With the help of this map, you can find out which regulations apply to your desired country. Please click on your desired country to get more information.
You can download the world map here .
You can find a list of all countries in the world here .
You can download an overview of the responsible embassies/consulates here .
Note: Some embassies/consulates only legalize documents in certain languages. Many countries in Africa only accept documents in English or French. For example, the embassy of Kenya only accepts documents in English or the embassy of Uzbekistan only accepts documents in Russian. You can find more information in the overview of the relevant embassies/consulates.
Some embassies/consulates have application forms that must be completed for legalization. You can download the appropriate application forms here.
India: Consulate in Munich
Moldova: Consulate in Frankfurt am Main
Taiwan: Embassy in Berlin
Thailand: Embassy in Berlin
Thailand: Consulate in Frankfurt am Main
It often happens that you want to use a deed from a German notary abroad. However, there are stricter regulations for other countries. If we notarize a document for you, this document will only be recognized within Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Austria, Denmark (excluding Greenland and the Faroe Islands). There are different levels of requirements that must be met for certain countries. There are the following levels:
Level 1 (notarization only):
If you need a deed for Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Austria, Denmark (excluding Greenland and the Faroe Islands), it only needs to be notarized by a German notary.
Level 2 (notarial certification with apostille):
What is an apostille?
The “Hague Apostille” is an endorsement according to a specific model, laid down in the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents of 5 October 1961. It confirms the authenticity of the signature and the authority to issue a public document, the original of which must be presented for this purpose. The apostille certifies the authenticity of the notary's seal.
Where and how do I get the apostille for my German document?
For German documents, the “Hague Apostille” is issued by a designated German authority. These vary depending on the federal state. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the regional courts are responsible for notarial deeds. The Düsseldorf Regional Court, Werdener Str. 1, 40227 Düsseldorf, is responsible for our district.
How long does it take for the apostille to be issued?
The average processing time for apostilles at the Düsseldorf Regional Court is 2 weeks.
For which countries do I need an apostille?
For each country that has acceded to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents of 5 October 1961, only one apostille is required.
Please note the following sequence:
Sequence for NRW: German notary -> Regional court
Level 3 (notarization with intermediate certification and legalization):
What is an interim certification?
An intermediate certification is the authentication of a document by the respective higher authority of the issuing authority or - in the case of court or notarial deeds - the president of the competent regional court.
Where and how do I obtain the interim certification for my German document?
For German documents, the intermediate certification is issued by a designated German authority. These vary depending on the federal state. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the regional courts are responsible for notarial deeds. The Düsseldorf Regional Court, Werdener Str. 1, 40227 Düsseldorf is responsible for our district.
How long does it take for the interim certification to be issued?
The average processing time at the Düsseldorf Regional Court for interim certifications is 2 weeks.
What is legalization?
Legalization confirms the authenticity of the signature and the authority of the issuer of a document. It is carried out by the consular official of the country in which the document is to be used.
For documents from many countries, reciprocal legalization is not required due to international treaties or it is replaced by the “Hague Apostille”.
Where and how do I obtain legalization for my German document?
Legalization is carried out in Germany by the competent foreign representation (embassy or consulate) of the country in which the document is to be used.
How long does it take for legalization to be granted?
The processing time at the various embassies and consulates may vary. Please check with the relevant embassy or consulate.
For which countries do I need legalization?
Legalization is required for every country that has not acceded to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents of 5 October 1961 and has not concluded an international agreement with Germany.
Please note the following sequence:
Reihenfolge für NRW: deutscher Notar –> Landgericht –> Botschaft oder Konsulat
Level 4 (notarial certification with intermediate certification, final certification and legalization):
The information on intermediate certification and legalization can be found under level 3.
What is a final certification?
A final legalization is the legalization of a document by the Federal Office for Foreign Affairs (BfAA), which is required for certain countries.
Where and how do I get the final certification for my German document?
For German documents, the final certification is issued by the Federal Office for Foreign Affairs, Kirchhofstraße 1-2, 14776 Brandenburg an der Havel, (BfAA). Further information can be found here. Please note that you must first complete the BfAA's online contact form. You will then receive a ticket number by e-mail. The ticket number must be included in your letter to the BfAA. If the ticket number is missing from your letter, the application may not be processed by the BfAA.
How long does it take for the final certification to be issued?
The processing time at the Federal Office for Foreign Affairs (BfAA) for final certifications is 4-6 weeks on average.
For which countries do I need a final certification?
For Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar (Burma), Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Cambodia, Qatar, Lebanese Republic (only documents from the university or higher education sector), Mali, Mauritania, Nepal, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Taipei Trade Office, Visa Department (only documents from the judicial sector), Togo and United Arab Emirates, a final certification is required.
Please note the following sequence:
Reihenfolge für NRW: deutscher Notar –> Landgericht –> BfAA –> Botschaft oder Konsulat
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