Apostilled documents in London for use in Germany

London apostille for Germany issued by the Legalisation Office in Milton Keynes, processed quickly for use throughout Germany.

London → Germany

Hague Members

Destination Germany

Destination status Hague Convention member

Issued by The Legalisation Office (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)

Standard turnaround Up to 25 working days, plus postage

Information validated 20 August 2026

Complete Guide

London apostille for Germany

How to get an apostille in the UK for use in Germany, including costs, procedures and German requirements explained.

In this guide

Apostille vs. Embassy legalisation for Germany
How to get started with a London apostille Germany procedure
The step-by-step clearance process
German requirements and processing

Apostille vs. Embassy legalisation for Germany

An apostille is the right certification for official papers heading to Germany. Since 1966, Germany has been part of the Hague Convention. This means you do not need the extra step of embassy legalisation for Germany once you have the apostille stamp. The Foreign Office in Milton Keynes handles requests for all UK documents, whether they come from London registers or other parts of the country. When you need document legalisation for Germany, the apostille stands alone as proof of the signature's authenticity.

How to get started with a London apostille Germany procedure

Start by gathering the paper you want to use in Germany. The FCDO Legalisation Office needs the original or a fresh certified copy from Westminster Register Office at 317 Harrow Road. If you need a birth, marriage or death record from London boroughs, order a new copy from the register rather than risking your original in the post. The register copy helps because it comes with the correct official signature that the Legalisation Office can verify. Knowing what you need for an apostille for Germany helps prevent delays.

The step-by-step clearance process

Post your document to the FCDO Legalisation Office at PO Box 6255 in Milton Keynes with a completed application form. Include the official fee for each paper and a return envelope with your address. Standard service takes up to 25 working days. When they place the apostille from United Kingdom to Germany, it will be a square stamp and numbered sticker on your paper. This stamp tells German authorities that signature on your document is genuine.

German requirements and processing

German offices usually ask for documents in German or with a certified translation attached. Depending on the type of paper, you might need extra steps. For example, company documents may require additional stamps from the Chamber of Commerce. Your apostille for Germany stays effective indefinitely. Since the UK left the European Union, German recipients often prefer recently dated documents. There is no extra authentication by the German consulate after you get your apostille.

Frequently Asked Questions

London → Germany apostille FAQ

Where do I apply for a London apostille for Germany?

You send your document to The Legalisation Office (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) at PO Box 6255, Milton Keynes MK10 1XX. This is the government body authorised to issue the apostille for the UK. They process postal applications for people across Britain. No counter service exists – all papers go by post. When posting, use a tracked delivery service that requires a signature on return.

What do I do if I only have one copy of my birth certificate?

Order a fresh certified copy from the Westminster Register Office on 317 Harrow Road and use that for the apostille. The register office issues duplicates with the same legal standing as the original. This way, you avoid sending your only copy through the post or to anyone else. Never part with irreplaceable official records – certified copies exist for exactly this purpose. For birth, marriage or death records, this is the safest route.

Does Germany require embassy legalization or an apostille?

An apostille is the correct and sufficient certification for Germany. The country joined the Hague Convention in 1966, so no further embassy legalisation is needed. The document goes directly from receiving the apostille to use with German authorities. Some might ask for an official translation into German after the apostille is in place – check with whoever is requesting the paper. For most personal papers like birth or marriage certificates, the apostille alone will work.

What if my document isn't in English?

German authorities may request a certified translation. The translation usually comes after the apostille is attached to the original or certified copy. Some offices in Germany accept sworn translations made in the UK, while others might want the work done by a recognised translator in Germany. Ask the specific organisation that will review your paperwork which they prefer. Keep both the apostilled document and its translation together as a set for your records.

Can I travel to Germany with the apostilled document myself?

Yes, you carry the apostilled paper yourself – there is no rule that says it must be shipped separately or arrive by post. The apostille makes your document valid for legal use in Germany regardless of how it gets there. Make a copy of everything before you travel, just in case. If the apostilled paper is lost or damaged, getting a replacement means going through The Legalisation Office again. Using tracked post for sending and keeping a scan of the full set is the best approach.

How It Works

Four steps to your Germany-ready apostille

No office visits, no queues. The entire process is handled remotely and you track every step in real time.

Prepare your document

Obtain the original document (or a certified copy) you need to use abroad, and check whether it must be notarised first.

Confirm the requirements

Verify the document is eligible for an apostille.

Submit to The Legalisation Office

The apostille is issued by The Legalisation Office, the competent authority. The government fee is £45 / document (standard postal); £40 / document next-day (registered businesses).

Receive your apostille

The authority attaches the apostille certificate, making the document valid abroad with no further embassy legalisation.

Where to go

Where London documents are certified and apostilled

These are two different offices doing two different jobs. The local register office issues the certified copy of a London birth, marriage or death record — check its current appointment rules before going. The apostille itself before use in Germany comes from the FCDO Legalisation Office, the UK's single competent authority, which accepts documents by post rather than in person.

Westminster Register Office

Certified copies of civil records (birth, marriage, death)

317 Harrow Road, London W9 3RJ

Directions →

FCDO Legalisation Office

Issues the apostille — UK-wide, by post

PO Box 6255, Milton Keynes MK10 1XX

Directions →

Document Types