Since 1995, South Africa has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, which eliminates the need for diplomatic authentication or consular legalization for public documents.

For legal recognition in other Hague Convention member states, documents issued in South Africa only require an apostille. This official certification is provided by the designated authorities in South Africa, confirming the document’s authenticity for international use.

By simplifying the legalization process, the Hague Apostille Convention ensures that South African public documents—such as birth and marriage certificates, legal rulings, and business records—can be used abroad without additional verification.

For countries not part of the Hague Convention, additional consular legalization may still be required.