German authorities, registry offices (Standesamt) and courts set high standards for foreign documents. An incorrectly prepared translation or a missing apostille can mean a document is not accepted.

The apostille: where and when it is issued

An apostille under the Hague Convention confirms the authenticity of the signature and the authority of the official who issued the document. The key rule is that it is issued only in the country whose authorities issued the document. If the country is not a party to the Convention, consular legalisation is required instead.

Who sworn translators are

In Germany, certified translations are made by publicly appointed and sworn or authorised translators (beeidigte or ermächtigte Übersetzer) who are admitted by the courts of the federal states. German authorities often do not accept translations certified by a notary abroad.

Certified copies (beglaubigte Kopien)

Universities and authorities often ask for officially certified copies. You can have copies certified not only by a notary but also at many municipal offices (Bürgeramt or Rathaus), usually for a few euros per document. Check whether the recipient accepts this form of certification.

The database of court interpreters and translators

You can find an approved translator near you through the official database justiz-dolmetscher.de. Certified translations with a stamp and a certification note can also be sent by post.

What to check

  • Have birth and marriage certificates and diplomas apostilled in the country of issue.
  • Order translations only from translators approved in Germany.
  • Make sure the translation is attached to a copy of the apostilled original.
  • Have a set of certified copies made at the Bürgeramt for universities and banks.

Example situation

To get married at the registry office, an applicant orders a certified translation of her apostilled birth certificate through the database and receives it with an official stamp by post three days later.

Next step

An apostille can only be issued in the country where the document was issued; have your key certificates apostilled before moving to Germany.

Official information on this topic

Checklists and examples are organisational recommendations. Requirements depend on the procedure, the city and your situation; check them with the relevant office before you act. Please discuss legal and tax questions with an authorised professional.

This article was prepared with the help of AI. The example illustrates the approach and does not describe a client case.