple way to process documents by Postnet or courier, please see the DIRCO legalisation page for more information.
– Divorce and adoption sentences are apostillised by the Court where they were issued.
– Diplomas, degrees and academic documents certified by Umalusi or Saqa are apostilled by DIRCO.
Apostilles are issued free of charge.
What is the difference between an apostillised document and a notarised document?
Public Notaries can verify and certify photocopies of documents. A notarised document is like a certified copy. The notarised document can then be apostillised, but the Apostille merely certifies the notarisation page, not the certificate itself.
According to Italian legislation, notarised copies are not accepted for submission to the Italian authorities.
Services we offer
If you need your sworn translation legalised, we can arrange an Apostille from the Cape Town High Court or a legalisation by the Cape Town Italian Consulate.
It takes 2-4 working days to have a translation Apostilled.
If you need a certificate apostilled, we offer to send it to Dirco and have it collected on your behalf.
Please contact us to submit your request for a quote.