Check the authority’s document list
Use the guidance from your competent nationality authority as your starting point. ABBA-Sprachendienste does not provide advice on naturalisation law.
Purpose · Naturalisation
Have documents translated for naturalisation
Naturalisation procedures may require civil-status and identity documents from the country of origin, among other records. ABBA-Sprachendienste translates the documents requested; your nationality authority decides which evidence is complete and in what form it is required.
Guidance
Check the authority’s document list first, then arrange the right translation
The official federal naturalisation brochure lists documents including a passport or identity card, marriage or birth certificates and, where applicable, divorce judgments. Evidence, particularly certificates from the country of origin, should generally be presented at the appointment with the authority both in the original and as a certified German translation. The authority may require additional documents in individual cases.
Federal information: Mein Weg zum deutschen PassOfficial overview of the process and typical documents; the competent authority decides on a case-by-case basis.
Process
The right enquiry in three steps
Identify documents clearly
State the type of document, country of issue, source language and required target language. Let us know whether the authority has already specified a particular format.
Agree on the spelling of names
Where different writing systems are used, the spelling in the passport, residence permit and existing certificates should be compared. A differing transliteration may lead to queries.
Distinguishing the terms
Not every form of certification means the same thing
The receiving authority specifies the exact requirement. Distinguishing between these terms helps avoid queries before you place an order.
- Original
- The document issued by the issuing body. Do not send originals to ABBA unless requested; the agreed secure transfer channel is sufficient for the initial assessment.
- Certified copy
- Confirms that a copy matches the original presented. It does not certify the content of a translation.
- Certified translation
- Includes the translation and a certification statement from the duly authorised or sworn person.
Preparation
This information speeds up the assessment
- Document list or message from the authority
- Document type and country of issue
- Source and target language
- Spelling of names as shown in the passport or identity document
- Submission deadline and competent authority
Frequently asked questions
Which documents are translated for naturalisation?
Depending on the individual case, birth or marriage certificates and other evidence may be relevant, for example. The document list issued by your nationality authority is authoritative.
Does a certified translation guarantee acceptance by the authority?
No. ABBA-Sprachendienste certifies the translation within the scope of the relevant authorisation. The competent authority decides whether the documents are complete and will be accepted.
What matters when names have different spellings?
Provide the spelling shown in the passport or identity document and any existing variants. This allows the transliteration to be agreed before translation and documented transparently.
Have your naturalisation documents checked
State the document type, language, competent authority and deadline. Send sensitive documents only via the designated secure channel.
