The apostille is the most common pitfall in getting married in Denmark, and at the same time the simplest, once you know who really needs it. EU citizens? Almost never. Third countries? Almost always. Here is the honest guide.
What is an apostille anyway?
The apostille is an international authentication under the 1961 Hague Convention. It confirms that the stamp and signature on a document are genuine. It replaces the lengthy classic legalisation. For many third-country documents it is the only way to make documents valid before Danish authorities.
Do I need an apostille?
No apostille needed
- Germany, Austria (EU)
- All EU/EEA states
- Multilingual EU certificate under Reg. 2016/1191
- Danish domestic certificates
Apostille required
- Switzerland (non-EU)
- Turkey, Brazil, India, USA
- Canada, Australia, South Korea
- All other non-EU states
Which documents are apostilled?
Which documents specifically need an apostille depends on your situation. Typically:
- Birth certificate (of both partners)
- Current registration certificate or proof of residence
- Civil-status / single-status certificate
- Divorce decree with legal-force note (if divorced)
- Death certificate of the partner (if widowed)
Where do you get the apostille?
| Country | Responsible authority | Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | State government office of the federal state | € 20–25 | 1–4 weeks |
| Austria | District authority / city office | € 20 | 1–3 weeks |
| Switzerland | State chancellery of the canton | CHF 20–30 | 1–2 weeks |
| Turkey | Notary in the home town | € 30–60 | 2–6 weeks |
| Brazil, India, USA | Notary / competent authority | varies | 1–4 weeks |
How the procurement works
Example: couple Germany × Turkey, 2 documents each.
Order fresh certificates
Request birth certificate + registration certificate at the registry / residents' office.
Request apostille (Turkish side)
Turkish consulate in Germany or notary directly in Turkey.
Certified translation
Apostilled Turkish documents → sworn translator → German or English.
Submission to Familieretshuset
Online application with all scans. Response in 10–14 business days.
The typical mistakes
What does the apostille cost in total?
For a binational couple (DE × third country, 2 documents each) realistically:
Total cost: about € 160–480
Ready for the next step?
Answer 4 short questions, get a checklist tailored to your case instantly. Free, no commitment.
Check apostille needs for my case → Fixed price €649.99 · Apostille €199.99 · GDPR-compliant
