When does a German commercial register extract need an apostille or legalisation?
If a German commercial register extract is to be used abroad, the receiving authority may require proof that the document is authentic. In countries where the Hague Apostille Convention applies in relation to Germany, this is normally done with an apostille. An apostille is different from consular legalisation: it replaces the legalisation procedure when the Convention applies.
For commercial register documents, you normally need the document in the appropriate official or certified form before an apostille can be issued. The apostille confirms the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the person signing the document acted and, where applicable, the identity of the seal or stamp on the document. It does not certify the commercial information contained in the register extract itself.
Which German Commercial Register documents can receive an apostille?
Different documents from the German Commercial Register can be prepared for use abroad, including commercial register extracts, shareholder lists and articles of association. The exact procedure depends on the type and form of the document. An apostille can be used only where the Hague Apostille Convention applies between Germany and the destination country. In some cases, a country may have joined the Convention but the Convention may not apply between that country and Germany because of an objection to its accession.
If the Apostille Convention does not apply, another authentication or legalisation procedure may be required. This can include prior authentication by a competent German authority followed by legalisation through the embassy or consulate of the country where the document will be used. The exact requirements depend on the destination country.
Here you can check whether an apostille is available for the country where you intend to use the document: List of countries
Additional fees and processing time apply when an apostille is required. The physical appearance of an apostille may vary depending on the issuing authority. It may be attached to the document as a separate certificate, stamp or additional page, and documents may also be bound together where required.
After you place an order, we first check whether an apostille can be used for the destination country and whether the selected document is suitable for the required authentication procedure. If an apostille is not applicable, we will inform you which form of authentication or legalisation may be required instead.
More information: Certified German Commercial Register extract with apostille.