If you’ve ever needed to deal with official paperwork for use overseas, you’ve probably come across the term notary public. But what exactly can a South African notary do—and what types of documents require notarisation?
Whether you’re emigrating, applying for foreign citizenship, entering into an international business agreement, or simply verifying your identity abroad, a notary public plays a crucial role in ensuring the legal validity of your documents outside South Africa.
Let’s explore the types of documents South African notaries typically handle, and how RSANotary.co.za makes the process fast, simple, and secure.
What is a notary public?
A notary public is a senior legal professional—usually an admitted attorney—authorised to certify and authenticate certain legal documents for local and international use. In South Africa, notaries are appointed by the High Court and are held to strict ethical and procedural standards.
Their job is to:
- Witness and verify signatures
- Administer oaths or affirmations
- Authenticate copies of original documents
- Draft and notarise legal documents (such as affidavits or powers of attorney)
- Assist with the legalisation of documents for use in foreign countries
Once notarised, your document can be apostilled or attested, depending on where it will be used.
Common documents that need notarisation
A notary public can assist with a wide range of personal, commercial, and legal documents. These are some of the most common:
Personal documents
- Powers of attorney for use abroad (e.g. to buy or sell property)
- Affidavits and declarations for visa or citizenship applications
- Certified copies of passports, ID documents, birth or marriage certificates
- Consent letters for minors travelling internationally
- Educational qualifications (e.g. degrees, diplomas) for foreign employment or study
- Unabridged birth and marriage certificates used outside South Africa
- Letters of No Impediment for marriage abroad
Financial and business documents
- Contracts or agreements involving foreign entities
- Shareholder resolutions or business registration documents
- Company powers of attorney
- Bank letters and proof of financial standing
- Documents for offshore accounts or foreign investment
Property-related documents
- Property transfer documents for overseas sales
- Declarations for estate planning
- Notarial bonds and prenups (antenuptial contracts)
Some countries also require that documents be translated and notarised by a sworn translator and a notary public before they’ll be accepted.
When is notarisation not enough?
In many cases, notarisation is only the first step in the legalisation process. Depending on the country where the document will be used, you may also need:
- Apostille certification (for countries that are part of The Hague Apostille Convention)
- High Court authentication (for documents signed by someone other than a notary)
- Embassy or consular attestation (for countries that are not part of the Apostille Convention)
At RSANotary.co.za, we can help you determine exactly what level of legalisation is required based on the document type and destination country.
Why use a professional notary service?
Notarisation isn’t just about stamping a document—it’s about making sure the document is legally sound, correctly formatted, and ready for use wherever it’s headed.
Working with a qualified notary ensures:
- Your documents meet legal and international standards
- All required steps are taken for acceptance abroad
- Errors or delays due to incorrect formats are avoided
- You get the right advice on apostilles, attestation, and follow-up steps
We offer both in-person and remote notarisation services, depending on the type of document and the legal requirements. We also help with courier services, translations, and apostille/legalisation, so you can get everything done in one place.
Need a document notarised?
Whether you’re based in South Africa or living abroad, RSANotary.co.za offers fast, reliable, and compliant notarial services tailored to your needs.
Get in touch with us today to book a consultation or ask about your document requirements.
We’ll guide you through the process from start to finish—and make sure your documents are properly notarised, legalised, and accepted internationally.
