Apostille for Germany
Searching for an apostille for Germany? Here is what most agents don’t tell you: Germany does not accept apostilles on Indian documents. Germany objected to India’s accession to the Apostille Convention, so the Convention does not apply between the two countries – and German missions stopped legalising Indian documents in 2000. Instead, German authorities can ask for a document verification. INFINITYGRO explains the right route for your case and prepares the documents and German translations you actually need.
- Student visa
- Blue Card
- Nursing recognition
- Family reunion
- Marriage in Germany (Standesamt)
- APS & universities
- Verification
- German translation
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An apostille for Germany on an Indian document is not legally recognised, because the Apostille Convention does not apply between Germany and India (Germany objected to India’s accession). German missions in India have also discontinued legalisation. When a German authority, such as a registry office (Standesamt) or court, has doubts about an Indian document, it can request a verification through the German mission in India. For many visa and university applications, no apostille or legalisation is needed at all.
Why an apostille for Germany does not work for Indian documents
When India joined the Apostille Convention in 2005, Germany lodged an objection. Several other countries objected too but later withdrew; Germany has not. As a result, an MEA apostille has no legal effect in Germany for Indian public documents.
Germany’s missions in India also stopped legalising Indian documents in 2000. What exists instead is a verification procedure: a German authority asks the German mission to check a document, a contracted lawyer verifies it in India, and the authority pays the fee (the German mission currently states about INR 45,000 per application and roughly six weeks).
Private applicants cannot start this procedure themselves – it begins when the German office handling your case requests it.
What Germany actually asks for, document by document
The requirement depends on the German office, not on an apostille:
| Document | Route in India | Who asks for it in Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Degree & transcripts (study) | No apostille needed – APS certificate and university / uni-assist requirements | German universities, APS India |
| Degree (Blue Card / recognition) | Copies, certified German translations; verification only if the office requests it | Recognition offices (Anerkennung), employers |
| Birth & marriage certificates | Certified copies + German translation; verification if the Standesamt requests it | Standesamt, family reunion |
| Police clearance | As per the German visa checklist | German missions (visa) |
| Powers of attorney / affidavits | Ask the German notary or office which form it accepts | German notaries, banks, courts |
| Company documents | Requirements set by the German register or partner | Handelsregister, business partners |
Your options for Germany by purpose
Studying in Germany
No apostille: follow APS and university rules. We can translate documents into German if your university asks.
Blue Card & work
German missions in India accept many documents in English for visas; check the checklist.
Nursing & recognition
Recognition offices may ask for certified translations or a verification – not an apostille.
Marriage in Germany
The Standesamt decides; it may request verification through the German mission.
Family reunion
Birth and marriage certificates with translations; verification only if requested.
German translation
We prepare certified German translations; some offices want a translator sworn in Germany.
German translation – the part we can help with
While an apostille for Germany is not the answer, a correct German translation often is. Many German offices accept certified translations; some, like a Standesamt, may want a translator sworn in Germany.
See our German translation services page for details on which German offices accept which translations.
How we help with Germany in 5 steps
- Tell us the German officeUniversity, recognition office, Standesamt, employer or visa.
- Requirement checkWe confirm what that office really needs – often no apostille at all.
- Document preparationCorrect, consistent copies with names matching your passport.
- German translationCertified translation, or guidance on a sworn translator in Germany.
- Verification guidanceIf the German office requests verification, we explain the steps and paperwork.
Can you visit Delhi? You are welcome to hand over your documents and collect the signed translation at our office in New Ashok Nagar. From another state or country, just email or WhatsApp a clear scan – the soft copy comes back by email and the signed, stamped copy by Blue Dart or another reputed, fully tracked courier.
FeesGermany – what it costs
We first check what your German office needs – free. German translation is quoted per document. We do not charge you for an apostille for Germany that Germany would not accept.
If a verification is requested, the German mission’s fee is paid as instructed by the requesting German authority.
Many websites still sell an “apostille for Germany” for Indian documents. Germany’s own mission in India states that the Apostille Convention is not applicable between Germany and India. Paying for one wastes time and money – which is why we advise checking the German office’s requirement first.
FAQsApostille for Germany – FAQs
Does Germany accept an apostille on Indian documents?
No. Germany objected to India’s accession to the Apostille Convention, so the Convention does not apply between Germany and India.
Can the German Embassy legalise my Indian document?
No. German missions in India discontinued legalisation in 2000.
What replaces legalisation for Germany?
A verification procedure, started only when a German authority requests it through the German mission in India.
Do I need anything for a German student visa?
Usually no apostille or legalisation. Follow the APS and university requirements and the visa checklist.
Do I need a German translation?
Often yes for German offices. Many accept certified translations; some want a translator sworn in Germany.
Should I still get an MEA apostille for Germany?
Only if a specific German office explicitly asks for it. Otherwise it has no legal effect for Indian documents.
Related pages
Check your Germany requirement for free
Send a clear scan of every page on WhatsApp or email – you get a written quote and delivery date before any work starts.
INFINITYGRO · C-5 A/2, New Ashok Nagar, Delhi – 110096Last updated: 24 October 2026 · INFINITYGRO apostille desk, New Ashok Nagar, Delhi