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Summary: German bureaucracy runs on written documents. A tidy “document folder” (paper and digital) saves you time and stress in many situations, from renting a flat to renewing your residence permit. This guide lists the key documents, where to get each one and how to store them.
Identity documents
- Passport: from the Iranian representation; renewal guide.
- Residence card (eAT) or visa: from the immigration office; renewal guide.
- Iranian birth certificate (Shenasnameh) and national ID card: keep the originals together with a translation and certification.
- Birth and marriage certificates: needed for family reunification, registering a child and citizenship, often with an official translation and legalisation.
Administrative documents in Germany
- Meldebescheinigung (certificate of registration): from the registration office after your Anmeldung. Needed for the bank, employer, insurance and residence permit renewal.
- Tax identification number (Steuer-ID): sent by post from the BZSt; guide.
- Social security number (Sozialversicherungsnummer): from the pension insurance or your employer; required for work.
- Health insurance card and proof of insurance: from your health insurer; guide.
- Employment contract, payslips and income certificate: from your employer; needed for renting, loans and permit renewal.
- Rental contract and Wohnungsgeberbestätigung: from the landlord; rental guide.
- SCHUFA-Auskunft: for rentals and contracts; guide.
- Certificate of good conduct (Führungszeugnis): from the German registration office, or for Iran from the competent domestic authorities with the required certification.
- Tax returns and letters from the tax office: guide.
- Bank documents and account details: guide.
Education and work documents
- Diplomas and transcripts with an official translation and, where needed, a ZAB/anabin assessment. Anerkennung guide.
- Language certificates and integration course certificate.
- Work references and letters of recommendation.
- Driving licence with translation; driving licence guide.
Translating and certifying documents: key terms
- Official translation (Beglaubigte Übersetzung): a translation by a sworn translator in Germany, or a translator accepted by the embassy for Iranian documents.
- Beglaubigte Kopie (certified copy): confirms that the copy matches the original; issued by German authorities or the embassy.
- Legalisation (embassy certification): for official Iranian documents; involves an authorised translation, confirmations from the judiciary and the foreign ministry, and then the embassy. Full guide.
- Apostille: a certification for documents from member states of the Hague Convention; replaces legalisation in those countries. For documents issued in Germany it is often obtained from the issuing authority or a court.
How should you store them?
- Paper folder: keep originals in a separate, categorised folder (identity, residence, work, insurance, housing, education, finance).
- Digital copy: clear scans on encrypted storage or secure cloud space; never keep identity documents unprotected.
- Copies: keep several copies of each document and one translated version.
- Dates: enter the expiry dates of your passport, residence permit, insurance and contracts in your calendar.
- Lost documents: report them to the police and the relevant office, and obtain a replacement.
Common mistakes
- Handing over originals to a person or company without a receipt.
- Delaying translation or certification until just before important appointments.
- Not keeping the receipt for a submission or application.
- Submitting illegible or incomplete documents.
Frequently asked questions
Do all documents need an official translation?
No; only documents you submit to an official office or organisation that are not in German (or, in some cases, English).
How long should I keep documents?
Keep identity, residence, tax and insurance documents and contracts for years; you will need them for permanent residence and citizenship.
Note: this guide is for general information (last reviewed: October 2026) and is not legal or immigration advice. Laws, amounts and the procedures of embassies and authorities change constantly, especially for Iranians. Before taking any step, read the official notice of the relevant body and consult a lawyer or licensed immigration adviser for complex cases.
