Sworn Translation Services in Germany: Find Your Procedure
Last updated: 2 October 2026
A German office has asked for your foreign documents in German. The right translation depends on what the office needs them for. Our services are grouped by purpose: residence and citizenship, family life, and work and driving. Each one is a sworn translation (beglaubigte Übersetzung), made by our partner translators sworn by German courts, for documents from Turkey, Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Russia, India and other countries.
- One page for each procedure, with the documents that office usually asks for
- Made for the Ausländerbehörde, Standesamt and Einbürgerungsbehörde
- 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
What do you need the translation for?
Find the procedure named in your office's letter, then open the matching service below. Each service page lists the documents that office usually wants in German, with examples from Turkey, Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Russia and India. Many offices ask for a sworn German translation of every document not issued in German. Your office's letter or checklist always decides.
Already know which document you need? You can also browse by document. Not sure whether your document needs an apostille first? Read our guide to apostille, legalisation and verification.
Our sworn translation services, by purpose
Residence and citizenship
Family life
Work and driving
- Translation for Anerkennung — For recognition of your degree or vocational training, the need depends on your profession and your Anerkennungsstelle (recognition office). Regulated professions like nursing or medicine usually need German translations.
- Translation to convert your driving licence — You can drive with a foreign licence for 6 months after registering your residence. Licences from Turkey, Russia, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and India need a theory and practical test to convert; Ukraine has special rules. Check with your Führerscheinstelle.
Moving on from Germany
Moving from Germany to an English-speaking country? These offices need your German documents in English, not a German sworn translation. Our own German–English translators make the translation and add the translator's certificate each office asks for. See all countries on our certified German to English translation page.
Sworn translation in your city
We work online and post the signed original to any address in Germany. Our city pages name the local offices and what they may ask for: sworn translation in Berlin, sworn translation in Munich, sworn translation in Frankfurt, sworn translation in Hamburg, sworn translation in Stuttgart and sworn translation in Cologne.
Which offices ask for which documents?
Most requests come from five German offices. The table shows what each one typically wants translated. Your own letter may ask for more or less, so always compare it with your checklist before you order.
| Office | Procedure | Documents often requested |
|---|---|---|
| Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) | Residence permit, settlement permit, family reunification | Marriage certificate or contract, children's birth certificates, sometimes degree certificates |
| Einbürgerungsbehörde (citizenship office) | Naturalisation | Birth, marriage and divorce documents, civil registry extracts |
| Standesamt (registry office) | Wedding, birth registration, name declarations | Birth certificates, proof of single status, divorce judgments |
| Familienkasse (family benefits office) | Kindergeld | Foreign birth certificates of your children |
| Führerscheinstelle (driving licence office) | Licence conversion | Your foreign driving licence |
We translate from Turkish, Arabic, Kurdish (Kurmanji/Sorani), Dari, Pashto, Persian (Farsi), Ukrainian, Russian, English, Hindi and other Indian languages into German.
How to order
- 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 your fixed price. You see the price and the delivery date before you pay.
- 3Receive your PDF. You get the PDF of your translation in 3 working days.
- 4Get the signed original. It is posted to your German address, usually in 1–3 working days.
Want the details first? Read how the process works or see our prices. Otherwise, upload your documents for a quote.
Frequently asked questions about our sworn translation services
What makes a sworn translation different from a normal one?
A sworn translation (beglaubigte Übersetzung) is made by a translator sworn by a German court. It carries a certification note, the translator's stamp and signature. A normal translation has none of these. Read more about what a sworn translation is.
Do I need a new translation for each office?
Usually not. A sworn translation is valid throughout Germany, so you can show the same signed original to several offices. Some offices keep the paper, so order an extra copy if you need one. The office makes the final decision.
Is a translation made in my home country accepted?
Usually not. German offices normally want a translation by a translator sworn by a German court, not one made by a translator or notary abroad. You can check translators at justiz-dolmetscher.de.
Do I need an apostille before the translation?
It depends on your country. Turkish, Ukrainian and Russian documents usually need an apostille, which we translate together with the document. For Indian, Syrian, Iraqi and Afghan documents, other rules apply.
Can you help me with my visa or citizenship application?
No. We only translate your documents. We do not fill in forms, submit applications or give legal or immigration advice. For questions about your application, ask your office or an advice centre.
What if my purpose is not listed here?
Upload your document anyway. Other procedures can also need a sworn translation, for example at a university, a new employer or a court. We give you a fixed price and a delivery date before you pay.
Get your translation started
Pick your purpose above, or send us your documents now. You see your fixed price before you pay.
Fixed price from €39 · You see the price before you pay