There are two types of certification, the apostille and legalisation.
In the case of legalisation, the competent authorities in Germany check and confirm the
- Authenticity of the signature on the document,
- Authorisation of the signatory to issue the document and
- The authenticity of the official seal ("coat of arms seal") of the issuing authority.
You normally have to present notarised documents abroad in the following cases: You want to
- work there,
- get married,
- adopt a child or
- employ an employee in a foreign branch office.
Apostille
Certain countries have acceded to the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents. For these countries, it is sufficient to provide the required document with an apostille. With this apostille, the competent German authority confirms the authenticity of the German public document. The consular officials of the corresponding foreign state no longer need to be involved. This document is recognised there.
Legalisation
Legalisation is necessary for countries that have not acceded to this agreement. Documents required there must be pre-certified by the competent German authority. The authenticity is then confirmed by the consulate of the country in which the document is to be used. Only then can the document be used abroad.
In addition to the pre-authentication described above, some countries require final authentication by the Federal Office for Foreign Affairs. Following the preliminary legalisation by the German office, the Federal Office for Foreign Affairs notarises the signature of the German public document on behalf of the Federal Foreign Office.