Germany Apostille Service
Apostille Request Form
Germany is one of the most demanding destinations for U.S. documents, mostly because of the Standesamt. Couples marrying in Germany, parents registering a birth, and anyone applying for residence or German citizenship are asked for apostilled birth certificates, marriage certificates and divorce decrees, often issued within the last six months and accompanied by a sworn German translation.
We also see many German citizenship files from descendants of Germans who lost citizenship, apostilled degrees and transcripts for recognition of foreign qualifications, and corporate documents for U.S. companies registering a German GmbH. Germany has been a Hague Convention member since 1966, so an apostille from the issuing U.S. state is the correct authentication.
Does Germany Accept Apostilles?
Yes. German authorities accept apostilled U.S. documents. The German embassy and consulates in the U.S. do not apostille U.S. documents. Some German offices want a recently issued certified copy, so ordering a new copy before apostilling is often the safest choice.
Documents Most Often Apostilled for Germany
- Birth certificates for marriage at a Standesamt, birth registration and citizenship files.
- Marriage certificates and divorce decrees for residence permits and remarriage.
- Degrees and transcripts for recognition (Anerkennung) and work visas.
- Naturalization-related and family records for German citizenship by descent or restoration.
- Corporate documents: certificates of good standing, articles and powers of attorney for a German subsidiary.
- FBI background checks where requested.
German Translation Requirements
German offices usually require a translation by a sworn translator (öffentlich bestellter und beeidigter Übersetzer). Many accept only translations made in Germany or by a translator sworn in Germany, so ask before ordering a U.S. translation. The apostille itself may also need to be translated.
How Our Germany Apostille Service Works
- Tell us the documents and the country. Call (971) 514-3743 or use the form above. We confirm which version of each document you need.
- We route each document to the right authority. State documents (birth, marriage and divorce records, notarized papers) go to the Secretary of State of the state that issued or notarized them. Federal documents, such as FBI background checks and naturalization-related records, go to the U.S. Department of State.
- We return the apostilled documents to you, or ship them directly abroad with tracking.
Cost and Timing
- Oregon documents: $195 for the first and $20 for each additional, including the state fee; next business day or within 10 business days.
- Most other states: $195 per document, about 10 business days (New York is $350 for the first and $65 for each additional).
- FBI background check: $195 regular (5+ weeks) or $390 expedited (about 10 business days).
- Certified translation: $65 per document, usually 1 to 2 business days.
Germany Apostille FAQ
Does the Standesamt need a recent birth certificate?
Many do, often issued within the last six months. Order a new certified copy before we apostille it.
Can a U.S. translation be used in Germany?
Sometimes. Many German offices require a translator sworn in Germany. Confirm with the office first.
How do I apostille documents for German citizenship by descent?
Each U.S. birth, marriage and death record is apostilled by the state that issued it; naturalization records may need a federal apostille. We sort the set for you.
Can you apostille a certificate of good standing for a German GmbH?
Yes. We order and apostille it from the state where the company is registered.
How much does a Germany apostille cost?
$195 per document for most states.
Start Your Germany Apostille
Call (971) 514-3743 or use the request form above. Tell us which documents you need for Germany and which U.S. state issued them, and we will confirm the steps and the price before you send anything. See also our Hague Convention countries list and pricing.