Why use Apostil for document notarisation?

Saving you time: We queue for you, we apply on your behalf, we call and travel many times to follow up on your applications and then collect once ready. Usually, we receive documents much, much faster than if you had applied alone, especially if you are based outside of South Africa. You save masses of time using our services.

Why use Apostil for document notarisation?

Experience and know-how: We are a reputable firm with an extensive track record. Other providers are typically back-street operators or single operators – be aware as your personal documentation is at stake. If your documentation has errors, we attempt to have this corrected, usually at no extra cost.

Apostil – Where are we based?

Apostil.co.za has various office addresses in the Western Cape and Gauteng. You can only courier them to us, please enquire for the address (depends on your requirement). We also offer a delivery and collection service within SA and globally, through DHL, The Courier Guy and other companies. To reiterate, we only accept documentation, couriered, to our addresses.

Health certificate apostille

When moving abroad for work, study, or immigration, one of the documents often required by foreign authorities is a health or medical certificate. This official document confirms that you’re in good health and free from specific communicable diseases. However, before it’s accepted overseas, it must be apostilled or legalised, depending on the destination country. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how to get a health certificate apostille in South Africa, what documents you’ll need, and what the process looks like in 2025.

What is a health certificate apostille?

An apostille is a form of document authentication recognised by countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. It verifies that a South African-issued document, like a health certificate, is genuine and can be legally accepted abroad without further embassy legalisation.

If your destination country is not a member of the Hague Convention (for example, the UAE, Qatar, or China), your health certificate must go through an embassy legalisation process instead of an apostille.

Why a health certificate needs to be apostilled

Foreign governments, universities, and employers often need proof that your medical certificate is authentic and issued by a recognised authority. Common scenarios include:

Work visas for healthcare, hospitality, or public-facing jobs
Study visas requiring a medical clearance
Residency or immigration applications
Travel for long-term stays (such as digital nomads or dependents)

Without an apostille, your South African-issued health certificate may be rejected by authorities in another country, delaying or even derailing your visa process.

Where to get your health certificate

Before it can be apostilled, your medical certificate must be issued by a registered doctor and authenticated correctly. You have two main options:

1. Certificate from a private GP

A general practitioner can perform a medical exam and issue a signed certificate confirming your health status. This certificate must include:

Doctor’s full name and qualification
HPCSA registration number
Practice address and contact details
Official practice stamp

2. Certificate from a government clinic or hospital

If you get your certificate from a public health facility, ensure it’s on official Department of Health letterhead with an authorised signature and stamp.

Step-by-step: how to get your health certificate apostille in South Africa

Here’s how the process works in 2025:

Step 1: Get your certificate notarised

If your medical certificate was issued by a private doctor, it first needs to be certified by a Notary Public (a registered South African attorney). The notary confirms the document’s authenticity and the doctor’s signature.

Step 2: Authentication by the High Court

The notary’s seal is then verified by the High Court in South Africa. This step is required before the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) can issue the apostille.

Step 3: DIRCO apostille

Once the High Court has authenticated it, the document goes to DIRCO’s Legalisation Section for the final apostille stamp. The apostille confirms your document is officially valid for use in all Hague Convention countries.

Step 4: Embassy legalisation (if needed)

If your destination country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, you’ll need to take one extra step: embassy legalisation. After DIRCO, your health certificate will need to be authenticated by the relevant embassy or consulate in South Africa (for example, the Saudi or Chinese embassy).

Processing times and practical tips

Standard processing time: 7–14 working days (depending on government backlogs).
Expedited options: Apostil.co.za can assist with express processing to save you time.
Always check the visa requirements: Some countries require a recent (issued within 3 months) health certificate.
Keep digital copies: Some embassies or visa centres accept scanned versions for pre-screening.

Apostilling vs legalising: what’s the difference?

Term	Where it applies	Authority
Apostille	Hague Convention countries (e.g. UK, Netherlands, USA)	DIRCO
Legalisation	Non-Hague countries (e.g. UAE, China, Qatar)	Embassy or Consulate

Need assistance?

Apostil.co.za has a team of highly experienced document gurus that are ready to assist you with all your document needs. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services and how we can accompany your unique needs!

Name*
First Last
Email*
Phone*
Company
For which country?*
How can we help you?*
Consent*
- I consent to the processing of my personal information and to receiving communications in accordance with Apostil.co.za’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.