German work visa: documents and their translation

Once you have decided to work in Germany, most questions are about the paperwork. Almost every week programmers, nurses, engineers and drivers contact us about “documents for a German work visa”, and they all ask the same thing: what needs translating, into which language and with what certification? In this article we explain step by step which documents are usually required, where we can help and where we cannot.

The main routes to working in Germany (in broad terms)

Germany offers skilled workers several routes, each with its own requirements. Below we outline them in general terms, without legal details that change regularly.

EU Blue Card

The Blue Card is for university graduates with a job offer in Germany at or above a certain minimum salary. The salary threshold and the list of shortage occupations are updated, so always check the figures in official sources.

Skilled worker visa

This route suits people with higher or vocational (for example, college) education and a job offer. The recognition of your qualification in Germany plays a key role here.

Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

The Chancenkarte lets you travel to Germany and look for work there. It is assessed on a points system: education, work experience, language skills, age and other criteria. Most of the documents are the same as for the other routes.

Important: we are not visa consultants and do not guarantee any outcome. Check which route suits your case and the current list of requirements with the German embassy or on official German websites.

German work visa documents: the basic list

The exact list depends on the route you choose and your situation, but in practice these are the documents people bring us most often for a work visa:

Translating your diploma into German and recognition of qualifications

Your diploma is the centre of your application. Germany has the anabin database, where you can check whether your university and degree are recognised. If the match there is not clear, an evaluation by the ZAB (Central Office for Foreign Education) may be required. For regulated professions (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, teacher, engineer in some fields), recognition is decided by the competent authority of the relevant federal state.

Each of these bodies has its own translation rules. Some accept documents in English, others require German, and some accept only work by a translator with a particular status. Before applying, open the specific authority’s website and read the section on translations (“Übersetzung”) carefully.

The quality of a German diploma translation depends on terminology: terms such as “magister”, “certified specialist”, “academic hour” or “credit” must be translated so that the German assessor is not confused.

An honest warning: German sworn translators

This is the point many people keep quiet about. Germany has sworn or authorised translators (beeidigte / ermächtigte Übersetzer) — translators authorised by a German court or another body to certify the accuracy of translations. Some German authorities (for example, certain recognition bodies, civil registry offices or courts) accept only translations by such a translator.

We are not German sworn translators and do not present ourselves as such. So we always advise: before ordering, check with the embassy or the relevant authority who must do the translation. If a German sworn translator is specifically required, we will tell you honestly and will not suggest unnecessary costs.

For example, Armen, a civil engineer, first had us translate his diploma and supplement into English — for interviews with employers and a preliminary check via anabin. Later the recognition authority required a translation by a German sworn translator, and he did that step once he was in Germany. The result: not a single unnecessary translation and the right document at each stage.

Where our translation fits in

Despite this limitation, a German or English translation made in Armenia is genuinely useful at many stages:

• For employers: translations of your diploma, references and CV during interviews and when receiving a job offer.
• For preliminary checks: comparing with anabin and working with a recruitment agency or consultant.
• For authorities that accept translations made in Armenia, including some embassy procedures (this should be checked in advance).
• For family members’ documents: birth and marriage certificates, passports.
• For supporting letters: motivation letters and employment references; if needed we also translate salary and other certificates.

We work in Armenian ↔ German and Armenian ↔ English, and we can also help with Russian-language documents (for example, Soviet-era diplomas).

Not sure which document is needed in which language? Call +374 33 130371 or write on WhatsApp/Viber and we will draw up your list of translations together.

Notarized, stamped translation and apostille: what Germany needs

When a stamped translation is enough

For employers, recruiters, preliminary checks and authorities that simply need to understand a document’s content, a stamped translation is usually enough. It is fully online: you send a scan and receive a PDF with the agency stamp by e-mail, and if needed a paper copy by courier in Yerevan or from our office.

When a notarized translation is needed

If the embassy or a German authority requires a translation certified by an Armenian notary, order a notarized translation. In this case the original (or its notarized copy) must physically reach our office — in person or by courier — because the notary binds the translation to the document. We go to the notary on your behalf, and the scan is needed only for the preliminary price.

When an apostille is needed

An apostille may be required for your diploma or your birth and marriage certificates. In Armenia it is issued by the state: the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports for educational documents, and the Ministry of Justice for civil status, notarial, court and other official documents. We do not issue apostilles, but we will advise you free of charge on which authority to contact and in what order, and then translate the document together with the apostille text. More: how to get an apostille in Armenia.

Step by step: how to prepare your documents

1. Choose your route (Blue Card, skilled worker visa or Chancenkarte) and download the embassy’s current list.
2. Check your education in anabin and find out whether you need a ZAB evaluation or professional recognition.
3. Ask each authority who must do the translation, in which language and with what certification.
4. If an apostille is needed, get it before the translation so that the apostille text is translated too.
5. Send us the scans and get a quote through the online calculator or from our manager.
6. Check the spelling of first names and surnames: the Latin version must match your passport in every document.

Prices and turnaround

Once your list of German work visa documents is ready, all that remains is the budget. Standard translation starts at 2,500 AMD per standard page (1,800 characters), Russian from 3,000 AMD. Urgent orders carry a +50% surcharge. The final price for German depends on volume and complexity: you will see the exact figure in the price calculator, which also shows the notary fee. Turnaround depends on the number of documents, and if your interview or embassy appointment is close, we can work in express mode.

Frequently asked questions

Can I translate my diploma into German in Armenia for a German work visa?

In many cases yes, especially for employers, preliminary checks and some procedures. However, some German authorities accept only translations by a German sworn translator, so check in advance with the embassy or the relevant authority.

Is an English translation enough, or must it be German?

It depends on the authority. Many employers and some institutions accept English, while recognition bodies often require German. Check the specific authority’s requirement and only then order.

Does my diploma need an apostille?

Sometimes yes. If required, it is issued by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia. We do not issue apostilles, but we will advise on the order of steps free of charge and translate the document with the apostille text.

How much does it cost to translate a diploma into German?

Standard translation starts at 2,500 AMD per standard page, urgent orders +50%. Our online calculator shows the exact price, including the notary fee.

Can I do the whole order online?

For a stamped translation, yes: you send a scan and receive a stamped PDF. For a notarized translation the original must physically reach our office, and we go to the notary on your behalf.

Preparing to move to Germany and want your documents in order and on time? Send us the scans and we will tell you which translation you need right now and which can wait. See the price in the online calculator, our address and opening hours on the contact page, or just call +374 33 130371 (also WhatsApp/Viber).

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