The process of obtaining German citizenship is a complex bureaucratic process that requires meeting eligibility thresholds, filling out forms, and collecting and translating legal documents. One of the many questions faced by people wishing to begin such a process is: what is the role of an Israeli-German lawyer, and what is the role of a German-speaking notary in the process? The answer can save valuable time and a great deal of money.

When Is a Lawyer Required?

A lawyer provides advice, guidance, and representation for clients before the various authorities in Germany in matters relating to family law, real estate law, corporate law, and more.

In the process of obtaining German citizenship, a lawyer will assist in preparing for the process — from understanding eligibility, locating the required documents, and translating the legal documents from Hebrew to German, to, of course, filing an appeal if the application is rejected.

For example, a young man whose grandfather was born in Hamburg wishes to obtain German citizenship in order to live in Germany and study in Berlin. In a consultation meeting, the lawyer will explain which documents he needs to obtain in order to submit the application (his grandfather’s birth certificate, for instance), which documents need to be translated into German (his Israeli birth certificate), and what will happen if his application is rejected (filing an appeal).

And What Is the Role of a German-Speaking Notary?

After the lawyer has completed the legal preparations for submitting the application, the forms must be passed on to an Israeli notary who speaks German for notarized translation and for obtaining an apostille certificate.

The apostille certificate is issued only after an Israeli German-speaking notary has provided notarial certification of the accuracy of the translation. The purpose of the apostille is to allow the notarial certification to be recognized and given legal validity in another country that is a party to the Apostille Convention.

During the submission of a German citizenship application, several documents require notarized translation and an apostille, for example:

• Birth certificates
• ID cards
• Academic certificates
• Police certificate of good conduct
• Translation of the marriage certificate into German

Of course, each case is examined individually, and it is possible that notarized apostille translation will be required for additional documents as well.

It is worth explaining that there is a difference between an apostille certificate issued for a notarial certification and an apostille issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. An apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a certificate issued on documents or public certificates issued by state authorities (such as a birth certificate or a marriage certificate). This certificate is issued, as noted, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, and its purpose is to authenticate the document so that it will be recognized in other countries that are party to the Apostille Convention.

The Recommended Strategy — Two Are Better Than One

The best way to submit a German citizenship application is through strategic planning that combines both professions.

It is recommended to begin the German citizenship application process with a consultation meeting at a lawyer who specializes in the German citizenship process. During the meeting, the lawyer will assess the chances of obtaining citizenship and identify challenges that could pose an obstacle along the way.

At the end of the meeting, the lawyer will explain which documents must be obtained and submitted in order to begin the process and complete it in the quickest and simplest way possible.

After the required documents have been gathered, one should turn to a German-speaking notary who will translate the documents and certify them notarially as required by German law.

For example, a person holding German citizenship who wishes to obtain German citizenship for his Israeli spouse will be required to attach to the application documents a German translation of the marriage certificate along with certification of the accuracy of the translation from an Israeli German-speaking notary. In addition to the linguistic translation and the notarial certification, this document will also need to be accompanied by an apostille certificate.

In other words, the document must be translated into German, carry certification of the accuracy of the translation from a German-speaking notary, and also carry an apostille certificate from the Ministry of Justice. Without the translation, the notarial certification, and the certificate, the citizenship process may be delayed.

The right combination of an Israeli German-speaking notary and a lawyer specializing in obtaining German citizenship can lead to an efficient, cost-effective, and successful process. Investing in professional advice already in the early stages of the process allows you to understand what is required at each stage and which documents need to be obtained, translated, and certified.

In Summary

If you are about to begin the process of obtaining German citizenship, do not settle for a superficial consultation. Begin the process by checking your eligibility with an Israeli lawyer who speaks German, and finish it with a meeting with a German-speaking notary for notarized translation into German and to obtain an apostille certificate. Only in this way will you be able to submit your documents efficiently and correctly.

The above is general information and does not constitute a substitute for individual legal advice.

For further questions, you may contact attorney and German-speaking notary Alon Sposhnik

info@sr-lawoffice.co.il or by phone at 0722502512.