Notarisation of Documents for use in South Africa

Documents for South Africa usually only need notarisation. Occasionally, usually for court proceedings, an apostille is requested after notarisation.

The apostille is obtained at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (“FCO”) after notarisation.

Many documents eminating from South Africa stipulate that a ‘Commissioner for Oaths’ may witness a document. This is for documents signed within South Africa.   Please see this link to the Southern African Legal Information Institute which sets out who can act as a Commissioner of Oaths in South Africa.

For documents signed outside of South Africa, a Notary Public is normally required.