What is an apostille?
An apostille is a form of certification in the communication of documents, which is used in the Hague Convention between many member states. This confirms the signature of the translator who issued the certification.
When do you need an apostille?
Apostilles are mainly required for public documents; however, this depends on the country and the respective regulations. Some examples: You want to get married abroad, adopt a child, work, or start a company; you receive an inheritance or want to take a pet abroad.
Where to apply for the apostille?
The document holder applies for the apostille, in contrast to the certification, directly at the competent authority in the country where the document was issued. Each country decides for itself exactly which authority is responsible for this. In Germany, this also depends on the respective federal state. More info can be found on the website of the German Foreign Office.
