When certifying a copy, the consular officer will confirm that the copy is a true and correct version of the original.

Difference between Certification and Legalisation:

Certification only confirms that a copy corresponds to the original.

Legalisation, on the other hand, authenticates the signature and authority of the issuing foreign body for use in Germany.

For more information regarding legalisation, please visit our dedicated page: Legalisation of Documents

Required Documents and Fees

To have a copy certified, you must bring:
• Original of the document (alternatively: a copy certified by another German authority; certifications by other than German authorities will not be accepted)
• Fees
The fee is charged for each document separately.
The compilation and certification of several documents in one package is only possible if copies of various documents must be submitted to the competent German authority in connection with another individually attributable public service (e. g. name declaration, birth registration).

Note: Since 1 October 2021, all copies must be made at the Embassy. Self-made copies are not accepted!

Appointment Required

For the certification of copies, an appointment is required – please select the “additional consular services” category to book an appointment. Appointment

Application by Representatives

Certified copies may be issued by the Embassy upon presentation of the original document.

The certified copy (CTC) can be requested by any person; it does not have to be the document holder. No authorization letter is required. A representative may appear on behalf of the owner, provided that the appointment is booked under the representative's name.

Exemption from Fees for Certifications

In certain cases, certifications are exempt from fees. Fee exemption applies in the following cases:

1. For Study and Internship Purpose

Fee exemption applies if the certification is directly related to a course of study or internship:

• Foreign nationals studying in Germany or who have been admitted to a German university or educational institution.
• Foreign nationals applying for admission to a German university or educational institution.
• University interns participating in an international exchange or completing an internship at a German company or institution.
• Germans residing abroad who intend to study in Germany.
• German students intending to study abroad.

Required Proof:

Admission letter, enrolment certificate or application documents from the educational institution.

Note:

Fee exemption may cover up to five certifications if applications are made to different institutions.

In cases of obvious misuse, the exemption may be limited to only the essential documents needed for the application.

2. Pension Matters

Certifications are free of charge when related to German statutory pensions, such as:

• Certification of life certificates.
• Certification of death certificates of deceased pensioners.

Important Note:

Only certifications related to German statutory pension insurance are exempt from fees.

Certifications related to private pension insurance are subject to fees.

Required Proof:

Request or correspondence from the German pension authority.

3. Nationality Matters

Certifications are also free of charge in cases concerning German nationality matters, for example:

• Application for naturalisation.
• Application for retention of German nationality.
• Determination of German nationality.

Required Proof:

Application or official correspondence from the competent German nationality authority.

Important Information:

Appropriate proof must be presented in all cases of fee exemption. The decision on fee exemption lies with the responsible consular officer.

All other certifications are subject to regular fees.