DIRCO Apostille Service Pretoria
Do you need a South African document apostilled for use in Germany or another country? German Translation assists individuals and businesses with DIRCO apostille arrangements and document legalisation support.
Documents such as South African police clearance certificates, birth certificates, marriage certificates and certain educational records may require authentication before they can be accepted by foreign authorities, employers, universities or other institutions.
Our team can help you understand the authentication process, establish which requirements apply to your document and arrange the appropriate service.
If your documents also need to be translated into German, you can request German translation services as an additional option. This allows you to discuss document authentication and translation requirements together.
DIRCO Apostille Services in South Africa
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) handles the authentication of qualifying South African public documents for international use.
An apostille authenticates the origin of a public document, including the signature, official capacity or seal where applicable. It does not verify the contents of the document or translate it into another language.
German Translation can assist clients who need guidance and support with the document submission process.
Our assistance is available to individuals and businesses in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and other parts of South Africa, subject to document collection and delivery arrangements.
German Translation as an Additional Service
Are you submitting South African documents to an authority, employer, university or institution in Germany?
In addition to apostille assistance, German Translation can help with the translation of relevant documents into German or from German into English.
Depending on the document and the receiving authority’s requirements, translation may be needed before or after authentication.
Our German translation options can include:
Birth, marriage and death certificates
Police clearance certificates
Educational certificates and academic records
Employment and professional documents
Affidavits and sworn statements
Company and commercial documents
Legal documents and contracts
Personal and immigration-related documents
Home Affairs Certificates
If a certified or sworn translation is specifically required, let us know when requesting your quotation so that the appropriate requirements can be established.
Important: Not every translated document can be submitted directly to DIRCO. Some documents, including certain private documents and notarised translations, may require authentication through the High Court instead. The correct route depends on the document type and the destination country’s requirements.
How Does the DIRCO Apostille Process Work?
Step 1: Send Us Your Document
Scan or photograph your document and email it to us, or submit an enquiry through the contact form.
Please also indicate the country where the document will be used and whether you require German translation.
Step 2: Document Assessment and Quotation
We will review the information supplied and help establish:
- Whether your document qualifies for DIRCO authentication.
- Whether prior certification or notarisation is required.
- Whether a High Court apostille or another legalisation process may apply.
- Whether German translation is required by the receiving authority.
- The applicable service fees and estimated processing time.
You will receive a quotation based on your document and requested services.
Step 3: Confirm Your Order
Once you accept the quotation, we will provide instructions for payment and document submission.
Step 4: Submit Your Original Documents
Deliver, courier or bring your original documents to our office, as instructed. Include proof of payment and any additional supporting documents requested.
Step 5: Authentication and Translation
Once the required documents have been received, we will arrange the agreed authentication process. If you have requested German translation, this will be handled according to the agreed sequence and the receiving authority’s requirements.
You will be advised when your documents are ready for collection or delivery.
DIRCO Apostille Processing Times
Our DIRCO apostille processing takes 5 working days, depending on document readiness and verification requirements.
How Much Does a DIRCO Apostille Cost?
Our Dirco Apostille Service Cost: R1300.00
Contact German Translation Today
Need a DIRCO apostille, German document translation or assistance with both?
Contact German Translation to discuss your requirements. Send us a copy of your document and tell us where it needs to be used. Our team can help you understand the next steps and provide a quotation.
