Where can you get an apostille for a German Commercial Register document?
An apostille is a form of authentication used for German public documents that need to be presented abroad. For Commercial Register documents, you will normally need the document in the appropriate official or certified form before an apostille can be issued. The apostille confirms the authenticity of the relevant signature, the capacity of the person who signed the document and, where applicable, the seal or stamp. It does not confirm the accuracy of the company information contained in the document.
What is the procedure for obtaining an apostille?
First, check whether the Hague Apostille Convention applies between Germany and the country where you intend to use the document: (see the list of countries). If an apostille is the correct procedure, you will normally need an official Commercial Register extract (Amtlicher Ausdruck aus dem Handelsregister) or the appropriate certified form of another register document. The document is then submitted to the German authority responsible for issuing the apostille. The competent authority depends on the federal state, the type of document and the authority that issued or certified it.
It is important to check the requirements for the destination country before starting the procedure. An apostille can be used only where the Hague Apostille Convention applies between Germany and that country. If the Convention does not apply, another authentication or legalisation procedure may be required. This can include prior authentication by a German authority followed by legalisation through the embassy or consulate of the destination country in Germany.
Fees and processing times depend on the competent authority and the type of document. Obtaining an official or certified document and arranging the apostille generally requires more time than ordering a standard electronic Commercial Register extract.
If you do not want to arrange the apostille yourself, you can use our document service: Go to the order form for a German Commercial Register document with apostille
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