ROUTE

Apostilles and Translations

Who actually issues the apostille (not Germany!), ordering it from abroad, and why translations only count from the German sworn list.

✓ Checked: 15/08/2026

An apostille is not a German procedure, and that is the most common misunderstanding here. It is issued by the country that produced the document: a birth certificate from Kazakhstan is apostilled in Kazakhstan, a diploma from Ukraine in Ukraine. A German authority cannot do it under any circumstances.

1

STEP

The Apostille: What, Where and What For

The apostille is issued by the document COUNTRY OF ORIGIN, not Germany. The stamp certifies authenticity for all Hague Convention states.
2

STEP

Sworn Translation: German-Listed Only

Authorities accept translations only from translators sworn in by German courts. The official database: justiz-dolmetscher.de.
3

STEP

Apostille: If You Are Already Here

Your documents never got apostilled and you have already moved — three working routes: power of attorney for relatives, the consulate, reissuance. Plus apostilles on German documents.

COSTS AND DEADLINES

What you pay for on this route

Certificate translationusually €30–80 per document

Amounts follow official fees as of each step’s verification date. Your city may charge a different rate — check the step itself.

› More about this route

This three-step route clarifies everything: what an apostille is and when full legalisation is required instead, why translations are accepted only from translators sworn in Germany, and what to do when you are already here and the document is back home.

This process belongs planned early: obtaining the document in the country of origin, apostilling it there, and having it sworn-translated here are three separate stages, each with its own weeks. For marriage, credential recognition and family reunification these stages usually determine the overall timeline.

WHERE PEOPLE MOST OFTEN LOSE MONEY AND TIME

Requesting an apostille from a German authority. It is issued solely by the state that produced the document; no office in Germany can do it.
Having the translation made in your home country. German authorities accept translations only from translators sworn in Germany.
Apostilling before establishing the requirements. Some states do not participate in the simplified procedure, and full legalisation is needed there.
Starting the process a month before the deadline. Three stages across two countries take months in total, not weeks.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS ROUTE

How does an apostille differ from legalisation?▾

An apostille is the simplified procedure between states party to the relevant convention. Where a state does not participate, full legalisation through a diplomatic mission applies, and that takes considerably longer.

Can I have the translation done at home and bring it?▾

Usually not. German authorities accept translations from translators sworn in Germany, findable through the official database. Translations produced abroad generally have to be redone.

How long does all this take?▾

Count in three stages: obtaining the document in the country of origin, the apostille there, and the sworn translation in Germany. Each takes weeks, and postal routes stretch it further.

WHAT USUALLY COMES NEXT

Getting Married in GermanyMarrying with foreign documents: apostilles and the certificate of no impediment (2–4 months!), registering at the Standesamt, and the paperwork after the ceremony.Degree RecognitionHalf of newcomers need no recognition at all — check anabin in 5 minutes. Otherwise: ZAB for €208 or the professional authority, with paths to close deficits.Family ReunificationWho qualifies, the housing and income requirements, the A1 exceptions (Blue Card!), the embassy marathon with apostilles — and the family first steps after arrival.