DIRCO Full Authentication
DIRCO Full Authentication
South African documents require authentication by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) before they can be accepted in the UAE. This multi-step legalisation process verifies the origin and legitimacy of your documents for employment, business, or residency purposes in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and across the Emirates.
Green Apple Attest manages the full DIRCO authentication chain on your behalf. We coordinate with South African notaries, DIRCO offices in Pretoria, the UAE Embassy in South Africa, and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deliver fully attested documents ready for submission to any UAE authority.
Whether you are a South African professional relocating to the Gulf, an employer onboarding SA talent, or a business establishing cross-border operations, our team eliminates the complexity of navigating DIRCO procedures from abroad. We track every stage and provide regular updates until your documents are complete.
Documents Required
- Original document requiring authentication
- Certified copy of the document (notarised in South Africa)
- Clear colour copy of your South African passport or ID book
- Clear colour copy of your UAE visa or Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Power of Attorney (provided by Green Apple Attest)
- Completed DIRCO application form
Special Requirements
- • Documents must be notarised by a South African notary public before DIRCO submission.
- • Apostille is not accepted for UAE purposes. Full embassy legalisation chain is required.
How It Works
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1Submit your original documents and identification to Green Apple Attest for review and verification.
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2We arrange South African notarisation and DIRCO authentication in Pretoria on your behalf.
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3Documents are submitted to the UAE Embassy in Pretoria for consular legalisation.
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4Upon return to the UAE, we complete MOFA attestation in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
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5Fully authenticated documents are delivered to you with a completion report.
Insider Tips
Insider Tips
- Ensure your South African documents are original or certified copies bearing a notary stamp before sending them. Uncertified photocopies will be rejected by DIRCO.
- If your name has changed since the document was issued, include your marriage certificate or name change affidavit to avoid processing delays.
- Start the DIRCO process at least four weeks before your UAE deadline. Government processing times in Pretoria can fluctuate during peak periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard DIRCO processing takes 15 to 20 working days for the full chain including notarisation, DIRCO, UAE Embassy, and MOFA. Express options can reduce this to 10 to 12 working days depending on document type.
Yes. Most of our South African clients are already based in the UAE. We coordinate the entire DIRCO process remotely using our network of agents in Pretoria. You only need to send us your original documents.
DIRCO authenticates documents that have been notarised or issued by a recognised South African authority. This includes educational certificates, civil documents, police clearances, and commercial documents. Some documents may require prior verification by the issuing body.
Older documents are generally accepted, but they may require re-notarisation or re-certification before DIRCO will process them. We assess each document and advise you on any additional steps needed.
Quick Facts
- Processing Time
- 12-18 business days
- Pricing From
- AED 450
- Country
- South Africa
- Delivery
- Free across the UAE
Questions About This Service?
Our specialists know South Africa requirements inside out — call or message for free guidance.
Other South Africa Services
DHA Certificate Authentication
End-to-end authentication of Department of Home Affairs certificates (birth, marriage, death) including request for unabridged versions, notarization, DIRCO processing, and UAE attestation.
SAPS Clearance Express
Priority processing of South African Police Service clearance certificates through the complete authentication chain with expedited DIRCO submission to preserve validity for UAE visa applications.
South African Degree Attestation
Full attestation of university degrees and diplomas including institutional verification, SAQA evaluation coordination, notarization, DIRCO authentication, and UAE embassy legalization.
CIPC Corporate Document Service
Authentication of Companies and Intellectual Property Commission documents including company registration certificates, memoranda of incorporation, and director resolutions for UAE business setup.
Not Sure What Your Documents Need? We Are.
Tell us what you are trying to accomplish — visa, job, university, business setup — and we will map out every step. No obligations.