Apply for an Apostille
Certification of German public documents for use abroad (Hague Apostille Convention).
Wo wohnen Sie?
Damit wir Apply for an Apostille mit dem zuständigen Bundesverwaltungsamt in Ihrer Stadt anzeigen können.
Oder Großstadt wählen:
Sie werden zur geführten Suche weitergeleitet – mit Kontaktdaten, Termin und nächsten Schritten für Apply for an Apostille.
Quick answer
- 1
Documents you need
Original document · Personalausweis oder Reisepass
- 2
Responsible authority
The authority of your main residence
- 3
How to do it
Apply directly online
- 4
Costs
100–110 € Aufenthaltstitel, sonst kostenlos
How to proceed
- 1
Determine the responsible authority
Depending on the type of document, the Regional Court, the District Government, or the Federal Office of Administration.
- 2
Submit the certificate
The original document or a certified copy of the document to be apostilled.
- 3
Obtain an Apostille
To be affixed to the certificate as a stamp or attachment.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
People who need to present German documents (birth certificates, diplomas, certificates of good conduct, etc.) abroad.
Income limit
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 1 weeks
Success rate
approx. 97.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •The wrong authority was contacted (varies depending on the type of document)
- •The original was not submitted; a certified copy was submitted instead
Common reasons for rejection
- •The destination country is not a party to the Hague Convention (legalization is required instead of an apostille)
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
Read the decision carefully: often submitting missing documents or reapplying helps more than an objection.
Questions & Answers
Apostille or legalization—what's the difference?▼
The Apostille is valid for countries that are parties to the Hague Convention; for other countries, legalization through the respective embassy is required.
Freshness & source
- Maintenance
- Continuously reviewed & updated
- Source
- Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge
- Data quality
- 100 %