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.

UK spouse or partner visa

Applying for a UK spouse or partner visa is one of the most detailed visa processes a South African can undertake, and proper documentation plays a crucial role in getting it right the first time.

To have your South African documents recognised by the UK Home Office, they must be officially legalised through a process known as apostilling. If any of your paperwork lacks this certification, your visa application can be delayed or even refused.

This guide explains exactly how to obtain an apostille for a UK visa from SA, which documents need to be apostilled, and how Apostil.co.za can help streamline the entire process for you.

Why UK spouse and partner visa applications require apostilled documents

The UK Home Office and British embassies require certain South African-issued documents to be formally recognised as authentic under international law. Since both the United Kingdom and South Africa are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, the apostille serves as the recognised standard of document legalisation between the two countries.

By apostilling your documents, you confirm that:

The document was genuinely issued in South Africa
The official’s signature or seal is legitimate
The document can be legally used in the United Kingdom

Without this step, your paperwork may be deemed invalid for visa purposes, even if it’s completely genuine.

Which South African documents need to be apostilled for a UK visa

The exact list of required documents depends on your individual circumstances (married, engaged, or living together for two years or more). However, the most commonly required South African documents include:

Civil documents

Unabridged birth certificate
Unabridged marriage certificate
Divorce decree (if applicable)
Death certificate of a former spouse (if applicable)

Relationship and supporting documents

Proof of cohabitation (utility bills, lease agreements, joint bank accounts)
Sworn affidavits confirming your relationship status (notarised)

Legal and personal documents

Police clearance certificate (from SAPS)
Medical or health certificates (if required by the UKVI)
Power of attorney or declaration of support

Educational and financial documents

Educational qualifications or degrees (if supporting an employment-based route)
Bank statements, employment letters, or sponsorship documents

All of these may need to be apostilled in South Africa before submission to the UK Visa Application Centre.

Step-by-step: How to apostille documents for a UK spouse or partner visa

Step 1: Confirm the visa requirements

Start by reviewing the UK government’s official spouse or partner visa checklist or your specific visa consultant’s requirements. Note which South African documents must be apostilled and whether you need certified translations (for example, if the document isn’t in English).

Step 2: Obtain official, unabridged copies

Embassies and the UK Home Office only accept unabridged certificates. Request these from the Department of Home Affairs early, as issuing times can take several weeks.

For educational qualifications, contact Umalusi or your university for verification letters confirming authenticity before the apostille process.

Step 3: Have documents verified by the issuing authority

Before a document can be apostilled, it must first be verified by the department or authority that issued it:

Home Affairs for birth, marriage, and death certificates
SAPS for police clearance certificates
Umalusi or your university for academic documents

This step ensures the signatures and seals on your documents are valid before they’re sent to DIRCO.

Step 4: Submit documents to DIRCO for apostille

Once verified, submit the originals or certified copies to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in Pretoria. DIRCO’s Legalisation Section will attach an official apostille certificate verifying the authenticity of the document.

Apostil.co.za can manage this process on your behalf — ensuring your documents are submitted correctly, tracked efficiently, and returned promptly.

Step 5: Translation (if required)

If any of your South African documents are in Afrikaans or another language, they must be translated into English by a sworn translator before submission to the UK authorities.

Step 6: Attach the apostilled documents to your UK visa application

Once your apostilled documents are complete, they can be safely uploaded or presented with your UK spouse or partner visa application. Apostilled documents are recognised throughout the UK without needing additional legalisation or embassy stamps.

How long the process takes

The timeframe for obtaining an apostille varies depending on which departments are involved:

Step	Estimated Timeframe
Home Affairs verification	2–4 weeks
SAPS police clearance	3–5 weeks
Umalusi or university verification	4–6 weeks
DIRCO apostille	4–6 weeks (standard)

Need assistance?

Get in touch with the team at Apostil.co.za today. We cut out the middle man to ensure you always get your documents legalised for official use abroad in the fastest time possible!