Apostille/legalisation

Hague apostille and legalisation for translations

Do you require an apostille/legalisation for your certified translation? Perhaps you’re planning to use your German public document in a different country? The document can e.g. be a notarised sales contract, a registration certificate or a court decision. Alternatively, do you require an apostille/legalisation in order to use your document in Germany?

What is an apostille/legalisation?

Two procedures have been developed internationally in order to confirm the authenticity of a document for its use abroad: the Hague apostille and the legalisation.

First, please note: Apostilles/legalisations are not required for document traffic between EU-Member States.

Apostille/legalisation for using German public documents abroad

Legalisation

The legalisation procedure is the older of the two. It applies when apostilles are either not accepted or if no further agreements exist. The foreign body which receives your document can inform you on whether you will need a legalisation. The diplomatic or consular mission of the state of destination issues it.

Important note: Generally, German authorities require prior certification (termed “Vorbeglaubigung”) for legalisations.  Some states additionally require a final authentication (termed “Endbeglaubigung”). For a list of the 22 states and for further information, see here.

Hague apostille

Authorities use the Hague apostille in order to bypass the bureaucratic burden of the legalisation procedure and to thereby simplify international document traffic procedures. Thus, the apostille replaces the legalisation for the 117 states party to the Apostille Convention.  Apostilles are issued by the designated German “apostille” agencies (for more details, see here).

Important note: The apostille/legalisation requirement can apply to both the original document and its certified translation.

Apostille/legalisation for using public documents from abroad in Germany

The same international agreements relating to the Hague apostille and legalisation procedures apply here. The German authority which accepts your document can best inform you about whether you will require a legalisation. If you need a Hague apostille, please contact the local designated “apostille” authority in the document’s state of origin.

To be able to use your foreign document in Germany, German authorities will often require a translation. However, they do not always accept translations prepared abroad.

My service

I’ll be glad to help you in case you need to affix an apostille/legalisation to your certified translation.  For this purpose, I shall file a request for the procedure to the Regional Court of Frankfurt (Oder). The Regional Court then confirms my standing as an authorised translator and prepares the apostille/legalisation. Altogether, the procedure usually takes from 1 to 2 weeks and costs an additional 25 EUR.

I am also happy to offer certified translations for foreign documents that have been affixed with an apostille/legalisation!

Please fill out this contact form and send me your document in the attachment.

In relevant cases, consider the information found in the important notes above. If you have any further questions on this topic, please do not hesistate to contact me.

I look forward to your request!