When it comes to preparing your South African documents for international use, two key processes often come into play: apostillisation and authentication. While these terms may seem similar, they serve different purposes depending on the country where your documents will be used. It is imperative to comprehend the distinction in order to guarantee that your documents are processed and accepted correctly abroad.

What is Apostillisation?

Apostillisation is a streamlined method of certifying public documents for use in countries that are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention. An Apostille stamp, issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), verifies the authenticity of the document without requiring further legalisation by embassies or consulates.

When is it necessary to obtain apostille?

  • When will your documents be used in Hague Convention countries (e.g., the UK, Australia, and Germany)?

  • The apostille simplifies the process by making the document valid for international use without embassy involvement.

Key Features:


  • It is recognised in over 120 countries.

  • Faster and less complicated than Authentication.

What is Authentication?

Authentication is the process of certifying documents for use in non-Hague Convention countries. Authentication is merely an initial step, in contrast to apostillization. The document must be further legalised by the embassy or consulate in the destination country as soon as DIRCO authenticates it.

When Do You Need Authentication?

  • You will need authentication (instead of an apostille) when your documents are intended for use in countries not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, such as the UAE, Vietnam, or Thailand.

  • Authentication guarantees that your documents are in accordance with the legal requirements of the destination country.

Key Features:


  • The process requires DIRCO authentication and embassy legalisation.

  • The service is tailored to the specific requirements of the destination country.

Let Docs Authentication South Africa Handle It for You

Navigating the Apostillisation and Authentication processes can be time-consuming and confusing, especially when dealing with country-specific requirements. At Docs Authentication South Africa, we’re here to make it easy for you.


While you focus on other priorities, we handle the entire process—from DIRCO Apostillisation or Authentication to embassy legalisation—ensuring your documents are valid and ready for use overseas.


Contact us today and let us take the hassle out of your document preparation!

Don’t let paperwork slow you down! Whether you’re planning to study, work, or live Overseas

Keep up with all the latest!

info@docssa.co.za


155 West Street, Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa.

© DOCS Authentication South Africa.

Privacy policy | Terms of use | Cookies