Special procedureIndian Documents for Germany
Germany objected to India's accession to the Apostille Convention in 2005 and has not withdrawn the objection, so Indian Apostilles are not valid in Germany, and German authorities may instead ask for a document verification procedure arranged through the German mission in India.
Germany draws Indian students, skilled workers, nurses and families, but neither of the usual routes works cleanly for Indian documents. Before you prepare anything, find out exactly what the German authority receiving your document wants.
Why Germany is a special case
Germany objected to India's accession to the Apostille Convention in 2005 and has not withdrawn the objection, so Indian Apostilles are not valid in Germany. German missions in India also do not legalise Indian public documents in the usual way. Instead, a German authority may ask for a document verification procedure arranged through the German mission, which checks whether the document is genuine. Requirements are set by the receiving authority, so always confirm with it first.
What this means by purpose
- Study: universities set their own rules for academic documents, and students applying for a visa usually need a certificate from the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) at the German Embassy in New Delhi. An Apostille does not replace this.
- Work and recognition: recognition bodies may ask for certified copies of your degree certificate and transcripts. Nurses and other regulated professionals go through recognition with the competent German authority.
- Family reunification and civil matters: a registry office or foreigners' authority may ask for your marriage certificate or birth certificate to be verified through the German mission.
- Business: German notaries and commercial registers decide what they accept for Indian company documents, such as a certificate of incorporation. Ask them before you start.
How we can help
We can review what the German authority has asked for, help you obtain fresh certified copies from the issuing authority, arrange notarisation where requested and prepare translations where the authority accepts them. We do not apostille documents for use in Germany. If the same documents are also going to a Convention country, an MEA Apostille applies there. Contact us or request a quote.
Route for Indian documents going to Germany
- 1
Ask the German authority first
Get written confirmation from the university, registry office, foreigners' authority or employer of exactly what it needs from your Indian documents.
- 2
Gather originals or certified copies
Collect originals or certified copies from the issuing authority, and check that names and dates match your passport and other records.
- 3
Verification through the German mission, if asked
If the German authority requests it, a document verification procedure is arranged through the German mission in India; the authority will tell you how to apply.
- 4
German translation
Translate the documents as the authority specifies; many require a translator sworn or publicly appointed in Germany.
- 5
Submit to the receiving authority
Submit the documents and translations as the German authority instructs, and keep copies of everything you send.
Documents commonly prepared for Germany
Frequently asked questions
Can I apostille my documents for Germany?
An Apostille will not help. Germany objected to India's accession to the Apostille Convention in 2005 and has not withdrawn the objection, so Indian Apostilles are not valid in Germany.
What is the document verification procedure?
It is a check of an Indian document's authenticity that a German authority may request, arranged through the German mission in India. Whether you need it, and how to apply, is decided by the authority receiving your document.
I am applying to a German university. What should I prepare?
Follow the university's instructions for academic documents. For the student visa, you will usually need a certificate from the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) at the German Embassy in New Delhi.
Can you translate my documents into German?
We offer professional document translation, but many German authorities require translations by a translator sworn or publicly appointed in Germany. Check with the authority before ordering.
Not sure which route your document needs?
Tell us the document and the destination country. We will confirm the route, the documents we need from you and a quotation — before you send anything.