Apostille for Germany

To get an apostille for a UK-issued document to be used in Germany, the process is similar to what you would do for other countries that are members of the Hague Convention. Germany, being a signatory of the Hague Convention, accepts apostilled documents for official use. The apostille certifies that the document is authentic and legally valid for use in Germany.

Steps to Get an Apostille for Germany:

1. Obtain the Document:

• The document you wish to use in Germany must be a public document issued by an official UK authority. Common documents include:
  • Birth, marriage, or death certificates.
  • Academic records (diplomas, transcripts).
  • Court documents.
  • Notarized documents (contracts, affidavits, powers of attorney).

1. Notarization (if required):

• For private documents (such as signed contracts or powers of attorney), notarization may be required before the apostille can be applied. This is not needed for public documents like birth certificates or marriage certificates, as they are issued by official UK authorities.

1. Apply for the Apostille:

• In the UK, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is responsible for issuing apostilles. You can apply in the following ways:
• Online: For public documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, and academic records, you can apply online via the FCDO’s Legalisation Service.
• By Post: If you are sending documents by post, you will need to submit your documents to the FCDO’s Legalisation Office, along with the required payment and any supporting documents.
• In Person: If you are located in London, you can apply in person at the FCDO Legalisation Office (by appointment).

1. Documents that can be Apostilled:

• Public documents like government-issued birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates do not require notarization and can be apostilled directly.
• Private documents (e.g., contracts, powers of attorney, notarized statements) may require notarization before an apostille is applied.

1. Pay the Fee:

• The current fee for an apostille in the UK is generally £30 per document. Additional fees may apply if you use express services or apply in person.

1. Processing Time:

• Apostille processing usually takes about 3-5 working days if you apply online or in person. If you apply by post, it may take longer (typically 7-10 working days or more, depending on postal delays).

1. Translation Requirements:

• Once apostilled, if the document is in English, it may need to be translated into German before it is used in Germany. Official translations (also known as “sworn translations”) are typically required for legal or administrative processes in Germany.
• The apostille itself does not need to be translated, but the document to which the apostille is attached may need a certified translation depending on the nature of the document.

1. Receiving the Apostilled Document:

• Once your document has been apostilled, it can be used in Germany for official purposes, such as applying for a visa, registering a marriage, or submitting documents for residency.

Where to Get the Apostille in the UK:

• Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO):
• You can apply online or by post. The FCDO’s Legalisation Office is responsible for issuing apostilles.
• Website: FCDO Legalisation Service
• Postal Address (for sending documents by post):
  • Legalisation Office
    Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
    PO Box 6255
    Milton Keynes
    MK10 1XX
    United Kingdom
• In Person (by appointment):
  • FCDO Legalisation Office, London (available only by appointment).

Italian Consulate or Embassy in the UK:

• Once apostilled, documents are typically valid in Germany. However, if needed, you may want to contact the German Embassy or Consulate in the UK for further advice if you are unsure whether additional legalization is required.
• Embassy of Germany, London:
• Address: 23 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PZ, United Kingdom
• Phone: +44 20 7824 1300
• Website: www.germany.info/uk-en

Example of Documents Typically Apostilled for Use in Germany:

• Academic Records: Diplomas, degree certificates, transcripts from UK universities.
• Family Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates (for use in immigration, marriage, or family reunification).
• Business Documents: Company registration documents, powers of attorney, contracts for use in business or legal dealings in Germany.
• Legal Documents: Court decisions, legal statements, or notarized affidavits.

Final Considerations:

• Translation into German: As Germany primarily uses the German language for legal matters, you may need a sworn translation of your apostilled document. A sworn translator is authorized to translate documents for official purposes in Germany.
• Verification at German Embassy/Consulate: While the apostille should be sufficient for use in Germany, in rare cases, the German authorities may ask for additional verification. If you are uncertain, it’s always a good idea to check with the German Embassy or Consulate in London before proceeding.

By following these steps, your UK-issued document will be valid and ready for use in Germany for legal, official, or administrative purposes.