Guide · Certified translations
Which documents need translating when setting up a company or branch?
Cross-border formation brings together register, company and representation records. The required scope depends on the chosen structure and recipient.
Reviewed on 27 October 2026
The short answer
Obtain the actual checklist from the notary, register or trade authority. Register extracts, articles and evidence of representation serve different functions. Chamber guidance distinguishes subsidiaries, branches and operating establishments; this should not be read as a blanket requirement for certified translations of all company records.
Establish the structure and recipients
Record whether you are forming a new company, registering a branch or establishing another presence. Give each recipient its own section in your task list.
The chamber’s overview explains differences in registration and evidence. Use it to prepare discussions with the competent offices rather than commissioning records based only on a general formation label.
Read more: North Westphalia Chamber of Commerce: branches and establishments
List register evidence, articles and representation separately
Record document titles, issue dates, register details and attachments. Establish the version to use before translating an old register extract or superseded draft articles.
For representation evidence, company names and identified people should be clearly traceable. Report known differences between records rather than independently standardising them in source files.
Coordinate formal requirements with translation
Ask separately about certified translation, copies, signature certification and other authentication. A power for an appointment may require a different form from articles supplied only for information.
Send the approved final version with the actual instructions. Track formation advice, registration and translation as separate tasks and expressly agree the language assignment.
Your next steps
Identify the project, structure and recipients.
Obtain confirmation of the current checklist.
Gather approved document versions and additional formats.
Agree translation scope against the requirements.
More questions
Must every company record have a certified translation?
Clarify this by document and recipient. A general formation purpose does not establish the required format.
Does translation replace register filing?
No. Filing and legal preparation are separate tasks for the responsible participants.
Can draft articles be translated already?
Yes, as an agreed draft assignment. Identify changes and discuss later alignment with the approved version.
Sources and further reading
The receiving organisation’s current instructions matter for your assignment. Send them to us with your documents.
Prepare your documents and requirements
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