Apostille: Malawian documents for use abroad
A foreign employer, school or registry wants your Malawian birth, marriage or degree certificate “apostilled”. Here is what that means and how to get it.
- One stamp, 130 countries
- Done by Foreign Affairs
- London fee £50
Quick answer: An apostille is a certificate attached to a Malawian public document, such as a birth or marriage certificate, that proves it is genuine. Malawi joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1967, so its apostille is accepted in the other 129 member countries, including the UK, the US and South Africa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lilongwe processes them. Countries outside the convention, such as Zambia and the UAE, need legalisation instead.
What do you need?
Tap a card to jump to it.
Does your country accept an apostille?
From the Hague Conference member list. Not listed? Check the list or ask the office that wants the document.
Apostille is enough
- United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany
- United States and Canada
- South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini
- Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, India
- Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Israel
Needs legalisation instead
- Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique
- Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda
- United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar
- Egypt
Legalisation is the older, longer route: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs certifies the document, then the embassy of the country where you will use it stamps it too. Ask that embassy what it needs before you start.
Which documents can be apostilled
Missions list these (London, Johannesburg). Use the original or a certified copy.
Getting an apostille in Malawi
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lilongwe handles apostilles. Call before you go to confirm the fee and how long it takes.
- 1
Get the right document
The original, or a copy certified by the office that issued it.
- 2
Take it to Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lilongwe. Bring your ID or passport.
- 3
Collect the apostille
It is attached to the document. Do not remove it or the document is no longer valid abroad.
Applying from abroad
Your nearest Malawi mission tells you how. The documents still go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Malawi.
The High Commission in London says applicants send their documents to the Ministry in Malawi themselves, so allow plenty of time and use tracked post or a courier.
The Consulate General in Johannesburg authenticates Malawian documents for R500, with the document and a copy of your passport. Other missions: see our embassies guide.
- London
- £50
- Johannesburg
- R500
- Processed in
- Lilongwe
Using a foreign document in Malawi
Under the Authentication of Documents Act.
Apostille FAQ
What is an apostille?
A certificate attached to a public document that proves the signature and seal are genuine, so the document is accepted in other Hague Convention countries without more stamps.
Is Malawi part of the Apostille Convention?
Yes. Malawi joined in 1967. The convention now has 130 member countries.
Who issues apostilles in Malawi?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs processes them. The law also names the Solicitor General, ministry permanent secretaries, the Registrar of the High Court, the Registrar General and some others.
How much does an apostille cost?
Through the High Commission in London it is £50. Call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the fee in Malawi.
Does South Africa accept a Malawian apostille?
Yes. South Africa is a member of the convention. Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique are not, so they need legalisation.
Do I need an apostille to use my certificate in Malawi?
No. Apostilles are for using documents in other countries.
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