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Article 116 and Section 15 StAG: How to Obtain Documents From Abroad

One of the most common concerns is gathering the right documents when a family’s records are spread across several countries.

With careful planning, most of these records can still be located and prepared for an application.

Civil Records From Multiple Countries

Applications usually require civil records such as birth and marriage certificates for each generation.

Because many families moved between countries, these records may be held in different national or local archives.

German Archives

Some records are held in Germany.

Civil records are usually kept by the local registry office (Standesamt), and there is no single central register for older records.

Archives such as the Arolsen Archives hold extensive documentation related to Nazi persecution and can be an important source of evidence.

Apostille and Legalization

Foreign public documents often need to be authenticated before they are accepted in Germany.

Depending on the country, this may mean an apostille under the Hague Convention or another form of legalization.

Certified Translations

Documents that are not in German usually need a certified translation, prepared by a sworn or officially recognized translator.

It is worth noting that an apostille applies to the original document rather than to the translation itself.

Conclusion

Gathering documents from abroad often involves several archives, authentication, and translation. Organizing these records correctly from the start helps avoid delays later in the process.

One of the most common concerns is gathering the right documents when a family’s records are spread across several countries.

With careful planning, most of these records can still be located and prepared for an application.

Civil Records From Multiple Countries

Applications usually require civil records such as birth and marriage certificates for each generation.

Because many families moved between countries, these records may be held in different national or local archives.

German Archives

Some records are held in Germany.

Civil records are usually kept by the local registry office (Standesamt), and there is no single central register for older records.

Archives such as the Arolsen Archives hold extensive documentation related to Nazi persecution and can be an important source of evidence.

Apostille and Legalization

Foreign public documents often need to be authenticated before they are accepted in Germany.

Depending on the country, this may mean an apostille under the Hague Convention or another form of legalization.

Certified Translations

Documents that are not in German usually need a certified translation, prepared by a sworn or officially recognized translator.

It is worth noting that an apostille applies to the original document rather than to the translation itself.

Conclusion

Gathering documents from abroad often involves several archives, authentication, and translation. Organizing these records correctly from the start helps avoid delays later in the process.