Documents
Apostille, sworn translation and certified copies — sourced FAQ.
Which route fits me?
What do you want to sort out with your documents?
Process guides
Recognition of Professional Qualifications
Step-by-step overview for recognising your Türkiye-earned professional qualification in Germany.
University Application Process in Germany
Step-by-step overview for studying at a German university from Türkiye.
Frequently asked questions
What is an apostille and which documents need one?
An apostille is the certification added by the issuing country's competent authority so a public document is recognised in another Hague Convention state. In Türkiye, governorships or judicial commissions issue it depending on the document. Typically civil-status records, criminal records and court documents are apostilled; the German authority's current list is decisive.
Who must translate — is any translator fine?
German authorities generally require translations by translators sworn/authorised in Germany — findable in the official interpreter database. Notarised translations from Türkiye are accepted by some missions — verify the rule of the specific authority beforehand.
Source: Justiz-Dolmetscher-Datenbank · Valid from 2024-01-01
Should I submit originals or certified copies?
Originals are usually shown in person; CERTIFIED COPIES go into the file. In Germany they are issued by citizens' offices/notaries, in Türkiye by notaries. Institutions like uni-assist and ZAB publish their own copy rules — never mail originals without checking.
Where do I check whether my university is recognised?
On anabin.kmk.org go to 'Institutionen → Suchen', find your country and institution and check the 'Status': H+ means recognised — printouts suffice for most visa files; H+/- needs extra criteria (ZAB statement recommended); H- means not recognised. Include both institution AND degree printouts; if there is no entry, apply to the ZAB.
How long does the ZAB statement take and what does it cost?
The fee is €208 (re-issue €104); processing starts after payment and takes about 3 months as standard. The application is fully digital. You need it when your university/degree is missing from anabin or the institution shows H+/-. Factor the lead time into your visa schedule.
Which order — apostille first or translation first?
As a rule, apostille first, then translation: the apostille note is translated along with the document. The standard visa-file format is 'apostilled original + German translation + 1 copy'. The missions neither produce nor certify translations; the authority's current document list is decisive.
Source: Almanya'nın Türkiye Temsilcilikleri · Valid from 2025-01-01