Submitting a foreign-language document in South Africa, or sending a South African document abroad? Start with the direction: the translation, certification, and apostille rules are not the same.
Requirements reviewed by Natalia Vega
Senior Certified Translation Reviewer · Last verified June 2026
Reviewed June 2026 · Natalia Vega
South Africa follows the sworn translation standard for official documents. Translator enrolled and sworn before a High Court. Required for documents to be used abroad (Hague Convention member).
Confirm final requirements with the authority receiving the document.
Need a certified English translation?
From $24.95/page · signed certification included
Quick reference
Confirm final requirements with the authority receiving the document.
| Translation standard | Sworn translation |
|---|---|
| Who can translate | Translator enrolled and sworn before a High Court |
| Apostille | Required for documents to be used abroad (Hague Convention member) |
| Accepted languages | English or other official South African languages depending on authority |
| Responsible authority | Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) |
Official-use requirements
The local certification system, who may translate, and what gives the finished document legal effect.
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Two directions, two rulebooks
Choose the destination first. It determines the language, certification, and whether an apostille belongs in the packet.
Authorities in South Africa accept certified English translations with a signed Certificate of Accuracy. We translate from 65+ languages with 24-hour delivery.
Requirements depend on the receiving country and authority. Confirm whether the original needs an apostille or consular legalization before it is translated.
Common document types
The document types we certify most often — each with its own pricing and requirements page.
Questions people ask before submitting
South Africa follows the sworn translation standard for official documents. Translations should be completed by: translator enrolled and sworn before a high court.
Required for documents to be used abroad (Hague Convention member)
Official authorities in South Africa accept documents in: English or other official South African languages depending on authority. Documents in any other language need a sworn translation before submission.
Yes. We provide certified translations into English with a signed Certificate of Accuracy — the format accepted by immigration authorities, universities, and credential evaluators in South Africa.
Information verified against official sources. Last verified June 2026.
