Certified Translation of Marriage Certificates
For visa applications, family reunification, name changes, or marriage registration in Germany: Your marriage certificate professionally translated by sworn translators. Accepted by German registry offices (Standesamt), immigration offices (Ausländerbehörde), and all German authorities. You pay only after you receive the translation.
Get your quote nowFor visa applications, family reunification, name changes, or marriage registration in Germany: Your marriage certificate professionally translated by sworn translators. Accepted by German registry offices (Standesamt), immigration offices (Ausländerbehörde), and all German authorities. You pay only after you receive the translation.
When do I need a certified translation?
German authorities require certified translations of foreign marriage certificates for many official procedures. Whether you're applying for a residence permit, changing your surname on German documents, or registering your foreign marriage in Germany, you'll likely need a translation by a sworn translator.
The good news: a certified translation from a German sworn translator is accepted by all authorities in Germany, including courts, universities, and government offices. You only need to get it translated once.
Visa and residence permits
For family reunion visas, spouse visas, or residence permit extensions, the Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) requires proof of your marital status. Your marriage certificate typically needs an apostille or legalisation plus a certified German translation.
Documents often needed together:
- Birth certificate
- Police clearance certificate
- Registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung)
Getting married in Germany
Planning to register your foreign marriage in the German marriage register (Nachbeurkundung) or preparing for a wedding in Germany with foreign documents? The Standesamt will need your translated marriage certificate.
Documents often needed together:
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of no impediment
- Divorce decree (if previously married)
Name change after marriage
After changing your surname, you'll need to update your passport, ID card, bank accounts, and employment records. Your marriage certificate proves your new legal name to German authorities.
Documents often needed together:
- ID card (Personalausweis)
- Passport
- Registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung)
Naturalisation and citizenship
When applying for German citizenship, the Einbürgerungsbehörde (naturalisation office) needs to verify your marital status. Your marriage certificate with certified translation is part of the required documentation.
Documents often needed together:
- Birth certificate
- Police clearance certificate
- Language certificate
5 steps to your translation
Send your document
Upload your document or email us a scan. A clear photo from your phone is enough.
Receive your quote
You usually receive your quote within a few hours, often sooner.
Confirm with one click
Your quote includes a confirmation button. One click, and your sworn translator begins working.
Receive your translation
You receive your certified translation by email as PDF, and the original by post. Delivery usually takes 3 to 6 working days; it may vary depending on the language and scope. Your personal delivery time is stated in your quote.
Pay at your convenience
Your translation is in your hands. Only then do you pay, with a 14-day payment period.
What we need from you
- A clear copy or photo of your marriage certificate (you do not need to send the original)
- The target language (e.g., German, English, French)
- The purpose/use case (e.g., visa, registry office, naturalisation): helps us use the correct terminology
Good to know
Even if your marriage certificate was not issued in Germany, you can have it translated. Many German authorities also require an apostille or legalisation. We're happy to advise whether this is necessary in your case.
Apostille and legalisation: when do I need what?
An apostille is an official authentication confirming your document is genuine. Whether you need an apostille depends on where your marriage certificate was issued and where you'll use it. We're happy to advise.
| Apostille | Legalisation |
|---|---|
| For countries that signed the Hague Convention | For non-Hague Convention countries |
| Issued by a designated authority (usually court or government office) | More complex process involving embassy or consulate |
| International recognition across member states | Bilateral recognition between specific countries |
When is an apostille NOT needed?
- Documents issued in EU countries (often simplified procedures apply)
- Some bilateral agreements exist between Germany and specific countries
- Domestic use within Germany (if you were married in Germany)
Our role
We provide certified translations. An apostille is a separate service obtained from your country's authorities. However, we can advise whether you need one and help point you in the right direction. Many of our customers are unsure about these requirements, and we're always happy to help clarify.
Your questions, our answers
Ready to get your marriage certificate translated?
Your translation arrives first. Then you pay.
Request your free quote