What Is an Apostille, and When Do You Need One?
The certificate that proves a foreign document is genuine — and when German offices ask for it.
An apostille is an internationally recognised certificate that confirms a public document — such as a birth or marriage certificate — is genuine. Some German offices require one on foreign documents; whether you need it depends on the office and the specific document.
What an apostille is
An apostille is a standardised certificate, introduced by the 1961 Hague Convention, that verifies the origin of a public document so it can be accepted in another member country without further legalisation. It doesn’t certify the content — only that the signature, seal or stamp on the document is authentic.
When German authorities ask for one
German offices sometimes require an apostille on foreign-issued civil documents used in a citizenship application — for example your own or a parent’s birth or marriage certificate issued abroad. Requirements are not uniform, so confirm with the specific office before you order or pay for one.
How to get one
An apostille is issued by a designated authority in the country that produced the document — often a foreign ministry or a courts/legalisation office. You apply for it on the original or a certified copy; the process and fee vary by country.
Apostille vs certified translation
These are different things and you may need both. An apostille proves the document is genuine; a certified translation renders it into German for the authority. A document in another language may need certifying, apostilling and translating — check which apply to each document.
What is an apostille in one line?
An international certificate confirming a public document is genuine.
Do I always need one?
No — only some German offices require it on some foreign documents. Check first.
Apostille or translation?
They are different — you may need both: an apostille proves authenticity, a translation renders it into German.