Documents Needed for Approbation in Germany: Complete Checklist 2026
homologation 9 min read · English
Complete checklist of all documents required for the Approbation application in Germany. Translation requirements, apostille guide, and state-specific differences.
Key Takeaways
- You need approximately 10–15 documents for a complete Approbation application in Germany.
- All documents must be officially translated into German by a sworn translator (vereidigter Übersetzer).
- Documents from most countries require an apostille or legalization.
- The Certificate of Good Standing must be recent — typically less than 3 months old at submission.
- Solvia provides a personalized checklist and document preparation support — generate yours free.
Complete Document Checklist
The following documents are required for the Approbation application in all German states. Some states may require additional documentation.
Essential Documents
| # | Document | Translation? | Apostille? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medical degree diploma | Yes | Yes | Original or certified copy |
| 2 | Academic transcript | Yes | Yes | Must show subjects and hours |
| 3 | Certificate of Good Standing | Yes | Yes | Less than 3 months old |
| 4 | Passport (valid) | No | No | Certified copy |
| 5 | Birth certificate | Yes | Yes | Some states only |
| 6 | CV (Lebenslauf) | In German | No | Tabular format, no gaps |
| 7 | Health certificate | Yes | No | German doctor's attestation |
| 8 | Criminal record check | Yes | Yes | From home country + Germany |
| 9 | German language certificate | No | No | B2 minimum (C1 for some states) |
| 10 | FSP certificate | No | No | Can be submitted later |
| 11 | Work experience certificates | Yes | Recommended | If applicable |
| 12 | Passport photos | N/A | N/A | Biometric, 2 copies |
Understanding the Apostille
An apostille is an international certification that authenticates the origin of a public document. Under the Hague Convention, apostilled documents are recognized across 124 member countries.
If your country is not a Hague Convention member, you need legalization instead — a more complex process involving your country's foreign ministry and the German embassy.
Translation Requirements
All documents must be translated by a sworn translator (vereidigter Übersetzer/Dolmetscher) recognized in Germany. Key points:
- The translator must be court-certified in Germany
- Translations must include the translator's stamp and certification
- Costs: typically €30–€80 per page
- Average total translation cost: €300–€800
State-Specific Additional Requirements
| State | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|
| Bavaria | Declaration of loyalty to the constitution |
| Berlin | Proof of residence in Berlin |
| NRW | Detailed curriculum comparison form |
| Baden-Württemberg | Marriage certificate (if name changed) |
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Application
- Expired Certificate of Good Standing — Must be less than 3 months old
- Using non-sworn translators — Only court-certified translators are accepted
- Missing apostille — Every academic document needs one
- Incomplete transcript — Must show subject names AND hours
- Wrong application office — Submit to the correct Regierungspräsidium
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to translate my passport?
No. Passports do not require translation. You only need to submit a certified copy (Beglaubigte Kopie).
Can I use translations from my home country?
Generally no. Most German authorities require translations by sworn translators registered in Germany. Some states accept EU-certified translators.
How long is the Certificate of Good Standing valid?
The Certificate of Good Standing is typically valid for 3 months from the date of issue. Plan accordingly — request it close to your application submission date.
What if my name has changed since graduation?
You must provide official documentation (marriage certificate, name change decree) showing the connection between names, translated and apostilled.
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