Our Services
From police clearances and visa applications to document procurement and international legalisation, every service is delivered with the thoroughness and precision that government processes demand.
Complete visa and document solutions
We handle every aspect of your application with precision and care from start to finish
Services
What we handle for you
Police clearance certificates
SA and international clearances processed with precision
Visa applications and immigration support
Work, study, family, and permanent residency pathways
Government document procurement
Birth, marriage, death certificates and more from DHA
SATI-accredited translation services
Work, study, spousal, critical skills, and more
Courier, tracking, document review, and advisory
CLEARANCE
Police Clearance Certificates
A police clearance certificate is a standard requirement for visa applications, emigration, foreign employment, and international adoption. We manage the full process on your behalf.
PROCESSING TIMES
5–7
Varies
6+
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU
A full set of fingerprints
A completed fingerprint form including:
Full Name
Surname
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
Identity Number
A good quality copy of your ID or passport.
South African Police Clearance (SAPS 91a)
Required by most foreign governments, employers, and visa-issuing authorities to confirm that an applicant has no criminal record in South Africa. Processed through the SAPS Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria.
- Fingerprint facilitation (digital or manual)
- Application submission to the Criminal Record Centre
- SAPS 91a form completion
- Tracking and status updates
- Collection and delivery of your completed certificate
International Police Clearances
If you’ve lived in another country for 12 months or more within the past 10 years, most visa authorities require a police clearance from that country as well. Each jurisdiction has its own process — we handle all of it.
Countries we regularly process:
- United Kingdom (ACRO)
- United States of America (FBI)
- Australia (AFP)
- Canada (RCMP)
- United Arab Emirates
- Other jurisdictions on request
VISA
Visa Applications & Immigration Support
South Africa’s immigration system is document-heavy, process-specific, and subject to strict requirements that vary by visa category. An incomplete or incorrectly prepared application is the most common reason for delays and refusals.
Gateway Visas & Docs prepares and submits visa applications with the level of detail and accuracy that DHA requires. Your application will be complete, correctly compiled, and presented in the strongest possible form.
We assist with a wide range of visa applications, including:
- Schengen Visa (Europe)
- Dubai / UAE Visa
- Saudi Arabia Visa
- Turkish Visa
- UK Visa
- USA Visa
- China Visa
- Canada Visa
- Australia Visa
- India Visa
Work Visa (General)
For foreign nationals who have secured employment with a South African employer. Requires a formal job offer, employer compliance documentation, and proof that the position could not be filled locally.
Critical Skills Visa
For foreign nationals possessing skills on the DHA Critical Skills List. Requires SAQA qualification evaluation, proof of professional registration, and supporting documentation of expertise.
Spousal / Life Partner Visa
For foreign nationals married to or in a life partnership with a South African citizen or permanent resident. Same-sex partnerships are legally recognised.
Study Visa
For foreign nationals accepted into a registered South African educational institution. Requires an acceptance letter, proof of financial means, medical cover, and parental consent if a minor.
Visitor Visa
For foreign nationals entering South Africa for tourism, medical treatment, or short-term business purposes. Requirements vary based on nationality and purpose of visit.
Retired Person Visa
For foreign nationals wishing to retire in South Africa. Requires proof of a pension, retirement annuity, or irrevocable income stream meeting the DHA minimum threshold.
Permanent Residency
For qualifying applicants seeking permanent resident status under Section 26 or 27 of the Immigration Act. A complex, document-intensive process we compile fully to DHA standards.
Visa Renewals & Appeals
If your visa is approaching expiry or your application has been refused, we assist with renewal applications and formal appeals to the Department of Home Affairs.
What is included in every visa application
- Initial assessment of eligibility and requirements
- Tailored document checklist for your visa category
- Full form completion (BI-1738 and supporting forms)
- Document review and verification prior to submission
- Compilation in the format required by DHA
- Cover letter preparation
- Submission to the Department of Home Affairs
- Status tracking and updates throughout processing
Government Document Procurement
Official documents issued by the South African Department of Home Affairs are required for a wide range of legal, immigration, and personal purposes. We manage the procurement process directly with DHA so you receive the correct document without navigating the system yourself.
South African ID Document
We assist with applications for first-time IDs, re-issues, and replacement ID documents through the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring your application is correctly submitted.
Passport Applications
New passport applications, renewals, and emergency travel documents. We guide you through the full process and assist with submission to DHA or the relevant authority.
Unabridged Birth Certificate
Contains full details of both parents. Required for international travel with minors, visa applications, citizenship applications, and passport renewals.
Unabridged Marriage Certificate
Required for spousal visa applications, emigration, foreign registration of marriage, and various legal proceedings. Obtained directly from DHA.
Death Certificates
Required for estate administration, insurance claims, immigration applications, and pension matters. We assist with originals and certified copies from DHA.
Divorce Decrees
Certified copies of divorce orders are frequently required for visa applications and remarriage documentation. Obtained from the relevant court on your behalf.
Letters of No Impediment
Required when a South African citizen intends to marry in a foreign country. Confirms there is no legal impediment to the marriage under South African law.
Change of Name / Surname
We facilitate the legal process of changing your name or surname through DHA, including the required publication in the Government Gazette.
Government Document Procurement
Official documents issued by the South African Department of Home Affairs are required for a wide range of legal, immigration, and personal purposes. We manage the procurement process directly with DHA so you receive the correct document without navigating the system yourself.
Unabridged Birth Certificate
Contains full details of both parents. Required for international travel with minors, visa applications, citizenship applications, and passport renewals.
Unabridged Marriage Certificate
Required for spousal visa applications, emigration, foreign registration of marriage, and various legal proceedings. Obtained directly from DHA.
Death Certificates
Required for estate administration, insurance claims, immigration applications, and pension matters. We assist with originals and certified copies from DHA.
Divorce Decrees
Certified copies of divorce orders are frequently required for visa applications and remarriage documentation. Obtained from the relevant court on your behalf.
Letters of No Impediment
Required when a South African citizen intends to marry in a foreign country. Confirms there is no legal impediment to the marriage under South African law.
Change of Name / Surname
We facilitate the legal process of changing your name or surname through DHA, including the required publication in the Government Gazette.
Document Authentication & Legalisation
Documents intended for use in a foreign country typically require authentication or legalisation before they will be accepted. The process depends on whether the destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Document
Notarised or certified by a commissioner.
DIRCO / Apostille
Authenticated by South African govt.
Embassy
Legalised by destination country's consulate
Delivery
Collected and couriered to you
Apostille Services
South Africa is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. We submit your documents to DIRCO for apostille certification — the internationally recognised certificate accepted in member countries.
DIRCO Authentication
For documents destined for non-Hague Convention countries, DIRCO authentication is required in place of an apostille. This confirms the document is genuine and issued by a recognised South African authority.
Embassy Legalisation
Certain countries require an additional step after DIRCO authentication: legalisation by that country’s embassy or consulate in South Africa. Common for the UAE, Saudi Arabia, China, Qatar, and Kuwait. We handle the full embassy submission and collection process.
Sworn Translations
When official documents are not in the language required by the receiving authority, a sworn translation is mandatory. All translations are carried out by SATI-accredited sworn translators, ensuring the translated document is legally recognised by government authorities locally and internationally.
- Initial assessment of eligibility and requirements
- Tailored document checklist for your visa category
- Full form completion (BI-1738 and supporting forms)
- Document review and verification prior to submission
Immigration Medical Examinations
Many visa and permit applications require an official medical examination completed by an accredited healthcare provider. We coordinate your medical checkup so it meets the exact requirements of your application, with no delays or rejected reports.
Not sure if your visa requires a medical checkup? Contact us and we will confirm the requirements for your specific application before you book anything.
Book a ConsultationGeneral Medical Examination
A full physical examination by an accredited practitioner confirming you meet the health requirements of your visa or permit category.
Tuberculosis (TB) Screening
Required for most long-stay visa applications. We ensure the correct TB test is conducted and results are properly documented for submission.
Medical Report Compilation
All results are compiled into the correct format required by the Department of Home Affairs or the relevant embassy before submission.
Accredited Providers Only
We work exclusively with healthcare providers recognised by DHA and foreign embassies, ensuring your medical results are accepted without complication.
Eligibility Assessment
Not every offence qualifies for expungement. We review your record against the criteria set out in the Criminal Procedure Act to confirm whether you are eligible before any application is submitted.
Application Preparation
We compile all required documentation, complete the necessary forms, and ensure your application is correctly structured before it reaches the Department of Justice.
Submission and Follow-Up
We submit directly to the relevant authority and follow up throughout the process, keeping you informed at every stage until your expungement certificate is issued.
Fully Confidential
All information shared with us is handled with strict confidentiality in full compliance with POPIA. Your record and personal details are never disclosed to any third party.
Criminal Record Expungements
A criminal record can affect your ability to find employment, travel internationally, and obtain a visa or permit. Under South African law, certain offences qualify for expungement, allowing you to start fresh with a clean record. We assess your eligibility, prepare your application, and manage the full submission process on your behalf.
Not sure if your record qualifies? Contact us for a confidential eligibility assessment before taking any further steps.
Check Your EligibilityNot Sure Which Service You Need?
Contact us with your situation and we will advise you on the correct process, required documents, and expected timeline. No obligation.