Have the authority's letter ready
The immigration authority usually states in a list or a letter which documents it needs for your application. ABBA-Sprachendienste cannot replace advice on residence law.
Purpose · Immigration authority
Certified translations for the immigration authority
Applications for a residence permit, family reunification or a settlement permit often require documents from your country of origin. ABBA-Sprachendienste translates the documents requested. Your immigration authority decides which documents are needed and in what form.
Guidance
German is the official language at public authorities
Under § 23 of the German Administrative Procedure Act (VwVfG), the official language is German. If you submit certificates or other documents in a foreign language, the authority should ask for a translation. In justified cases, it may require a certified translation or a translation produced by a publicly appointed or sworn translator. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the same rule is set out in § 23 VwVfG NRW. What your immigration authority expects in your case is usually stated in its list of required documents or in its letter to you.
§ 23 Administrative Procedure Act (official language)Federal law; in North Rhine-Westphalia, § 23 VwVfG NRW sets out the same rule. The responsible authority decides in each individual case.
Process
The right enquiry in three steps
Check documents and names
Tell us the type of document, the issuing country and the language. Compare the spelling of names with your passport and residence permit so that the translation matches them.
Give us your deadline
Let us know your appointment or submission deadline. Once we have seen the document, we will tell you whether and by when the translation is possible.
Distinguishing the terms
Not every form of certification means the same thing
The exact requirement comes from the authority receiving the document. Knowing the difference helps avoid follow-up questions before you place an order.
- Translation without certification
- Renders the content in German, but without a certification statement. Whether the authority accepts it depends on the document and the procedure.
- Certified translation
- Contains a statement by the authorised or sworn translator confirming that the translation is correct and complete.
- Apostille or legalisation
- Both confirm the authenticity of a foreign public document. They are issued in the country where the document was issued, not by ABBA. The authority will tell you whether your document needs one.
Preparation
This information speeds up the assessment
- Letter or list of required documents from the immigration authority
- Type of application, for example residence permit, family reunification or settlement permit
- Type of document, issuing country and language
- Spelling of names as in your passport and residence permit
- Appointment or submission deadline
Frequently asked questions
Who produces the certified translation?
Azerbaijani is handled directly by our authorised translator. For other language combinations, we only commit once we have checked the document and its purpose.
Does the immigration authority always require a certified translation?
Not automatically. Under § 23 VwVfG, the authority should ask for a translation of foreign-language documents. In justified cases, it may require a certified translation. What your authority expects is usually stated in its list of required documents. If in doubt, check with them.
Which documents are often translated for the immigration authority?
Depending on the application, these may include birth and marriage certificates, divorce judgments, school and vocational qualifications or other records from your country of origin. What counts is the list from your immigration authority.
Does the translation have to come from the city where my immigration authority is based?
No. You can request the translation from ABBA-Sprachendienste even if your immigration authority is located in Minden, Herford or Bielefeld, for example. What matters is the format required. The authority decides whether to accept it.
Can ABBA interpret at my appointment with the immigration authority?
ABBA-Sprachendienste reviews interpreting requests based on the appointment, location, duration and language combination. Please check with the authority in advance whether it requires a specific qualification.
Have your documents for the immigration authority checked
Tell us the type of document, the language, the immigration authority responsible and your deadline. Only send sensitive documents via the secure channel provided.
