How to Obtain an Apostille in Germany (Apostille in Deutschland)

If you need to use a German public document abroad, you may be required to obtain an apostille. Germany is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, which allows German documents to be recognised in other Convention countries without further embassy or consular legalisation.

This article explains what an apostille is, which German documents can be apostilled, and how to apply for an apostille in Germany, whether you are in Germany or applying from overseas.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is an official certificate that confirms the authenticity of the signature, seal, or stamp on a public document. It does not verify the truth or legal effect of the document’s contents.

Once apostilled, a German document is valid for use in all other Hague Convention countries.

Which German Documents Can Be Apostilled?

Common German documents eligible for apostille include:

Birth, marriage, and death certificates (Personenstandsurkunden)
Court judgments and judicial documents
Notarial deeds and powers of attorney
Criminal record certificates (Führungszeugnis)
University degrees and academic certificates
Commercial and company documents (Handelsregisterauszüge)

Private documents generally must first be notarised by a German Notar before an apostille can be issued.

Who Issues Apostilles in Germany?

Germany has a federal, decentralised system. Apostilles are issued by state-level authorities, depending on the type of document and where it was issued.

Typical competent authorities include:

Landesjustizverwaltung – for many judicial and notarial documents
Landgericht – often responsible for court documents and notarial certifications
Regierungspräsidium – for administrative documents in some states

There is no single national apostille office in Germany. Applying to the correct authority is essential.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an Apostille in Germany

Step 1: Identify the Competent Apostille Authority

You must apply to the authority responsible for:

The issuing office, or
The state (Bundesland) in which the document originated

Examples:

A Berlin birth certificate → Berlin state authority
A notarial power of attorney notarised in Bavaria → Bavarian authority

Submitting to the wrong authority will delay or invalidate your application.

Step 2: Check the Document Format

Before submitting:

Ensure the document is an original or an official certified copy
Confirm the signature and stamp are clear
Verify that the document is recent enough for the receiving authority
Ensure notarised documents are signed by a German Notar

Photocopies without certification are usually rejected.

Step 3: Submit the Apostille Application

Depending on the Bundesland and authority, applications may be submitted:

In person
By post
Online (limited jurisdictions and document types)

Required items usually include:

The original document
A brief application request
Payment of the applicable fee (if charged)

Step 4: Pay the Fee

Apostille fees vary by state but typically range from:

€10 to €30 per document

Some authorities charge reduced fees for multiple documents or personal matters.

Step 5: Processing Time

Indicative processing times:

In person: same day to 3 business days
Postal applications: 3–10 business days

Busy urban authorities may take longer, particularly during peak periods.

Using German Apostilles Overseas

Once apostilled:

The document is valid in all Hague Convention countries
No embassy or consular legalisation is required

However, the receiving authority may still require:

A certified translation
A document issued within a specific timeframe

Certified Translation Requirements

If the destination country does not accept German-language documents:

A certified translation is usually required
Some authorities require:
- The translator’s certification to be notarised
- A separate apostille on the translation

Translation rules are set by the destination country, not Germany.

Apostille vs Legalisation in Germany

Apostille: Used for Hague Convention countries
Legalisation: Required for non-Hague countries and involves embassy or consulate authentication

Always confirm which process applies before submitting documents.

Applying from Outside Germany

If you are overseas, you can:

Apply by post directly to the competent authority
Authorise a representative in Germany
Use a professional apostille or notary service

This is common for:

Migration and visa applications
Overseas employment
International inheritance and estate matters
Cross-border business transactions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Applying to the wrong state authority
❌ Submitting uncertified copies
❌ Forgetting translation requirements
❌ Assuming apostilles expire (documents may, but apostilles usually do not)
❌ Confusing apostille with embassy legalisation

Germany Apostille