How to get your English document notarized in Germany (Unterschriftsbeglaubigung)

• Have your document ready as a PDF file — most notaries prefer digital copies sent in advance so they can review before your visit.
• Make sure the document is complete and final. Do not leave blank fields or placeholders — notaries will not certify incomplete documents.
• Do not sign the document yet. Your signature must happen in front of the notary — this is the whole point of the process.
  
  Saving money on multiple documents
  
  • Notarization cost is calculated per document — so the fewer documents you have, the less you pay.
  • If you have multiple pages that are related (e.g. a form with attachments), consider combining them into a single PDF document. The notary then certifies one document instead of several, and you pay one fee.
  • If you genuinely need each document certified separately — for example, they go to different institutions — then each one is treated independently and billed separately.
    
    

    Think carefully about whether you actually need separate documents. If the receiving institution accepts a combined PDF, merging saves you real money — especially when multiple signatures or high-value documents are involved.

A Bürgeramt (citizen’s office) can perform Unterschriftsbeglaubigung in some cases — and it’s usually faster and cheaper than going to a private Notar. But not every document qualifies.

• The document is simple and easy to understand — even for a non-native English reader.
• It’s for routine administrative or personal use, such as submitting to a foreign government office, a university, or a personal legal matter.
• The officer at the counter can reasonably understand the purpose and content of the document without needing a translation.

• The document uses complex legal English — terms and clauses that require legal interpretation.
• The purpose of the document is unclear or the officer cannot determine what they are certifying.
• The document involves significant financial or legal consequences — property transfers, large contracts, court proceedings.
• It clearly falls under the jurisdiction of a licensed Notar (e.g. powers of attorney for property, wills, company formation).

Understand the costs
Unlike many services, notary fees in Germany are not negotiable — they are legally fixed under the Gerichts- und Notarkostengesetz (GNotKG). The fee is calculated based on the “Geschäftswert” — the estimated monetary value of the matter being certified, not just the act of signing.

If your document has no direct financial value — for example, it’s a consent form, a declaration, or a document being submitted to a foreign bank for identity purposes — you can and should tell the notary to apply the minimum default value of €5,000 under GNotKG. This keeps your fee in the €20–€30 range.

• Mention this proactively — either in your email when booking, or at the start of your appointment.
• You can use the following statement in German to formally request this. Copy and send it to your notary:

Say this to your Notar (German):
“Bei den Urkunden handelt es sich um eine nicht vermögensrechtliche Angelegenheit ohne unmittelbaren wirtschaftlichen Wert. Nach dem Gerichts- und Notarkostengesetz (GNotKG) sollte daher der Regelgegenstandswert von 5.000 € Anwendung finden.”

English translation:
“The documents concern a non-financial legal matter with no direct economic value. Therefore, under the Gerichts- und Notarkostengesetz (GNotKG), the standard value of €5,000 should be applied.”

Find and book an appointment with a Notar

Finding a notary in Germany is straightforward — booking one is sometimes less so. Here’s how to do it efficiently.

• Search “Notar” on Google Maps near your city or district — most cities have several within walking distance of the city centre.
• You can also search the official German notary directory at notar.de to find verified, licensed notaries.
• Call or email the office to ask for an appointment for an Unterschriftsbeglaubigung. Mention that the document is in English — some offices may ask for a preview.
• Once your appointment is confirmed, send your document by email in advance. This lets the notary review it, flag any issues early, and prepare the paperwork — making your actual visit much shorter.
• If you have multiple documents, mention all of them upfront so the notary can prepare everything in one go.

The actual appointment is usually short — often 15–30 minutes — but it’s important to arrive prepared.

• A valid government-issued photo ID — your passport or German residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) both work.
• Your document(s) — printed or on your phone/laptop if the notary confirmed digital is fine. When in doubt, bring a printed copy.
• Payment — many notary offices in Germany still prefer cash or bank transfer. Check in advance if card is accepted.

• The notary or their staff will verify your identity using your ID.
• They will review the document briefly to confirm it matches what was sent.
• You will sign the document in front of them — this is the legally required moment.
• The notary then applies their official stamp and signature, completing the certification.
• You receive the certified document — usually immediately, sometimes within a day or two.