Niederlassungserlaubnis (PR) Document Translation in Germany
Last updated: 2 October 2026
You have lived and worked in Germany for years. Now you want the Niederlassungserlaubnis (settlement permit, often called PR). Most of your PR file is already in German. But your Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) may ask for foreign documents in German, such as a Turkish Evlenme Cüzdanı, a Ukrainian diploma, an Iraqi marriage contract or an Indian birth certificate. We give you a sworn translation (beglaubigte Übersetzung) of each one, made by our partner translators sworn by German courts.
- Only the foreign documents your office asks for: no need to translate German papers
- Marriage and children's birth certificates as one matching family set
- Degree certificates and transcripts, if your office asks for proof again
- Names kept exactly as on your document, with your passport spelling in a translator's note
- PDF in 3 working days, signed original posted to your German address (usually 1–3 working days)
Fixed price from €39 · You see the price before you pay
Which documents do I need to translate for PR in Germany?
You only translate documents issued outside Germany that your Ausländerbehörde asks for. Your pension record, payslips, employment contract and lease are already in German. Typical foreign documents are your marriage certificate or contract, your children's birth certificates and sometimes your degree. Always check your office's list.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who translates | Our partner translators sworn by German courts (beeidigt / ermächtigt) |
| German name of the procedure | Niederlassungserlaubnis (settlement permit), for example under §9 or §18c AufenthG |
| Price | From €39 per document in English, from €49 in other languages |
| Delivery | PDF in 3 working days, signed original posted to your German address (usually 1–3 working days) |
| What to upload | A clear scan or photo of each document, front and back |
| Where to verify the translator | The official register at justiz-dolmetscher.de |
Is this page for you?
- You hold an EU Blue Card or a skilled worker permit and want to apply for a settlement permit.
- You have lived in Germany for years on another residence permit and your office sent you a document list.
- Your spouse is applying for their own settlement permit and needs your marriage certificate in German.
- Your old translation is lost, or your office wants a new copy.
Übersetzung Niederlassungserlaubnis Unterlagen: what to translate
| Document | When you need it | Translation needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage certificate or marriage contract | If your spouse is in your file or applies for their own PR | Often yes, if not already on file |
| Children's birth certificates | If your children live with you or apply with you | Often yes, if not already on file |
| Degree certificate and transcripts | If your office wants proof of your qualification again | Sometimes, check your office's list |
| Name change document or affidavit | If your name differs between documents | Yes, if the office asks for it |
| Foreign pension or insurance papers | If you use them as proof of old-age provision | Yes, if not in German |
Need details on each document? See our pages for marriage certificate translation, birth certificate translation, degree and transcript translation and name change affidavit translation.
Documents you don't need to translate: your passport, residence permit, German payslips, employment contract, lease, health insurance proof and German language certificates. Your pension record from the Deutsche Rentenversicherung is also in German already.
Documents by country
The documents an Ausländerbehörde asks for are similar everywhere, but they look very different from country to country. This table shows what customers from our main countries of origin usually bring for a PR file, and what to know about each.
| Country | Typical document (local name) | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | Evlenme Cüzdanı, Nüfus Kayıt Örneği, Doğum Belgesi | Apostille for most documents. Formül A and B need neither a translation nor an apostille. |
| Ukraine | Свідоцтво про шлюб, Диплом + додаток | Apostille from the Ukrainian ministries; diplomas from the Ministry of Education. |
| Russia | Свидетельство о браке, Диплом с приложением | Apostille from the ZAGS or justice authorities. |
| Syria | عقد زواج from a Sharia court, بيان عائلي | Beirut legalises certain database extracts; otherwise your office decides. |
| Iraq | عقد زواج from the personal status court, شهادة ميلاد | Legalisation is suspended. Your office decides at its discretion. |
| Afghanistan | Nikah-Khat, Tazkira | Dari or Pashto. Your office decides whether it accepts the document. |
| India | Marriage certificate, degree and mark sheets | An Indian apostille is not valid; your office may ask for a verification. |
Read the full rules in our guide to apostille, legalisation and verification. The apostille, where needed, is translated together with your document.
When can you apply for PR? The main routes
The waiting time depends on your residence permit. Your office checks every condition, including pension, income, language and housing.
| Your route | Earliest time | German level | Pension contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU Blue Card | 27 months | A1 | 27 months |
| EU Blue Card, faster | 21 months | B1 | 21 months |
| Skilled worker (§18c AufenthG) | 3 years | B1 | 36 months |
| Graduate of a German university or training | 2 years | B1 | 24 months |
| General route (§9 AufenthG) | 5 years | B1 | 60 months |
Source: Make it in Germany. We do not give eligibility advice. Ask your Ausländerbehörde about your own case.
Waiting for a decision? If you apply before your current permit expires, the office usually gives you a Fiktionsbescheinigung. This paper confirms your current permit continues while the office decides.
Why PR translations get delayed
- 1Your name looks different in your passport. We keep names exactly as on your document and transliterate Arabic, Cyrillic, Persian or Devanagari script. Your passport spelling goes in a translator's note.
- 2A stamp, apostille or back side is missing. Offices notice when part of a document is not translated. We translate every stamp, seal and note.
- 3The translation was made abroad. A translation from your home country or by a non-sworn translator is often not enough. You can check our partner translators at justiz-dolmetscher.de.
- 4Your appointment is very close. You get the PDF in 3 working days, and the original follows by post. Express is available.
How it works
- 1Upload your documents. Usually a clear scan or photo is enough. Some offices want the translator to see the original, so check your letter.
- 2Get a fixed price before you pay. No hidden costs.
- 3Receive your PDF in 3 working days to check names and dates.
- 4Get the signed original by post to your German address, usually in 1–3 working days.
More details: how our process works.
Price
| Package | What's included | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Single document | One certificate, sworn German translation, PDF + signed original by post | from €39 in English · from €49 in other languages |
| PR family set | Marriage certificate + birth certificates, PDF + signed originals | from €99 (couple set) · + €35 per child's birth certificate · + €10 per document not in English |
| Express | PDF in 1 working day | + €15 |
All prices shown are starting prices incl. VAT and postage within Germany. Your exact fixed price comes in a written quote after upload, before you pay.
If your office asks for a change to our translation, we correct it free of charge.
Your files are transferred encrypted and deleted after 30 days (GDPR).
You can also see all prices.
What language are your documents in?
We translate from Turkish, Arabic, Kurdish (Kurmanji/Sorani), Dari, Pashto, Persian (Farsi), Ukrainian, Russian, English, Hindi and other Indian languages into German. A sworn translation is valid throughout Germany. The office makes the final decision.
Other plans in Germany?
Thinking about citizenship later? See documents for German citizenship. Family still abroad? Read about bringing your spouse and children to Germany. Still driving on your foreign licence? See converting your driving licence.
Frequently asked questions about Niederlassungserlaubnis translation
Which documents need translation for the Niederlassungserlaubnis?
Usually only documents issued outside Germany, such as marriage, birth or degree certificates. Papers from your employer, pension insurance or landlord are already in German.
Do I need to translate my marriage certificate for PR in Germany?
Only if your office asks for it. Many offices want a German translation by a sworn translator, even for English certificates. Check the list your office sends you.
How long does it take to get PR with a Blue Card?
With A1 German, you can usually apply after 27 months of qualified work and pension contributions. With B1 German, it can be 21 months. Other conditions also apply.
Can I reuse an earlier sworn German translation?
Often yes, if it is a sworn German translation and your document hasn't changed. Some offices ask for a new copy. Check with your office before you order again.
Does my Turkish or Ukrainian marriage certificate need an apostille?
Usually yes, unless you have a Turkish Formül B, which needs neither a translation nor an apostille according to the German Embassy in Turkey. Your office decides.
Can you translate Syrian, Iraqi or Afghan documents that cannot be legalised?
Yes. We translate the document you have, in full. For Syrian documents, the German Embassy in Beirut legalises certain database extracts; for Iraqi and Afghan documents, your office decides at its discretion what it accepts.
Will the Ausländerbehörde accept your translation?
A sworn translation is valid throughout Germany. The office makes the final decision. We cannot guarantee a decision.
Can you help me fill in my PR application?
No. We only translate documents. For questions about your application, contact your Ausländerbehörde or a registered adviser.
Ready for your PR appointment?
Upload your documents and see your fixed price before you pay. You can also get your quote online.
Questions? Email us: info@germantranslators.de