APOSTILLE FOR GERMANY
Apostille Services for Germany
Marrying in Germany, applying for a residence permit or Blue Card, reclaiming German citizenship, buying property or settling an inheritance? Germany accepts apostilles, and most German offices also need a German translation. We handle both from Boston.
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GERMANY AT A GLANCE
Hague Convention member
An apostille is all you need.
- Marriage at the Standesamt
- Residence permits and Blue Card
- Citizenship and inheritance
- German translation arranged
How documents for Germany work
Documents we prepare for Germany
- Birth certificates for marriage, residence and citizenship
- Marriage and divorce records
- Affidavits of single status for marriage in Germany
- FBI background checks for residence permits
- Diplomas and transcripts for degree recognition
- Powers of attorney and death certificates for inheritance and property
- Corporate documents for German GmbH registrations
What Germany usually requires
| Document | Where the apostille comes from | What else to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | Secretary of the Commonwealth or issuing state | Long-form certified copy; German translation |
| Single status affidavit | Secretary of the Commonwealth, after notarization | German translation; check how recent it must be |
| Diploma or transcript | Secretary of the Commonwealth, through your school | See our university pages |
| Power of attorney | Secretary of the Commonwealth, after notarization | Ask the German notary for the wording |
Requirements change and can differ by consulate, city and purpose. Always confirm the exact requirements with the office receiving your documents. We are glad to review the instructions they sent you.
Ready to get started?
Tell us what you need, and we will take care of every step.
How we handle it
- 1
Tell us what the recipient asked for
Send us the list or the email from the consulate, school, employer or attorney. We review it and confirm exactly what each document needs.
- 2
We prepare each document
Certified copies, notarization by appointment or retrieval of records you do not yet have.
- 3
Apostilles from the right offices
Massachusetts documents are apostilled by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, documents from other states by the issuing state, and federal documents, such as FBI checks, by the U.S. Department of State.
- 4
German translation and shipping
When needed, we arrange certified translation, then return everything with tracking, either to you or directly abroad.
Good to know
Marrying in Germany
The Standesamt often asks for a long-form birth certificate and proof that you're free to marry. Since the U.S. doesn't issue a certificate of no impediment, a sworn affidavit is common. See Single Status Affidavit.
German citizenship
Descendants of former German citizens may need family records across generations. See Citizenship by Descent.
Sworn translation
Ask whether the office requires a translator sworn in Germany.
Businesses
See Corporate Documents.
Mistakes we help you avoid
- A short-form birth certificate. German offices usually require the long form with parents' names.
- Translations that aren't accepted. Many offices require a translator sworn in Germany.
- An expired affidavit. Standesämter often require documents issued within the last few months.
- Missing records for a citizenship claim. Each generation needs its own records.
- Powers of attorney without a German notary's wording. Ask the Notar for the text first.
Not sure which service you need?
Send us the details, and we will confirm the right route before you commit.
Common situations
Getting married in Germany
Long-form birth certificate, proof of single status and translations.
Blue Card and residence permits
Degrees, transcripts and background checks.
Restoring German citizenship
Records showing descent from a former German citizen.
Inheritance
Death certificates, wills and powers of attorney for a German Erbschein.
Working with German offices
Official sources
Requirements change, and the receiving office always has the final word. We link to official sources so you can check the current rules yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Does Germany accept apostilles?
Yes. Germany has been a member of the Apostille Convention since 1966.
Do I need a sworn German translation?
Often, yes. Ask the receiving office whether they require a translator sworn in Germany.
Can you help with documents for the German consulate in Boston?
Yes. We prepare apostilled U.S. documents. Confirm the consulate's checklist first.
Do you ship to Germany?
Yes, with tracking.
Do you help with degree recognition for Germany?
Yes, with the apostilled diploma and transcript. Recognition itself is handled by the German authorities.
Can you get long-form birth certificates from other states?
Yes, through our nationwide network, with apostilles from each state.
Sending documents to Germany?
Share the documents, their purpose and your deadline, and we will outline every step.