An apostille is an additional confirmation of authenticity of a foreign document. Here, an apostille confirms the authenticity of the signature and, if applicable, the seal of the signatory, as well as their authority to issue the document. The Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents (Apostille Convention) is in force between Germany and many countries. However, Germany has objected to the accession of some countries. You can see a detailed list at the Federal Foreign Office.

The authorities of the country in which the document was issued are responsible for issuing it, i.e. German authorities for German documents and, for example, Ukrainian authorities for Ukrainian documents. An apostille consists of a fixed text and is affixed to the document itself or to a sheet attached to it. The Hague Convention does not apply to documents issued by diplomatic or consular representatives, nor to documents relating directly to commercial transactions or customs procedures.

Further information on apostilles and obtaining documents from abroad can be obtained from the relevant embassies and consulates. For an apostille in relation to German documents, contact the authority responsible for you directly. For certificates from registry offices, this are usually the responsible Regierungspräsidium.