Apostille for Germany · California Documents
Apostille for Germany from California
Germany has been a Hague Convention member since 1965 — a California apostille is accepted for family reunion visas, blue card applications, marriage at the Standesamt, and citizenship filings.
Documents we apostille for Germany
Birth certificate
Required for family reunion visa and citizenship (Einbürgerung) filings with German authorities.
Marriage certificate
Apostilled for marriage recognition at the German Standesamt and spousal visa applications.
FBI background check
Federal route via U.S. Dept of State — not California SOS. Required for German long-term residence permits and naturalization.
Diploma & transcripts
For credential recognition through anabin database and the Central Office for Foreign Education (KMK/ZAB).
Power of attorney
Notarized in California, apostilled for property and legal matters before German notaries and courts.
Divorce decree
Apostilled for prior-marriage documentation in German civil registration and visa applications.
How the Germany apostille works
- Document check ($45, credited). We verify your document is California-issued, correctly certified, and Germany-ready before any Secretary of State fee is paid.
- Sacramento filing. Couriered to the California Secretary of State — mail-in or same-day in person depending on your timeline.
- Germany routing. Germany has been a Hague member since 1965. California apostilles are accepted by German Standesämter, courts, notaries, and immigration authorities.
- Returned tracked. Apostilled document returned by tracked carrier with status updates throughout.
Germany apostille — FAQ
Yes. Germany has been a Hague Convention member since 1965 and accepts apostilles from any other member, including the California Secretary of State.
Yes — foreign nationals typically need an apostilled birth certificate and a certificate of no impediment to marriage (Ehefähigkeitszeugnis or equivalent). In the U.S., the equivalent is often a notarized single-status affidavit apostilled by the California SOS. Your local Standesamt specifies the exact checklist.
Yes, in most proceedings. German authorities require documents in German. A beeidigter Übersetzer (sworn translator) certified by a German court or authority is typically required.
No. FBI Identity History Summary documents are federal records authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C. We prepare California documents and advise on the federal route for FBI.
Status and requirements for Germany verified against the HCCH Apostille Section status table (hcch.net) as of 2026-06-19. Not legal advice.