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Official Document Translation & Legalisation Map

Interactive index of country-specific requirements for certified translations, sworn translations, apostilles, and consular legalization for official submissions worldwide.

Simple World Map Author: Al MacDonald Editor: Fritz Lekschas License: CC BY-SA 3.0 ID: ISO 3166-1 or "_[a-zA-Z]" if an ISO code is not available

Translation Standard

Sworn Translator
Certified Translation
Notarised Translation
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Germany

Sworn translation standard

Requirements Summary

Apostille required
Generally required for foreign documents, depending on country of origin
Who can translate
Publicly appointed and sworn translator registered in Germany
Accepted languages
German
Legalization agency
German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt)
Official registry
Official database of sworn translators and interpreters (Germany)
Official guidelines
German Federal Foreign Office – Legalisation and Apostille Guidance
Important: If an apostille or legalisation is required for a foreign document, it should generally be obtained before the sworn translation is completed in Germany.
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Detailed Guidelines

Who can translate

Only officially appointed and sworn translators (beeidigte Übersetzer / ermächtigte Übersetzer) are authorised to produce legally recognised translations in Germany. These translators are publicly appointed by regional courts (Landgerichte) following verification of qualifications, reliability and professional competence.

What makes a translation official

An official sworn translation must include the translator’s official stamp, signature, and a declaration confirming that the translation is complete and accurate. The certification must reference the appointing authority and confirm the translator’s sworn status.

Documents from abroad

Foreign documents submitted to German courts or authorities may need to be apostilled or legalised in their country of origin before translation. To be accepted by German authorities, the translation must be prepared by a sworn translator registered in Germany.

Legal basis

Sworn translators in Germany are appointed under the judicial laws of the individual federal states (Bundesländer). Appointment is typically made by the president of a regional court, and the translator takes an oath authorising them to certify translations for official purposes.