What is the Official Document Recognition Map?

An interactive map showing each country's official requirements for recognising foreign documents, including when certified translations, apostilles, or legalisation are needed.

What is an apostille?

An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in another country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

When do I need a certified translation?

A certified translation is typically required when submitting foreign language documents to government agencies, courts, or official institutions. Requirements vary by country - use the map to check specific country requirements.

What's the difference between legalisation and an apostille?

Apostille is used between countries that are part of the Hague Convention (simplified process), while legalisation is the traditional process used between countries not part of the convention, often requiring multiple steps through foreign ministries and embassies.

Translation Requirements for South Africa

South Africa 🇿🇦

Requirement: Sworn

Requirements summary

Apostille required	Required for documents to be used abroad (Hague Convention member)
Translation type required	Sworn translation (High Court–enrolled translator)
Who can translate	Translator enrolled and sworn before a High Court
Official translator registry	No central national registry; translators are enrolled per High Court division
Accepted languages	English or other official South African languages depending on authority
Legalisation authority	Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)
Official source	Department of Justice and Constitutional Development

Important: Only translators sworn and enrolled at a Division of the High Court may issue legally recognised sworn translations for court and official use.

Search Sworn Translators (HCSTI directory)

Who can translate

Sworn translations must be completed by a translator who has taken an oath before a Division of the High Court of South Africa.

Once enrolled, the translator is authorised to provide sworn translations for legal, governmental, academic, and immigration purposes.

What makes a translation official

A sworn translation must include:

The translator’s official stamp
The translator’s signature
A declaration confirming the translation is true and accurate

Only sworn translations are accepted in court proceedings and by most public authorities.

When sworn translation is required

Court submissions
Immigration documentation
SAQA qualification evaluations
Public authority filings

Documents from abroad

Documents executed abroad must generally be apostilled under the Hague Apostille Convention. Apostilles in South Africa are issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

Legal basis

Sworn translators operate under the authority of the High Courts and relevant Uniform Rules of Court, including Rule 59 concerning interpreter and translation matters.

Official Document Recognition Map - Translation, Apostille & Legalisation Rules by Country

Legalisation and translation requirements in South Africa