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.

Marriages and births abroad

If you’re a South African living overseas, getting married or having a child abroad is an exciting milestone, but it can also come with a mountain of paperwork. Whether you’re planning a wedding in Australia or registering your baby in the UK, South African law still requires certain documents to ensure your marriage or child’s birth is recognised back home.

In this guide, we break down the key documents you need, the steps to follow, and how Apostil.co.za can make the entire process smoother and faster when registering marriages and births abroad.

Why documentation still matters when registering marriages and births abroad

South Africans living overseas often assume that if a marriage or birth happens outside South Africa, local laws are all that apply. But to ensure legal recognition in South Africa, you’ll need to register these events with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

This is essential if you plan to:

Change your surname after marriage
Apply for South African citizenship for your child
Claim inheritance, pension, or spousal benefits
Avoid future complications with identity, travel, or estate matters

Getting married abroad: South African requirements

Even if your marriage is legal in the country where it took place, you’ll still need to register it with the South African government. Here’s what’s required:

1. Unabridged marriage certificate (from the country where the marriage took place)

This document proves the full details of your marriage and must be authenticated for use in South Africa.

2. Letter of No Impediment (from South Africa)

The LNI is often required before the marriage by foreign authorities to prove you’re not already married. It can take several weeks to obtain from Home Affairs.

3. Certified copies of both spouses’ passports or IDs

These help confirm the identities of both parties for registration purposes.

4. Apostille or embassy authentication (if required)

Depending on the country, your foreign marriage certificate may need to be apostilled or authenticated for use in South Africa.

Need help getting these done? We can help with Letters of No Impediment, marriage certificate registrations, and more.

Registering a birth abroad: what South Africans need to know

Having a baby overseas? Congratulations! If you want your child to have South African citizenship, you’ll need to register their birth with Home Affairs.

Here’s what you’ll typically need:

1. Foreign birth certificate (unabridged)

This must list both parents and be legalised (apostilled or authenticated) depending on the country.

2. Unabridged birth certificates of both parents

Especially if one or both parents are South African citizens.

3. Marriage certificate (if applicable)

This may be required to determine the child’s surname or parental rights.

4. Forms BI-24 and DHA-24

These are the official Home Affairs forms for registering births abroad.

5. Proof of residence and identification

Both parents’ IDs and proof of current address abroad may be needed.

Legalisation, apostilles, and attestation: What’s the difference?

Many countries require South African documents to be legalised before they can be used abroad. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Apostille – Used for countries that are part of the Hague Convention
High Court Authentication – Needed if apostilles aren’t accepted
Notarisation – Often a first step before authentication
Embassy attestation – Required for countries that need diplomatic verification

We offer all of these services under one roof – making it easy for you to get your documents legalised no matter where you are in the world. Learn more about our document legalisation services.

How Apostil.co.za helps with registering marriages and births abroad

Need help? Unfortunately we can’t assist with registering foreign births in SA, but we can help getting SA birth certificates (and more) once it is registered.

Here’s what we take care of:

Obtaining Letters of No Impediment from Home Affairs
Applying for and collecting unabridged marriage and birth certificates
Assisting with registration of foreign births and marriages
Providing apostille, notarisation, and embassy legalisation services
Offering worldwide delivery with secure courier services

With turnaround times ranging from 2 to 6 weeks, we’re here to take the admin off your hands, so you can focus on the important things.

Getting married or welcoming a child abroad should be a joyful experience, not a bureaucratic nightmare. With the right documents and support, you can make sure your family’s legal matters are taken care of both abroad and in South Africa.

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