Notary Public Articles and Guides
Practical guides and articles about notarial services, apostilles, document legalisation, and related topics in South Africa. Written by Louwrens Koen Attorneys, admitted notary public of the High Court.
What Is an Apostille? A South African Explanation
What an apostille is, why it exists, the two routes in South Africa (DIRCO and High Court), processing times, and which documents need one.
Apostille vs Legalisation: Which One Do Your South African Documents Need?
The difference between an apostille and full legalisation, when each applies, and how to determine which route your documents need.
The Hague Apostille Convention: What South Africans Need to Know
How the Hague Convention works, which countries are members, who issues apostilles in South Africa, and what to do for non-member countries.
What Does Notarised Mean? A South African Guide
What notarisation involves, who can notarise documents, when you need notarisation, and how it differs from ordinary certification.
Who Can Certify Documents in South Africa?
The difference between certified and notarised copies, when a commissioner of oaths is enough, and when you need a notary public.
Notarised Affidavits in South Africa: Everything You Need to Know
When a notary public is required for an affidavit, common types, the process, apostille options, and how to get one in Pretoria.
A Full Guide to Statutory Declarations in South Africa
What a statutory declaration is, how it differs from an affidavit, when you need one, and how to get one for UK, Australian, or Canadian authorities.
How Much Does a Power of Attorney Cost in South Africa?
General vs special POAs, notarisation fees, apostille costs, and the factors that affect the price of a power of attorney.
Unabridged vs Abridged Birth Certificate: What’s the Difference?
The difference between the two types, when you need the unabridged version, how to apply at Home Affairs, and processing times.
Documents Required When Buying Property Abroad as a South African
The full document package South Africans need for international property purchases — notarisation, apostille, POA, tax clearance, and more.
General vs Special Power of Attorney in South Africa: What’s the Difference?
The two main types of power of attorney explained — when to use each, notarisation requirements, revocation rules, and a comparison table.
Emigrating from South Africa? A Document Legalisation Checklist
A comprehensive checklist of documents you need when emigrating — which require notarisation, apostille, or full legalisation, plus a practical timeline.
Do Apostilles Expire? What South Africans Need to Know About Validity
The apostille itself never expires, but the underlying document might. Document-by-document validity breakdown and timing tips.
Sworn Translations in South Africa: When Do You Need One?
What sworn translations are, how they differ from certified translations, and how they fit into the legalisation chain for international use.
How to Get a Letter of No Impediment in South Africa for Marriage Abroad
The DHA1155 application process, processing times, validity period, apostille requirements, and which countries require this document.
Document Legalisation for Non-Hague Countries: The Full Authentication Process
The four-step authentication chain for countries like the UAE, China, and Saudi Arabia — notarisation, High Court, DIRCO, and embassy attestation.
Corporate Documents for International Use: A South African Notary Guide
Which corporate documents need notarisation for overseas use — board resolutions, CIPC certificates, MOIs, and why authority verification matters.
Getting Your South African Police Clearance for Work or Immigration Abroad
How to apply for a SAPS police clearance, processing times, the September 2024 DIRCO change, and the apostille process.
Teaching English Abroad as a South African: Which Documents Need Legalisation?
TEFL document requirements by destination country — degrees, certificates, police clearances, and whether you need apostille or full legalisation.
What Is a Life Certificate and When Do South African Pensioners Need One?
Proof of life requirements for Dutch, German, Swiss, UK, and SA pension funds — what to bring, how often, and our walk-in service.
Top 11 Questions Asked About Notary Services in South Africa
Answers to the most common questions — what a notary public does, who can notarise documents, costs, notary vs commissioner of oaths, and how the process works.