Certification of signatures and copies, apostille information – Germany in Australia

The missions certify that a person signed a document in front of an officer and that a copy matches the original; they do not check the content. Australian documents for use in Germany need a DFAT apostille instead of legalisation.

Where to apply in Australia

Embassy Canberra (ACT) and Consulate General Sydney (NSW); honorary consuls in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne and Perth can accept some applications.

Counter hours only; honorary consuls can certify signatures, and Brisbane honorary services are unavailable through December 2026.

Contact details for every office are on the page of the embassy and consulates of Germany.

How to apply

Book an appointment | attend with passport and the document (original documents for copy certification) | pay at the counter

Documents you need

Valid passport
Document to sign (unsigned)
Proof of authority if signing for a company or another person
Original documents for copy certification

Fees and processing time

Official fee: signature certification EUR 60; copy certification EUR 30 (Canberra) or EUR 32 (Sydney and honorary consuls), free for state pension, German university and citizenship matters

Processing time: Same visit.

Good to know

Missions no longer verify identity for bank accounts or loans. Fees are set in euro and converted to AUD at the mission's rate (rounded to AUD 0.50); cash only in AUD; Canberra and Sydney take Visa/Mastercard physical cards only (fees page, no date shown, copyright 2026).

Official sources

Check before you apply

This page summarises information published by Germany's official channels, last checked on 24 octubre 2026. Fees and requirements can change at short notice, so confirm with the office that will handle your case.

Spotted a change? Let us know.

Germany: Certification of signatures and copies, apostille information in Australia