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.

Register your foreign marriage in SA

Getting married abroad can be a beautiful experience, whether it’s a beach ceremony in Greece, a civil union in the Netherlands, or a traditional wedding in Zimbabwe. But what many South African couples don’t realise is that a legally recognised marriage overseas is not automatically registered in South Africa. Failing to register your foreign marriage with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) can lead to complications down the road, especially when it comes to name changes, taxes, visas, inheritance, and even divorce.

Here’s why registering your marriage in South Africa matters, and how you can do it from abroad without setting foot in the country.

What happens if you don’t register your foreign marriage in South Africa?

If your marriage is legally valid in the country where it took place, South Africa may recognise it in principle, but only once it has been officially registered with the Department of Home Affairs. Until then, you may be considered legally single in the eyes of South African law.

Here are some of the risks of not registering your marriage:

Difficulties changing your surname on your South African passport or ID
Problems with spousal visa applications (for you or your partner)
Complications in inheritance claims, especially if one spouse passes away
Ineligibility for joint banking or property transactions in South Africa
Delays during divorce proceedings if the marriage isn’t recognised locally
Retirement annuities, tax submissions, and legal matters may not reflect your true marital status

In short: if you live, work, bank, or invest in South Africa, or plan to return at any point, it’s in your best interest to make sure your marriage is officially recognised at home.

Who needs to register their foreign marriage from abroad?

You should register your foreign marriage with the Department of Home Affairs if:

You’re a South African citizen who married a foreign national abroad
You’re a South African couple who got married outside South Africa
You plan to apply for a spousal visa for your partner
You want your marriage to be reflected on your ID, passport, or tax records

If your marriage took place in South Africa, it would already be registered automatically. But if you tied the knot outside the country, registration is up to you.

What documents do you need to register your foreign marriage?

To register your marriage in South Africa from abroad, you will generally need the following:

A certified copy of your marriage certificate (issued in the country where the marriage took place)
A sworn English translation of the certificate, if not in English
A Letter of No Impediment (proving you were free to marry at the time) – often required for reciprocal recognition
Certified copies of your and your spouse’s passports or ID documents
A completed BI-130 form (Registration of Marriage)
Supporting documents for surname changes, if applicable
A cover letter explaining your request

In some cases, the DHA may require your marriage certificate to be apostilled or legalised to confirm its authenticity.

How to register your foreign marriage from abroad

Registering your marriage from outside South Africa can be tricky, especially since you cannot do it in person. You typically have two options:

1. Through a South African embassy, consulate, or high commission

Some missions abroad allow you to submit your marriage registration documents through them. However, turnaround times vary, and not all embassies offer this service. It’s best to contact the mission directly.

2. Using a document concierge service like Apostil.co.za

A far easier route is to appoint a trusted service like Apostil.co.za to register your marriage on your behalf within South Africa.

We can:

Retrieve required documents
Have your foreign marriage certificate apostilled or translated if needed
Complete and submit your DHA forms
Queue and correspond with Home Affairs
Courier your updated records or confirmation back to you abroad

This route is especially useful if you’re living overseas and want to avoid the delays and complications of dealing with DHA from a distance.

What about name changes after marriage?

If you’re changing your surname after marriage, you’ll need to update your surname officially with DHA, whether you’re in South Africa or abroad. This can only be done after your marriage has been registered in South Africa.

Once updated, you can then apply for:

A new South African ID or Smart ID Card
An updated passport reflecting your married surname
Name updates on bank accounts, insurance, and tax records

Without a local marriage registration, Home Affairs cannot process a surname change, even if your foreign marriage is legally valid elsewhere.

Final thoughts: Protect your future by registering today

Your wedding abroad may be legally binding in another country, but until you register your marriage with the Department of Home Affairs, South Africa won’t officially recognise it.

Whether you’re applying for visas, planning to move back, or just want your records to reflect the reality of your life, registering your foreign marriage is a critical step, and doing it from abroad doesn’t have to be difficult.

Let Apostil.co.za handle your marriage registration from start to finish
We specialise in South African document services, retrieving, apostilling, certifying, translating, and registering your marriage without you needing to be in the country.