For South African Documents Used in Non-Hague Countries
If your South African documents are being used in a country that is not a member of the Hague Convention, you will usually be required to complete Embassy Attestation.
Forecast Consulting provides end-to-end Embassy Attestation services, including document preparation, DIRCO or High Court authentication, and submission to the relevant foreign embassy or consulate.
What Is Embassy Attestation?
Embassy Attestation is the process whereby a foreign embassy or consulate confirms that your South African document has been correctly authenticated by South African authorities and is valid for official use in their country.
Embassy Attestation is typically required after:
- Notarisation (if applicable), and
- DIRCO or High Court Authentication
Once attested by the embassy, the document is considered legally acceptable by the receiving authority abroad.
When Is Embassy Attestation Required?
Embassy Attestation is required when:
- The destination country is not part of the Hague Convention, or
- The receiving authority specifically requests embassy or consular stamps, even after DIRCO authentication
This commonly applies to documents used for:
- Employment abroad
- Immigration or residence permits
- Marriage or family registration
- Business registration or contracts
- Property transactions
We always confirm the exact embassy requirements before proceeding, as they vary significantly by country.
Common Documents Requiring Embassy Attestation
We assist with embassy attestation for:
Personal Documents
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Death certificates
- Police Clearance Certificates
- Passports and identity documents
- Letters of no impediment
Educational Documents
- Degrees and diplomas
- Academic transcripts
- SAQA or Umalusi-verified certificates
Business & Legal Documents
- Powers of Attorney
- Company registration documents
- Board resolutions
- Letters of authority
- Contracts and affidavits
WHEN TO USE EMBASSY ATTESTATION
Embassy Attestation vs Apostille
| Apostille | Embassy Attestation |
|---|---|
| Hague Convention countries | Non-Hague countries |
| Single Apostille certificate | Multiple verification steps |
| No embassy involvement | Embassy or consulate required |
| Faster overall process | Timelines vary by embassy |
Embassy Attestation Services for International Use
EXTRA CONVENIENCE, EXTRA CARE
Why Choose Us
Benefit of Using an Admitted Attorney
As an admitted attorney, we bring legal authority, expertise, and precision to every matter, ensuring your documents are prepared, verified, and executed in full compliance with South African law.
- Legally recognised to certify and authenticate documents
- Comprehensive understanding of South African legal procedures
- Ability to provide legal advice where applicable
Travelling Notary within JHB
Our Notary and dedicated driver will come to you anywhere in Johannesburg or Pretoria, offering professional, reliable document services at your convenience – even after hours.
- Flexible scheduling to suit your availability
- Secure handling of sensitive legal documents
- Convenient on-site notarisation at your location
We Offer Online, Call-Out & In Person Options
Depending on your case we offer online solutions, as well as call-outs from our traveling notary service and in-person appointments.
We also offer after hours and weekend Notary options at an extra charge, which many of our clients make use of. A quote will be given for these extra services.
Save Up to 85% on Bulk Applications
Get your Home Affairs and Police Clearance Certificates processed quickly and cost-effectively. We assist with Apostille, Notary, and Legalisation services so your documents are accepted internationally without delays.
- Police Clearance & Criminal Record Checks
- Birth, Marriage & Death Certificates
- Apostille & Document Legalisation
Embassy Attestation Documents
- Personal & Civil Documents
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Death certificate
- Divorce decree
- Unabridged birth or marriage certificates
- Single Status Affidavit / Certificate of No Impediment
- Academic & Educational Documents
- Matric certificate (NSC / Senior Certificate)
- Degree or diploma certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of enrolment or graduation
- TEFL / TESOL certificates
- Legal & Notarial Documents
- Power of attorney
- Affidavits
- Notarised declarations
- Wills (if notarised)
- Court orders or judgements
- Adoption orders
- Identity & Supporting Documents
- Certified copy of ID or passport
- Proof of residence (notarised)
- Bank letters (notarised)
- Medical reports
- Letters from employers
- Police & Clearance Documents
- Police clearance certificate
- Business & Corporate Documents
- Company registration documents
- Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI)
- Board resolutions
- Commercial contracts or invoices (notarised)
- Import / export certificates
- Travel & Immigration Documents
- Parental consent affidavit for minor travel
- Visa support documents
How the Embassy Attestation Process Works
1. Document Pre-Check
Send us:
- Clear scans of your document(s)
- Destination country
- Any instructions from the receiving authority
We confirm:
- Whether notarisation is required
- Whether DIRCO or High Court authentication applies
- Which embassy or consulate must attest the document
2. Notarisation (If Required)
Certain documents must first be:
- Notarially certified, or
- Notarially attested
We arrange this at our Sandton or Pretoria offices, or via call-out where required.
3. DIRCO or High Court Authentication
Your document is authenticated by the appropriate South African authority before embassy submission.4. Embassy or Consulate Attestation
We submit your document to the relevant embassy or consulate.
Please note:
Each embassy has its own fees, timelines and requirements
Some embassies require original documents only
Some require sworn translations
5. Collection or Courier
Once attested:
- We email you scanned copies
- Originals are available for:
- Collection in Sandton, or
- Local or international courier
FORECAST CONSULTING
Pricing & Timeframes
| Service | Price | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Notarial Certification | R180 | Same Day |
| Notarial Attestation | R850 | Same Day |
| Notarial Certificate | R1,200 | Same Day |
| High Court: Notary + Apostille | R850 | 1–3 Work Days |
| High Court: Notary + Authentication | R850 | 1–3 Work Days |
| Same Day High Court: Notary + Authentication | R1,800 | Same Day |
| Express DIRCO Apostille | R950 | 1–2 Weeks |
| Express DIRCO Authentication | R950 | 1–2 Weeks |
| Courier Local | R250 | 2-4 Work Days |
| Courier International (DHL) | R1500 | 3–8 Working Days |
| Service | Price | Time |
|---|---|---|
| DHA: Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) | R2,800 | 14-21 Days |
| DHA: Marriage Certificate (Spouse Deceased) | R2,800 | 14-21 Days |
| DHA: Unabridged Death Certificate (UDC) | R2,800 | 14-21 Days |
| DHA: Unabridged Certificates (no records) | R3,800 | 21-30 Days |
| DHA: Abridged BC/DC/MC | R1,800 | 7 Days |
| DHA: Stnd Letter of Non-impediment (LNI) | R2,850 | 14-21 Days |
| DHA: Express Letter of Non-impediment (LNI) | R4,500 | 7-10 Days |
| DHA: Vault (UMC / UBC) | R3,800 | |
| Police Clearance Cert Budget | R1,500 | 2 - 3 Weeks |
| Police Clearance Certificate | R2,800 | 12 - 20 Working Days |
| Police Clearance Cert Express | R3,800 | 4-8 Days |
| Police Clearance Cert Urgent | R5,000 | 3-5 Days |
| SAQA | R2,500 | 3-4 Weeks |
| UMALUSI | R1,500 | 1 Week |
| Service | Price | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Ante-Nuptial Contract | R2,800 | 1 Week |
| ANC - By Power of Attorney | R3,500 | 1 Week |
| ANC - Urgent/Expedited | R4,500 | 1-2 Working Days |
| Cohabitation Agreement | R2,500 | 1 Week |
| Life Partnership Agreement | R2,500 | 1 Week |
| Express Life Partnership Agreement | R4,500 | 1-2 Days |
| Registration of Foreign Marriage | R4,500 | 3-6 Weeks |
| Registration of Foreign Divorce | R4,500 | 3-6 Weeks |
| Divorce Decree <10 years | R750 | 2 Weeks+ |
| Divorce Decree >10 years | R1,200 | 1 Month+ |
| Registration of Foreign Death | R4,500 | 3-6 Weeks |
| Will | R1,500 | 1 Week |
Apostille & Legalisation Experts
- Fast Apostille & Authentication in South Africa
- Police Clearance & Unabridged Certificates
- Notary Public – Affidavits, POAs & Contracts
- Pickup & Delivery in Johannesburg
Why Choose Us?
✔ Trusted & Reliable
✔ Secure Handling of Documents
✔ Swift Turnaround Times
Embassy Attestation
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all non-Hague countries require embassy attestation?
Most do, but some institutions accept DIRCO authentication alone. We confirm this for you.
Can you assist if I am outside South Africa?
Do you handle sworn translations?
Yes. Sworn translations can be arranged where required.