Guide · Certified translations
Which translations does the German immigration authority need?
Residence permits, family reunification and other immigration procedures use different checklists. Start with the instructions for your actual application.
Reviewed on 27 October 2026
The short answer
There is no single translation package for every German immigration office and procedure. Check your responsible office’s current list and identify which records need translating. Clarify language, certification, source and issued format before commissioning the work.
Identify the actual procedure and recipient
Distinguish an application to a German mission abroad from an appointment with an immigration authority in Germany. First applications and renewals may also request different records. Save the applicable list with the date on which you received it.
A relative’s earlier application without a translation does not establish the rule for your case. Ask about the precise document and language if unclear. Give us the actual instructions rather than simply saying that the translation is for an authority.
Organise a coherent set of records
Depending on the procedure, civil-status records, qualifications or other certificates may be relevant. Berlin’s information for foreign spouses illustrates a request for a foreign marriage certificate and translation. It is not a complete checklist for every other situation.
Arrange files by person and document type. Supply names from passports and existing records and flag discrepancies. Include any apostille, supplementary sheet or annotation attached to a certificate for assessment.
Read more: Service Berlin: residence permits for foreign spouses
Coordinate translation and application steps
Check whether uploading a file is sufficient initially and which originals must be brought to an appointment. An initial digital submission can be different from final presentation. Keep the commissioned version clearly distinguishable from other uploaded files.
Translation does not submit your application or determine a residence-permit decision. Contact the responsible office directly about deadlines or requests for further evidence. For our work, the actual submission date and complete instructions are useful.
Your next steps
Record the actual application and responsible office.
Collect the current checklist and any further requests.
Identify the requested records, names and attachments.
Clarify uploads, paper copies and the deadline.
More questions
Will the immigration authority accept documents in English?
That depends on the procedure and office. Do not assume English replaces a requested German translation without checking.
Does translation automatically include an apostille?
No. Additional source-document confirmations must be assessed and obtained separately.
Can translation accelerate the application?
Complete records can help avoid questions. We do not control an authority’s processing time or decision.
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
Start with a free initial estimate or discuss any special requirements with us.
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