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Documents & certifications
Apostille, translations, legalization — step by step for every document
Apostille, certification, translation — every document has its own path. Find out exactly what you need, how much it costs and where to get it, whether in Serbia or Germany.
What we cover
1Apostille and legalization
2Sworn translators and certified translations
3Civil registry extracts
4Obtaining documents from Serbia while abroad
How does legalization work?
Every document used abroad must go through the legalization chain: obtain original → Apostille (or CIEC exemption) → sworn translation. The order matters — a mistake means starting over.
Serbia is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention (since 2001), which means documents do not need to be legalized at the embassy — an Apostille stamp from a Basic Court is sufficient.
Legalization chain — step by step
1
Obtain original document
Registry office, MUP, court or school — depending on type
2
Get Apostille stamp
Basic Court (for most documents) or MUP (for criminal record)
3
Sworn translation by court translator
Translation must include the Apostille stamp itself
4
Submit documents to institution
Bürgeramt, Familienkasse, Ausländerbehörde...
Order is key!
Always get the Apostille before translation. If you translate without the Apostille, you'll have to redo the translation (and pay again) because it must include the Apostille stamp.
Apostille in Serbia
In Serbia, Apostilles are issued by Basic Courts for most documents. The exception is the criminal record — for that, the MUP issues the Apostille.
Basic Court
Documents for the Basic Court
- ✓Birth certificate
- ✓Marriage certificate
- ✓Citizenship certificate
- ✓Diplomas and school certificates
- ✓Divorce decree
MUP
Documents for MUP
- ✓Criminal record certificate
- •Apostille issued by MUP, not court
- •Fee: same (~3,860 RSD)
Practical information
~3,860 RSD
court fee (~33 EUR)
1-3 days
at most courts
Same day
in smaller cities
Originals only!
Apostille is placed only on original documents or certified copies. Photocopies, scans and printouts are not accepted.
Electronic Apostille (eApostille)
Since 2023, Serbia also issues electronic Apostilles for certain documents. Check on the eSud portal whether your document qualifies.
Apostille in Germany
If you need an Apostille for a German document (e.g. for use in Serbia), the process varies by federal state.
In Germany, the Apostille is issued by the Landgericht (Regional Court) or Bezirksregierung (District Government), depending on the federal state (Bundesland).
Key information
Costs
The fee is 13-25 EUR per document, depending on the state. Payment usually by bank transfer or online.
Where to apply
In most states — Landgericht. Applications can be submitted by mail. Timeline: 1-2 weeks.
Differences by state
Each federal state (Bundesland) has its own responsible authority for Apostilles. Before applying, check your state's justice administration website (Landesjustizverwaltung) for the responsible authority.
CIEC Convention — when NO Apostille or translation needed
This can save you 50+ EUR per document!
Multilingual CIEC extracts are exempt from Apostille and translation. Instead of paying for Apostille (~33 EUR) + translation (~20 EUR), request a CIEC extract at the registry office for just ~800 RSD. Especially useful for Kindergeld application.
Serbia is a member of the CIEC (Commission Internationale de l'État Civil) convention, along with Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This means certain documents can be used without Apostille and without translation.
Documents exempt from Apostille and translation
✓
Birth certificate
CIEC multilingual form — accepted without translation in Germany
✓
Marriage certificate
CIEC multilingual form — accepted without translation in Germany
✓
Death certificate
CIEC multilingual form — accepted without translation in Germany
With CIEC extract
- ✓ No Apostille needed
- ✓ No translation needed
- ✓ Cost: ~800 RSD
- ✓ Ready: same day
With standard extract
- • Apostille required (~3,860 RSD)
- • Translation required (~2,000-4,000 RSD)
- • Total: ~7,000+ RSD
- • Ready: 2-5 days
Legal limitation
The CIEC exemption applies only between member states of the convention. If you use the document in a non-CIEC country, you still need Apostille + translation. Serbia, Germany, Austria and Switzerland are all members.
Sworn translation (certified translation)
For documents requiring translation, you need a sworn translation by a court translator. Here's how it works in Serbia and Germany.
Cheaper
Translation in Serbia
- •Cost: 2,000-4,000 RSD per page (~17-35 EUR)
- •Translator list: mpravde.gov.rs
- •Timeline: 1-3 business days
- •Accepted in Germany, Austria, Switzerland
More expensive
Translation in Germany
- •Cost: 30-80 EUR per page
- •Translator database: justiz-dolmetscher.de
- •Timeline: 2-5 business days
- •Useful if you're already in Germany with no time
Save money: translate in Serbia!
Translation in Serbia is 3-5 times cheaper than in Germany, and German institutions accept translations from Serbian court translators. If you're planning a move — prepare all translations before departure.
Overview by document
Here's a complete table with all steps, costs and timelines for the most common documents.
| Document | Where to get | Apostille | Translation | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | Registry office | CIEC — not needed | CIEC — not needed | ~800 RSD | Same day |
| Marriage certificate | Registry office | CIEC — not needed | CIEC — not needed | ~800 RSD | Same day |
| Death certificate | Registry office | CIEC — not needed | CIEC — not needed | ~800 RSD | Same day |
| Citizenship certificate | Registry office | Yes — Basic Court | Yes — sworn translator | ~7.000 RSD | 2-5 dana |
| Criminal record | MUP | Yes — MUP | Yes — sworn translator | ~7.000 RSD | 3-7 dana |
| Diploma / Certificate → recognition | School / University | Yes — Basic Court | Yes — sworn translator | ~8.000+ RSD | 2-5 dana |
| Divorce decree | Court | Yes — Basic Court | Yes — sworn translator | ~10.000+ RSD | 3-7 dana |
Note on costs
Costs shown are approximate and refer to Serbia. In Germany, translation costs are 3-5 times higher. CIEC extracts (birth, marriage, death) require neither Apostille nor translation — making them the cheapest option.
Detailed guides
Nostrification guide
If you need documents for diploma recognition, see our detailed guide on nostrification. Nostrification guide.
All about power of attorney
If you can't come to Serbia in person to get documents, you can use a certified power of attorney. All about power of attorney.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an Apostille for my birth certificate?
It depends! If you're using a CIEC multilingual extract for Germany, Austria or Switzerland — NO, you don't need an Apostille or translation. For a standard extract — yes, you need an Apostille from the Basic Court + sworn translation.
How much does an Apostille cost in Serbia?
The court fee for an Apostille in Serbia is approximately 3,860 RSD (~33 EUR). Payment in court stamps or by bank transfer. Timeline: usually same day or 1-3 business days.
Do German institutions accept translations from Serbia?
Yes. German institutions (Bürgeramt, Familienkasse, Ausländerbehörde) accept translations from Serbian court translators. The translation must bear the stamp and signature of an authorized permanent court translator.
What is the CIEC convention and how does it help me?
The CIEC convention allows civil registry extracts (birth, marriage, death) issued in multilingual form to be valid without Apostille and without translation between member states. Serbia, Germany, Austria and Switzerland are all members — meaning you can save 50+ EUR per document.
How long is an Apostille valid?
The Apostille itself has no expiration date — it's valid indefinitely. However, the document it's placed on may have a limited validity. For example, criminal record certificates are usually valid for 6 months, while diplomas are valid permanently. Check the requirements of the institution you're submitting the document to.
Can I get documents from Serbia while abroad?
Yes, in several ways: (1) Through eUprava (euprava.gov.rs) for civil registry extracts. (2) Through the Serbian consulate for certificates and statements. (3) Through an authorized person with a certified power of attorney. Apostille can only be obtained in Serbia — an authorized person or agency can do this for you.
Do I need original documents or are copies enough?
It depends on the institution. The Auslaenderbehoerde and Familienkasse usually require originals for inspection + copies for the file. Apostille must be on the original document. Certified copies (beglaubigte Kopien) are acceptable in some cases. Tip: always bring originals and prepare copies in advance.
Do German institutions accept digital documents?
Generally not for official procedures. The Auslaenderbehoerde, Standesamt, and courts require physical originals. Exceptions include e-Apostille (pilot program) and electronic extracts via eUprava with QR codes for verification. Familienkasse accepts scanned copies for initial review but requires originals later.
Sources: Hague Apostille Convention (1961), Law on Document Certification (Official Gazette RS), CIEC Convention, Ministry of Justice RS.
Last updated: March 2026.
Pending professional legal review
This content is pending legal review and may change.