If you’re considering hosting a South African au pair (amazing choice by the way!), there’s one thing to keep in mind: Home Affairs in South Africa can be sloooow.
We’re talking anywhere between 2-4 months for documents like the Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) or Single Status Letter. But don’t worry – we’ve done all the research so you don’t have to!
There are ways to speed things up using private companies who help with the paperwork (for a fee, of course). Below we’ve listed the top options, what they cost, and how long they take – so you can choose what works best for your timeline and budget.⏱️💸
💡 Note: All Euro prices are just estimates and will depend on the exchange rate at the time.
🏢 South African Company: Q-Pro
| Document | Duration | Pricing |
| UBC | 5-8 weeks | R1700 / €84.02 |
| Single Status Letter | 3-5 weeks | R2300 / €113.68 |
📦Courier fees:
- Inside JHB: R150 / €7.41
- Outside JHB: R300 / €14.83
📝 Docs needed: ID copy, proof of payment, and application form.
⚠️ No expedited option available.
👉 Total with UBC + Single Status + Courier: R4300 / €212.53
👉 Without Single Status: R2000 / €98.85
❗This is a decent option if you’re not in a rush, but keep in mind the UBC could take up to 2 months and there’s no way to fast-track it.
🏢 Company: Qline Document Services
| Document | Duration | Pricing |
| UBC (Normal) | 4-6 weeks | R2365 / €116.89 |
| UBC (Expedited) | 3-4 weeks | R3365 / €166.32 |
| Single Status Letter (Normal) | 6 weeks | R2875 / €142.10 |
| Single Status Letter (Expedited) | 3-4 weeks | R3875 / €191.53 |
📦 Courier fee: Included
📝 Docs needed: ID copy + application form
👉 Total with UBC + Single Status: R7240 / €357.84
👉 Without Single Status: R3365 / €166.32
❗Really solid option – decent fees and you can speed it up if you’re in a hurry!
🏢 Embassy Services (PTY) LTD
| Document | Duration Normal & Expedited | Pricing |
| UBC (Normal) | 6–8 weeks | R2900 / €143.34 |
| UBC (Expedited) | 3–4 weeks | R4200 / €207.59 |
| Single Status Letter | 2-3 weeks | R3200 / €158.16 |
Apostille (optional add-on): R1150 / €56.84 per doc
Courier Fee: R200 / €9.89 per doc
📝 Docs needed: Copy of passport for Single Status
👉 Full package (UBC expedited + Single Status + Apostille + Courier): R8750 / €432.48
👉 Without apostille: R7600 / €375.64
👉 UBC not expedited + Single Status + Apostille + Courier: R7450 / €368.22
👉 Without apostille: R6300 / €311.38
👉 Without Single Status (UBC only):
Expedited: R4400 / €217.47
Normal: R3100 / €153.22
❗This is one of the best all-round options – flexible packages, quicker timelines, and lots of ways to customise based on your needs.
🏢 Company: Global Apostille
| Document | Duration (Expedited) | Pricing |
| UBC | 10 working days | R4500 / €222.42 |
| Single Status Letter (From Home Affairs) | 10 working days | R3000 / €148.28 |
| Single Status Letter (As an Affidavit) | 1 day | R1200 / €59.31 |
Apostille Services (optional): R1200 / €59.31 per doc
Courier Fee: R350 / €17.30
📝 Docs needed: Copy of ID or passport, any old birth certificate, and application form
👉 UBC + Single Status (no apostille): R7850 / €387.99
👉 With apostille docs: R10250 / €506.62
👉 UBC + Affidavit (apostilled): R6050 / €299.03
👉 UBC apostilled + Affidavit: R7250 / €358.34
❗If you want documents back FAST, this is your go-to. It’s more pricey, but super efficient – perfect if you’re on a tight timeline.
Final Thoughts 💭
We totally get that documents and timelines can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when all you want is to start your au pair journey or welcome someone new into your home. But once the paperwork is done, the real fun begins!
Each of these companies has its pros and cons, so it really comes down to your priorities:
⏱ Speed vs 💸 Budget.
Let us know what you’re leaning towards, and we’re happy to guide you through the process step-by-step. Let’s get you matched and on your way to the experience of a lifetime! 💫