Attest documents for use in Germany

Certify documents issued in over 100 countries for official use in Germany

Certify documents issued in over 100 countries for official use in Germany

Isarey works across multiple jurisdictions to legalize international documents so that they are valid for submission to German authorities.

We legalize all types of official documents for use in Germany, including identity documents, birth and marriage certificates, criminal record certificates, academic diplomas and corporate documents.

We work locally with certification specialists, notaries, law firms and certifiedGermantranslators in over 100 countries, certifying documents for use in Germany, including documents issued in:

Germany is a signatory to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents Hague Apostille ConventionExternal link (opens in new tab). This means that official documents issued in other signatory countries can be certified by an Apostille Stamp in the country where they have been issued. This stamp will generally be accepted directly by German authorities as confirmation of the document’s authenticity without need for further certification in Germany.

However, documents from non-Apostille countries must be legalized by the authorities of the issuing country and then attested by the local German embassy or consulate. This applies to documents in countries such as: AE United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates - TW TaiwanTaiwan - MY MalaysiaMalaysia - TH ThailandThailand - ZM ZambiaZambia - QA QatarQatar

European Union

Submission within the European Union
Certain documents do not require Apostilles for submission to authorities in Germany when they are issued in another European Union Member State (the receiving authority should accept the original or a certified copy).

When applying for certain public documents, a multilingual standard form may be requested to accompany the original. A multilingual standard form must always be issued and signed by an authority of the EU country where the public document is issued, providing a translation aid designed to help the receiving authority to understand a public document which is in a language not accepted by Germany.
See: EU Multilingual standard formsExternal link (opens in new tab)

Documents not requiring Apostilles for use in Germany include birth, death, marriage certificates, absence of a criminal record (a clean criminal record of a citizen of the issuing country), certificates of nationality and residence:
See: Regulation (EU) 2016/1191External link (opens in new tab)

Other documents, including academic certificates, still require Apostille certification and certified translation to be valid in Germany.

Civil status certificates (multilingual extracts from the civil status registers)
Birth, marriage and death certificates should not require Apostille Stamps for submission in Germany when issued in accordance with the conventions of the International Commission on Civil and Civil Status by one of following countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cape Verde, Estonia, France, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey

Multilingual certificates of no impediment to marriage
Certificates of no impediment to marriage should not require Apostille stamps for submission in Germany when issued by one of the following countries (Munich CIEC Convention):
Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Moldova, Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Switzerland, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey.

Ethiopia
Documents from Ethiopia
Public documents issued in Ethiopia cannot be legalised for use in Germany. The German Embassy in Addis Ababa may agree to carry out a document verification, but only upon a request issued by a German authority. Copies of Ethiopian public documents can only be authenticated if the authenticity of the original can be determined without a doubt, i. e. documents with security features such as drivers’ licenses or passports.
Ethiopian documents cannot be legalised. On request of German authorities, the Embassy can carry out a document verification. Private individuals cannot initiate a document verification. Verification of Ethiopian documents for use in GermanyExternal link (opens in new tab)
Gabon
Documents issued in Gabon
The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Libreville cannot authenticate or legalize documents. It also cannot certify that the original copies of documents are true.
See: The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Libreville cannot authenticate or legalize documents. It also cannot certify that the original copies of documents are true. German embassy in Gabon - Legalization of DocumentsExternal link (opens in new tab) (in French)
Nigeria
Documents issued in Nigeria
The legalization of Nigerian public documents and certificates by German consulates in Nigeria was ceased in May 2000 due to the lack of security features. It was replaced by a verification process in which Nigerian public documents are verified upon request by a German court or authority. The verification process can only be initiated on request of a German authority, not by a private person.
The legalization of public documents and certificates was ceased in May 2000 due to the lack of security features in Nigerian documents. Verification of Nigerian Documents by the Embassy of GermanyExternal link (opens in new tab)

If you have documents issued in Germany:

Isarey also certifies documents issued in Germany for use abroad, including German birth, death and marriage certificates, diplomas and criminal record certificates. For further information, please see:

Right arrowCertify documents issued in Germany for use abroad

Certified Translation

When documents are written in a language that is not an official language of Germany, then a certified translation may also be required. It is important to ensure that the certified translation is valid for use in Germany. Translations not done in Germany may require separate legalization alongside the original document.

Isarey provides document attestation services to private, corporate and institutional clients worldwide. Our presence in different jurisdictions and our local experience and expertise dealing directly with authorities and embassies in different countries means we can save you time, frustration and money, ensuring that documents are properly prepared so that they are accepted by German authorities.

To find out about certifying documents for use in Germany, use our online quotation form or email us a scan or description of the documents you need to certify. We will get back to you directly with a quotation and details of how to proceed:

6 steps to certify document for use in Germany

  1. Upload the documents you need attested or send them to us by email.
  2. Our experts will pre-check your documents to ensure that they are eligible for Apostille certification or consular legalization in the country where they are issued, and we’ll assist you locally in preparing them if required.
  3. We’ll send you a quotation with the total cost of the process (final price including all fees, certified translation when required and courier costs) and an estimation of how long the process will take to complete.
  4. We’ll arrange a secure courier to collect your original documents (where electronic versions are not sufficient).
  5. As soon as we receive your documents, we will confirm your order and proceed with the attestation process. Where appropriate, we will arrange certified copies for the attestation process so that we can return your originals directly.
  6. We return the attested documents to you by secure international courier.
Attest documents for use in Germany

Germany Resources

German news and resources: visas, business and immigration

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Germany Visa and Immigration Resources
Who needs a visa?
Right arrowwww.make-it-in-germany.com
Do I need a visa to work in Germany? What are the visa requirements to attend a higher education institution or receive vocational training?
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Check if you need a visa or permit for Europe
Right arrowmfa.gov.sc
If you're travelling to Europe to visit, study or work you may need to apply for a visa or permit first.
Living and working in Germany
Right arrowde.usembassy.gov
Advice and guidance for US citizens living and working in Germany.
909
Recognition of foreign educational credentials
Right arrowwww.kmk.org
Information about the recognition of foreign education credentials and their value for various professional and academic purposes in Germany
Attestation of Indian Documents in Germany
Right arrowcgimunich.gov.in
Documents (except Indian Passport, Indian Driving Licence & OCI card) can be Attested by the Consulate only if the documents are attested/apostilled by CPV Division, Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India, New Delhi
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Germany - UK Foreign travel advice
Right arrowwww.gov.uk
This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel to Germany.
844
Travelling to Germany for work
Right arrowwww.gov.uk
Check if you need a visa or permit to work in Germany and how to get one if you do (UK Citizens).
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Living in Germany
Right arrowwww.gov.uk
Information for British citizens moving to or living in Germany, including guidance on residency, healthcare and driving.
DE
Germany Embassies and Consulates
905
Websites of the German missions abroad
Right arrowwww.auswaertiges-amt.de
List of websites of German representations abroad - embassies and consulates.
DE
Germany Doing Business
845
Germany - Country Commercial Guide
Right arrowwww.trade.gov
Discusses key German economic indicators and trade statistics, which countries are dominant in the market, and other issues that affect trade.
DE
Germany Visa and Immigration News
1960
Taking care of business what matters when your employees travel to and from Germany
Right arrowwww.lexology.com
An overview of the key aspects to consider when sending one of your employees to and from Germany.
1678
Germany's new citizenship reform takes effect
Right arrowwww.dw.com
Germany's new citizenship reform has come into force. DW outlines the key changes for non-Germans hoping for naturalization.
1677
Germany's new visa programme makes it easier for skilled workers to immigrate
Right arrowwww.bbc.com
The nation's recently announced new work visa, the Chancenkarte, or Opportunity Card, offers non-EU citizens a new opportunity to move abroad.
A Guide to Germanys Digital Nomad Visa
Right arrowtechround.co.uk
Germany stands out as a pioneer for digital nomads, boasting one of the lengthiest visas for such professionals. This visa permits stays of up to 30 months, contingent upon meeting eligibility requirements.
743
German citizenship: What happens if I lose my job during the application process
Right arrowwww.iamexpat.de
Changing laws are about to make it easier for residents to get a German passport. But what happens if you lose your job during the application process
323
Germany reforms citizenship law
Right arrowwww.dw.com
Germany is reforming its citizenship law, streamlining the procedure to get German nationality. Dual citizenship will also become an option.
Relocating to Germany in 2024
Right arrowwww.lexology.com
If you are planning to relocate to Germany for work or another valid reason in 2024, you may need to apply for a visa.
251
Germany's new citizenship law: What changes can you expect
Right arrowwww.infomigrants.net
The German cabinet has presented its draft law change to the country's citizenship law -- the biggest in over a century.
Moving to Germany: Guide, tips and checklist for relocating
Right arrowwww.iamexpat.de
Planning your move to Germany Use our checklist, covering everything from visas to health insurance, to know what to expect when you relocate to Germany.
Setting up a business in Germany: Do I need a visa
Right arrowsmithstonewalters.com
If you are considering Germany as a destination to set up your own business, you may need to apply for a visa to work in a self-employed capacity.
Germany plans to ease work visa route for Indian jobseekers
Right arrowwww.iamexpat.de
To cushion the blow of Germanys worker shortage, Chancellor Olaf Scholz wants to make it easier for Indian IT workers to settle in the federal republic.
526
Germany is best study destination for Indian students
Right arrowwww.indiatoday.in
Germany has proved to be a heaven in terms of education as well as job opportunities for Indian students. Here are some of the reasons for studying in Germany for Indian students.
DE
Germany Trade and Business News
1814
Arab investors' interest in Germany on the rise
Right arrowwww.boersen-zeitung.de
Investment in Germany and Europe from the Gulf States is not new, but their goals have become more strategic
767
Practical tips for foreign nationals relocating to Germany
Right arrowwww.lexology.com
Recent changes to the immigration and nationality rules have made Germany even more attractive for non-EU nationals seeking to relocate.
765
The Guide to Successful Living in Berlin
Right arrowreason-why.berlin
Moving to Berlin The city has few rules, but there are some things you should know. Check out 22 essential Dos and Donts for new Berliners.
1025
Relocating to Germany for Work: Considerations and Steps for Employees Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen Loewy LLP
Right arrowwww.fragomen.com
This blog provides an overview of considerations for those preparing to relocate to Germany for an employment opportunity.
WHAT SHOWS UP ON EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND CHECKS
Right arrowwww.thehrdigest.com
As the penultimate part of the pre-employment screening process, many employers conduct background checks to ensure they are making informed decisions about potential candidates.
Living in Germany as a foreigner: The ultimate guide
Right arrowwww.iamexpat.de
Like any country, living in Germany as a foreigner can have its pros and cons. Thinking of making the move Heres the reality of life in Germany laid bare.
10 pitfalls in German employment law
Right arrowwww.lexology.com
Employment related matters with employees in Germany can be very tricky and might feel quite exotic for North American inhouse counsels.
660
A comprehensive guide to buying property in Germany for expats
Right arrowwww.iamexpat.de
Looking at buying a property in Germany A comprehensive guide to the homebuying purchase for expats.
643
A comprehensive guide to buying property in Germany for expats
Right arrowwww.iamexpat.de
Looking at buying a property in Germany Daniela Koegel from finbird.digital brings us this comprehensive guide to the homebuying purchase for expats.
Strengthening German-Egyptian ties
Right arrowenglish.ahram.org.eg
Bilateral relations, opportunities for German businesses in Egypt, and cooperation between the two countries over green energy as Egypt prepares to host COP27
10 things you should know when Investing in Germany
Right arrowwww.lexology.com
The most common way to obtain ownership in German real estate under German Law is in the form of absolute ownership.
Germany to allow dual citizenship under new coalition agreement
Right arrowwww.iamexpat.de
Germany's new coalition government has unveiled plans to simplify the requirements for German citizenship, and allow dual nationality for non-EU citizens.

The above links are provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; Isarey bears no responsibility for the accuracy, content or policies of external websites.

Get a Quotation for your Documents

We price each certification process individually, depending on the type and quantity of documents to be attested, the country of issue, the country of use and intended purpose, urgency, whether certified translations are required as part of the process and courier costs.

To receive a quote, you can upload your documents using our online quotation form or send us your documents by email. After reviewing your documents and requirements, we will get back to you with a quotation:

If you don’t have the documents available, just describe the documents you need to certify, and we will get back to you with an estimation of cost and delivery times.

Using our quotation form, your documents will be uploaded over a secure connection and immediately encrypted on our server. For added protection, you can upload password-protected files (PDFExternal link (opens in new tab), Microsoft Office 365: Save a password protected document to prevent unauthorized people from opening it. Office DocumentsExternal link (opens in new tab), WinRAR Encryption Frequently asked question (FAQ) RAR foldersExternal link (opens in new tab)) and provide us with the passwords separately.

PERSONAL DATA: If your documents contain personal data belonging to people outside your household, please ensure that you are authorised to share this data before uploading your documents. If your documents contain sensitive personal data, such as biometric data, medical data or data on criminal convictions, please ensure that you indicate this when prompted, upon submitting your documents. For further information on our processing of personal data contained in uploaded documents, please see:
Privacy Policy (Customer Inquiries)

For further information on confidentiality in our handling of document content please see:
Confidentiality (Client Content)

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