Emigration Guide
Document Checklist for Emigrating from South Africa 2026
Gathering the right documents is one of the most time-consuming parts of emigrating. Missing or incorrect documents can delay your visa by months. This comprehensive checklist covers every document you need for work visas, permanent residency, and settling abroad, with specific guidance on where to get each one and how long it takes.
Essential Documents (Everyone Needs These)
| Document | Where to Get | Processing Time | Cost | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valid Passport | DHA (Home Affairs) office | 4-8 weeks (SA), 8-12 weeks (abroad) | R400 | 10 years (adults) |
| Unabridged Birth Certificate | DHA office or online | 6-12 weeks | R75 | No expiry |
| Police Clearance Certificate | SAPS Criminal Record Centre | 2-6 weeks (SA), 4-8 weeks (abroad via embassy) | R91 | 6-12 months (depends on destination) |
| Marriage Certificate (if married) | DHA | 4-8 weeks | R75 | No expiry |
| Unabridged Marriage Certificate | DHA | 6-12 weeks | R75 | No expiry |
| ID Document / Smart ID Card | DHA | 1-4 weeks | R140 (smart ID) | No expiry |
Tip: Start gathering these documents 6+ months before your planned departure. DHA processing times are unpredictable and often exceed stated timeframes.
Qualification Documents
| Document | Where to Get | Processing Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matric Certificate (original) | Keep original safe. Replacement from Umalusi/DoBE | 4-8 weeks (replacement) | R130 |
| University Transcripts | Your university registrar | 1-4 weeks | R50-R200 |
| Degree Certificate (original) | Keep original safe. Replacement from university | 4-8 weeks | Varies |
| SAQA Evaluation | SAQA (saqa.org.za) | 20-30 business days | R680-R1,100 |
| WES Evaluation (for Canada) | WES (wes.org/ca) | 20-35 business days | CAD 220-300 |
| Professional Registration Certificate | HPCSA, SANC, ECSA, SAICA, SACE, etc. | 1-4 weeks | Varies |
| Letter of Good Standing | Professional body (SANC, HPCSA, ECSA, etc.) | 2-6 weeks | R200-R500 |
| IELTS/OET/TOEFL Score Report | Test centre (British Council, etc.) | 13 days after test | R3,800-R5,000 |
Financial Documents
| Document | Where to Get | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) | SARS eFiling | 21-60 business days. Required for fund transfers over R1M |
| Bank Statements (6 months) | Your bank | Most visa applications require 3-6 months of statements |
| Payslips (3-6 months) | Employer | Proof of income for visa applications |
| Employment Reference Letters | Current/previous employers | On company letterhead. Include dates, role, salary |
| Proof of Funds | Bank letter or investment statements | Required for most visa applications to show financial stability |
| Tax Returns (last 2-3 years) | SARS eFiling | Some countries request these for visa or PR applications |
Medical & Health Documents
| Document | When Needed | Where to Get |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Exam / Health Certificate | Most visa applications | Approved panel physician (varies by destination country) |
| Chest X-ray (TB screening) | UK, Australia, Canada, NZ visas | IOM clinic or approved radiologist |
| Vaccination Records | General emigration | Your GP, clinic, or Road to Health card |
| Yellow Fever Certificate | If travelling through/to endemic areas | Travel clinic |
| HIV Test | Some countries (Gulf states, Russia, some Asian countries) | Approved lab |
| Prescription Records | If on chronic medication | Your GP / specialist |
| Medical Records Summary | For continuity of care abroad | Your GP |
Apostille & Authentication
South Africa joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1995. Many countries require SA documents to be apostilled before they are accepted.
- Who apostilles SA documents: The High Court (Pretoria) or Magistrate's Court
- Cost: R50-R100 per document
- Processing: 1-5 business days (High Court Pretoria)
- What needs apostille: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearance, degree certificates, matric certificate, professional registration certificates
- Certified copies: Many documents need to be certified by a Commissioner of Oaths (free at SAPS) before apostille
Note: Some countries not in the Hague Convention require full legalisation through the Department of International Relations (DIRCO) and the destination country's embassy in SA.
Country-Specific Requirements
- TB test certificate (from approved clinic)
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference from employer
- Bank statements showing maintenance funds (GBP 1,270 held for 28 consecutive days)
- English language evidence (SA exempt for most visas)
- Biometrics at VFS Global centre
- Criminal record certificate (ACRO for UK, SAPS for SA)
- Skills assessment from relevant authority
- IELTS/PTE/TOEFL scores
- Health examination at Bupa Medical Visa Services
- Police clearance from all countries lived in 12+ months since age 16
- Form 80 (Personal Particulars for Assessment)
- Statutory declaration/evidence of de facto relationship (if applicable)
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from WES
- IELTS General Training scores (for PR) or Academic (for study)
- Police clearance from all countries lived in 6+ months since age 18
- Medical exam at designated panel physician
- Proof of funds (CAD 14,690 single applicant, more for family)
- Reference letters from employers (10+ years of work history)
Frequently Asked Questions
In South Africa, apply at the SAPS Criminal Record Centre (Pretoria) or any police station. Processing takes 2-6 weeks. If applying from abroad, apply through the SA embassy/consulate (4-8 weeks). Police clearances are typically valid for 6-12 months depending on the destination country's requirements.
An unabridged birth certificate shows both parents' details (unlike the standard short-form certificate). Many countries require it for visa applications, especially for children travelling internationally. Apply at DHA -- processing takes 6-12 weeks. It is strongly recommended to get this early as DHA delays are common.
Not always. Check the specific requirements of your destination country and visa type. Generally, official SA government documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, police clearance) and educational certificates need apostille for use in Hague Convention countries. The High Court in Pretoria handles apostille -- R50-R100 per document, 1-5 business days.
Apply online at saqa.org.za. Submit certified copies of qualifications. Processing takes 20-30 business days. Cost is R680 for verification and R1,100 for full evaluation (including NQF level). SAQA evaluations are accepted by many countries for immigration purposes. For Canada specifically, you need WES evaluation (wes.org).
Quick Links
Key Contacts
DHA: 0800 60 11 90
dha.gov.za
SAPS Criminal Records: 012 393 3928
SARS: 0800 00 7277
sars.gov.za
SAQA: 012 431 5000
saqa.org.za
VFS Global (UK): vfsglobal.co.uk