International Recognition / Legalization of Documents

Documents are often only recognized by the authorities of another state if their authenticity and evidentiary value has been determined by a special procedure. But even formally authentic foreign documents have on occasion been discovered to contain inaccurate information. It must therefore be confirmed in the process of international recognition that documents that are to be used abroad were both issued from the responsible agency and are factually correct.

A range of internationally accepted rules of procedure have been developed for this purpose. These procedures apply to public documents, i.e. civil status documents, judicial and notarial documents, documents and certificates from administrative authorities. They do not apply to privately executed documents. Private documents include wills written by the testator by hand, form-free contracts of sale or powers of attorney. However, if a document concerning a private legal matter is authenticated by a notary or an official authority, it becomes a public document.

The term "legalization" must be understood in this context: legalization is the confirmation of the authenticity of a foreign public document by a consular officer of the state in which the document is to be used.

Legalization is not required for documents from/for many countries with which treaties have been concluded abolishing the requirement or replacing it with the "Hague apostille" (see the list of the parties of the convention and the designated competent authorities)

The "Hague apostille" is – just like legalization – the confirmation of the authenticity of a public document. But, unlike legalization, it is conferred by a designated authority of the state which issued the document. It is no longer necessary to contact the consular officers of the state in which the document is to be used.

For more information see"The ABCs of Apostilles" 

Source: http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/Laenderinformationen/01-Laender/Konsularisches/UrkundenverkehrAllgemeines_node.html

Authentication / Notarisation

Official Documents from TU Dresden

Official documents from TU Dresden are certified for a period of two years on completion of an academic degree. Official documents are those which have been drawn up by TU Dresden. Examples of official documents include the following: bachelor certificates, master documents, diplomas, or graduation documents.

Tuesday, 1pm – 3pm
Nürnberger Str. 31a, room 105 (1. floor)
Contact: Maike Thomas, Phone: (0351) 463 38700

Important points to remember:

• The copy (copies) must be presented along with the original document as there is no photocopier available in the office. Please also note that the signature and stamp on both documents must be clear and easy to read.
• A maximum of two copies are certified per original document. For examination certificates only one copy can be certified.
• Single-sided or double-sided copies of documents can be printed if they are several pages long. Please ensure, however, that the pages are not bound.

Further points to consider:

• All pages of certificates including cover pages must be presented.
• Certified copies can also be obtained for other types of documents; for example, transcripts, notarisations of abstracts, etc. In addition, please be sure to present pages containing information relating to topics, authors and sources.
• It is not permitted to make any alterations to the copies. Alterations include: correcting words or modifying stamps in order to make them easier to read.
• Please note that documents confirming marks, translations, etc. are not notarisations.
• Official documents from previous years are certified by the archive of TU Dresden.

Official documents from TU Dresden which are older than two years are certified by the university's archives:
Monday to Thursday: 12 noon – 3:30 pm
Mommsenstrasse 13/15, room S 09
Contact: Veronika Heymann, Phone: (0351) 463 36382 or (0351) 463 32447, veronika.heymann(at)tu-dresden.de

This service is offered by TU Dresden and only documents made out by TU Dresden can be certified.
See: Amtliche Beglaubigungen 

Other Documents

Other documents can be certified at the public office of notarisation in town hall, Nöthnitzer Strasse 2 (see Bürgerbüros der Stadt Dresden), by the stately recognized churches or a notary. Civil status documents have to be certified by the civil registry office. Authentications made by health insurance providers aren't recognised by the authorities.