October 2026 checklist: translated, certified income, ID and credit documents German banks will accept

What German banks must check (legal basis) / Why certified translations and apostilles matter

German lenders are subject to the anti‑money‑laundering rules in the Geldwäschegesetz (GwG). The GwG requires banks to identify natural persons using a valid photographic ID and to record identity data when establishing a business relationship. For foreign applicants this means the bank will insist on an official passport or equivalent identity document as part of the loan file. ([gesetze-im-internet.de](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gwg_2017/BJNR182210017.html?utm_source=openai))

Separate from the GwG, German authorities and notaries commonly require foreign public documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, powers of attorney, official tax or court papers) to carry proof of authenticity. For countries that are party to the Hague Apostille Convention, that proof is an apostille. Translations of foreign documents that are to be used with German authorities or banks should generally be done by a sworn (beeidigter) or officially authorised translator; German guidance explicitly recommends sworn translators for documents submitted to authorities. ([auswaertiges-amt.de](https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/konsularisches/urkundenverkehrallgemeines-node/urkundenverkehrteilb-node?utm_source=openai))

Identity documents — what to give the bank

Give the lender the original passport (or national ID if acceptable), plus one certified copy. The GwG allows banks to copy and record ID details (number, expiry, photo) when onboarding a customer; banks will therefore ask to see the original in person or to receive a certified copy accompanied by appropriate verification. If your ID or supporting civil documents were issued abroad, provide an apostille where required and a German sworn translation alongside the original. ([gesetze-im-internet.de](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gwg_2017/BJNR182210017.html?utm_source=openai))

If you cannot visit Germany before notarisation, prepare a notarially certified copy of the ID made locally, legalised (or apostilled) and translated by a sworn translator — the notary in Germany and the lender commonly insist on this sequence to complete the identity check. Propertyfinder’s lender checklist specifically flags that banks routinely ask to see originals or certified copies plus apostilles and translations. ([propertyfinder.de](https://propertyfinder.de/en/articles/power-of-attorney-germany-notary-apostille-translation-checklist-2026?utm_source=openai))

Income and source‑of‑funds documents banks will ask for

For employed applicants: keep ready the most recent payslips and the last income‑tax assessment. Deutsche Bank’s standard checklist requests the last two payslips and — where relevant — the December payslip from the previous year; Commerzbank asks for the last income‑tax assessment and tax returns of recent years. These items are the core proofs lenders use to calculate serviceable income. ([deutsche-bank.de](https://www.deutsche-bank.de/content/dam/deutschebank/de/shared/pdf/Unterlagen-Checkliste.pdf?utm_source=openai))

For self‑employed borrowers, bring the last two years’ tax returns, the most recent tax assessment (Einkommensteuerbescheid) and business accounts. For all applicants, banks will also ask for recent bank statements and documentary proof for any funds that form your down‑payment (sale contract, gift letter, transfer receipts); lenders must satisfy their source‑of‑funds controls before issuing a binding offer. Deutsche Bank emphasises that funds for the mortgage must be evidenced by suitable documents (payment receipts, transfer records). ([commerzbank.de](https://www.commerzbank.de/privatkunden/immobilienkredite/baufinanzierung/?utm_source=openai))

Credit checks, Schufa and what triggers extra checks

German lenders will normally obtain a German credit file (for private buyers this typically means a SCHUFA check). Commerzbank’s process documentation states that a SCHUFA‑Auskunft is obtained during the underwriting check. If you have no German credit history, the lender will place greater weight on payslips, tax records and foreign bank statements as alternative evidence of repayment capacity. Always ask the lender in writing which alternative evidence they will accept. ([commerzbank.de](https://www.commerzbank.de/privatkunden/immobilienkredite/baufinanzierung/?utm_source=openai))

Do not send translated credit reports without confirming the bank’s acceptance policy. Some lenders accept an English original from a recognised foreign credit agency plus a sworn German translation; others will require additional documentary income‑proof instead. Because policies vary, confirm with the mortgage officer before ordering translations. (This article cites lender checklists and legal guidance; it does not replace lender‑specific requirements.) ([commerzbank.de](https://www.commerzbank.de/privatkunden/immobilienkredite/baufinanzierung/?utm_source=openai))

Practical step‑by‑step: how to prepare files that win a binding offer

1) Collect originals: passport, marriage/divorce certificate (if relevant), employment contract, payslips (last 1–3 months), last income‑tax assessment, recent bank statements and documents proving the source of the down‑payment. (See bank checklists from Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank.) ([deutsche-bank.de](https://www.deutsche-bank.de/content/dam/deutschebank/de/shared/pdf/Unterlagen-Checkliste.pdf?utm_source=openai))

2) Legalise when required: obtain an apostille for public foreign documents where applicable; if the issuing state does not use apostilles, use legalisation through the German consulate. Get notarial copies of originals if you cannot travel. ([auswaertiges-amt.de](https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/konsularisches/urkundenverkehrallgemeines-node/urkundenverkehrteilb-node?utm_source=openai))

3) Order sworn German translations: ask the lender whether they insist on a German sworn (beeidigter) translator and order translations that include the translator’s stamp, signature and a copy of the original document. Keep the translated file in the same order as the originals. ([auswaertiges-amt.de](https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/konsularisches/urkundenverkehrallgemeines-node/urkundenverkehrteilb-node?utm_source=openai))

4) Submit the file to the lender and confirm they will run a SCHUFA check; request written confirmation of any additional documents they will need before issuing a binding financing certificate (Finanzierungszertifikat) or formal offer. Commerzbank describes a document upload process that leads to a financing certificate when the file is complete. ([commerzbank.de](https://www.commerzbank.de/privatkunden/immobilienkredite/baufinanzierung/?utm_source=openai))

5) Expect additional verification: the bank may ask to see originals in person or to verify documents at the notary appointment. Keep at least one full set of originals and apostilled translations for the notary and the lender. Propertyfinder notes lenders commonly require originals or officially certified copies before loan completion. ([propertyfinder.de](https://propertyfinder.de/en/articles/power-of-attorney-germany-notary-apostille-translation-checklist-2026?utm_source=openai))