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Authentication of documents through legalization
German public documents to which no international convention is applicable can be legalized by the foreign representation of the state in which they are to be used. The documents...
Your responsible authority
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Detailed description
German public documents to which no international convention is applicable can be legalized by the foreign representation of the state in which they are to be used. The documents must first be pre-certified by the competent German authority.
For use in certain states, a so-called final certification by the Federal Office of Administration is additionally required. This concerns the following states:
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- China
- Iraq
- Iran (except for university certificates)
- Jordan
- Cambodia
- Qatar
- Lebanon (only for school and education certificates)
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Rwanda
- Saudi Arabia
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Togo
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Documents
- Original certificate
- Passport or other proof of identity (not required if application is made in writing)
- if applicable: written power of attorney for the representative
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Fees
EUR: 5,00 to 50,00
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Process
If possible, find out the exact procedure and how to pay the fees from the competent authority before submitting the application.
- Visit the competent authority. Make an appointment by telephone.
- Identify yourself with your identity card or passport.
- Tell them in which country you want to use the certificate.
- Present the original of the certificate.
- You pay the fee at the competent office.
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Responsible authority
Postal address:
Federal Office of Administration / Certifications
Department II B 4
50728 CologneVisiting address:
Federal Office of Administration
Office Building Cologne-Braunsfeld (New Technology Center)
Eupener Str. 125
50933 Cologne
GermanyPhone: +49 228 99358-4100
Fax : +49 228 99358-2893
E-mail : beglaubigungen@bva.bund.deOpening hours (visit and phone):
Mon: 09:00 - 13:00 hrs.
Tue: 09:00 - 16:30 hrs
Wed: 09:00 - 13:00 hrs
Thu: 09:00 - 13:00 hrs
Fri: 08:00 - 13:00 hrs -
Point of contact
Postal address:
Federal Office of Administration / Certifications
Department II B 4
50728 CologneVisiting address:
Federal Office of Administration
Office Building Cologne-Braunsfeld (New Technology Center)
Eupener Str. 125
50933 Cologne
GermanyPhone: +49 228 99358-4100
Fax : +49 228 99358-2893
E-mail : beglaubigungen@bva.bund.deOpening hours (visit and phone):
Mon: 09:00 - 13:00 hrs.
Tue: 09:00 - 16:30 hrs
Wed: 09:00 - 13:00 hrs
Thu: 09:00 - 13:00 hrs
Fri: 08:00 - 13:00 hrs - Legal basis
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Approved
Released by the Federal Ministry of the Interior.
Co-signature of the Federal Ministry of Justice requested.