International Social Security in Malta: The Complete Guide for Expats 2025

Why Social Security in Malta Isn’t Such a Mystery

Ever had that feeling when you step into Malta’s Social Security Department for the first time, wondering if your German health insurance still covers you? I sure have. Three years ago, I found myself there with a pile of German paperwork and the naïve hope that my pension entitlements wouldn’t suddenly vanish into the Mediterranean.

The good news: International social security and Malta work much more smoothly than most expats fear at first. The EU Social Security Coordination (officially called “Social Security Coordination”) ensures your entitlements from Germany, Austria, or other EU countries remain intact when you move to Malta.

The not-so-good news: Without the right steps for continued insurance as an expat, things can still get complicated—especially if you realize you’ve missed important paperwork only after you’ve already moved.

Who Will Benefit From This Article

This guide is for all three groups of Malta-bound folks I meet day in, day out:

• The Workation Pioneers: Here for 2–6 months, wanting to know if your home country insurance is enough
• The Trial Run Expats: Taking a 6–12 month sprint and needing interim solutions
• The Long-term Emigrants: Planning to settle for good and needing bulletproof protection for your entitlements

What can you expect here? No abstract essays on EU regulations—just hands-on advice, up-to-date procedures, and honest appraisals of what works in Malta (and what doesn’t).

EU Social Security Coordination: Your Lifeline as an Expat

EU social security coordination may sound like another bureaucratic monster, but it’s actually your biggest ally. It sets out how your social security entitlements transfer between EU countries—and Malta is all in.

The Four Basic Principles That Make Your Life Easier

The system is based on four principles you really should understand:

1. Equal treatment: Malta must treat you like a Maltese citizen—no special rules for foreigners
2. Aggregation of periods: Your German insurance years count in Malta (and vice versa)
3. Exportability: Certain benefits “travel” with you, no matter where you live in the EU
4. Single State Rule: You only pay contributions in one country—never double

Which Areas Are Covered?

The coordination covers all key areas of social security:

• Health insurance: Medical care, emergencies, chronic illnesses
• Pension insurance: Old-age, disability and survivor’s pensions
• Unemployment insurance: Unemployment benefits after job loss
• Family benefits: Child benefits, parental leave (where relevant)
• Work accident insurance: Occupational diseases, workplace accidents

According to the European Commission, many EU citizens use these rules every year—so you’re definitely not alone with your questions.

A1 Certificate: Your Most Important Document

The A1 certificate (formerly E101) is your social security “passport.” It confirms which country you’re insured with and prevents double payments. Without it, things can get expensive—I’ve seen expats pay contributions in both Germany and Malta by accident.

Practical tip: Apply for your A1 certificate before moving to Malta through your home country’s social security agency. Processing takes 4–6 weeks, and fixing it afterwards is tricky.

Malta in the EU Social Security System: What to Expect

Malta has a dual social security system, based on the British model—after all, the British were here until 1964. That means state coverage plus private top-up insurance. For most expats, that’s good news.

The Maltese Social Security System at a Glance

The Department for Social Security (DSS) manages three main areas:

Contribution Requirements: When Do You Have to Pay In?

As an expat, you are liable to pay contributions as soon as you:

• Live in Malta more than 183 days a year (tax residency)
• Hold a Maltese employment contract
• Are self-employed in Malta

The good news: Contributions are capped. In 2024, you’ll pay a maximum of €4,872 per year to National Insurance—even if you earn much more. This is especially interesting for high earners who had to pay max rates in Germany.

Show Me the Money: Contribution Rates Compared Across the EU

Malta’s social security contributions are mid-range by EU standards. Here’s an honest comparison with other top expat destinations:

Source: European Commission, MISSOC Database 2024

Voluntary Continued Insurance: Your Options

This gets interesting for expats: Malta has three ways for voluntary continued insurance:

1. Class 2 Contributions: For the self-employed and EU expats without a Maltese employer
2. Class 3 Contributions: For anyone wanting to fill contribution gaps
3. Bilateral Agreements: Special deals with specific countries

Class 2 is especially tempting for digital nomads: €487.20 per year (2024) buys you full Maltese social security—health, pension, and unemployment included.

Continued Insurance for Different Expat Types

Not every expat has the same needs. After three years in Malta and countless chats at the beach, in the office, and during notary appointments, I’ve learned: Your social security strategy depends a lot on your expat type.

Type 1: The Workation Wanderer (up to 6 months)

You’re here for a Maltese vitamin D top-up, working remotely for your German employer, planning to head home after six months max? Then your approach is pretty relaxed:

• Home country social security continues: Your German/Austrian employer pays regular contributions
• EHIC is usually enough: You’re covered by your European Health Insurance Card for emergencies and acute care
• Apply for an A1 certificate: Prevents double payments if Malta queries your status
• Private international health insurance as backup: For treatments not covered by the EHIC

Note: The 183-day rule applies to workationers too. Stay longer, and you become a Maltese tax resident—with all the consequences for social security.

Type 2: The Trial Run Expat (6–12 months)

You want to put Malta to a real test, maybe have a Maltese job lined up or are thinking of registering your German business here? Then things get more complex:

Employees with a Maltese employer:

• Automatic enrollment in the Maltese system
• Home country social security is paused (if you deregister properly)
• EU coordination applies: contribution years are combined
• Private health insurance often sensible for better medical services

Self-employed and digital nomads:

• Class 2 Contributions in Malta (€487.20/year)
• Or: Voluntary continued insurance at home
• Decision depends on benefits and costs

Type 3: The Malta Emigrant (permanent)

You’ve decided: Malta is your new home. Now you need to act smart to avoid losing entitlements:

The transition phase (first 3 months):

1. Official deregistration in Germany/Austria
2. Registration in Malta (apply for Residency Card)
3. Switch social security registration
4. Arrange interim health insurance

Long-term strategy:

• Pension rights: EU coordination ensures all contribution years are counted
• Health insurance: Choose between the state Maltese system and private insurance
• Additional pension savings: Malta offers attractive private pension schemes with tax benefits

Health Insurance in Malta: From EHIC to Private Top-ups

Malta’s healthcare system has a better reputation than you’d think—but it’s also different from what you may be used to. After my first visit to Mater Dei Hospital (Malta’s largest), I was surprised: modern equipment, multilingual staff, but longer waits for non-urgent appointments.

The State Healthcare System: Solidly Basic

Malta offers all residents free basic care through its National Health Service (NHS). That includes:

• Emergency treatment: 24/7 at Mater Dei Hospital
• GP visits: At registered Government Health Centres
• Specialists: Referral required, with waiting times
• Medications: Prescription drugs are heavily subsidised
• Dental care: Basic treatment free, cosmetic work is paid

The reality: The system works well for emergencies and basic care. For specialty treatments—or if you’re used to German precision and speed—it may feel limited.

EHIC vs. Maltese e-Residency: What Applies When?

This gets a bit technical, but here’s the simple version:

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC):

• Valid for tourists and short stays (up to 3 months)
• Emergency treatment at the same rate as locals
• No cover for planned or elective treatment
• Bills are handled by your home country insurance

Maltese e-Residency Card:

• For all EU citizens staying over 3 months
• Full access to the Maltese healthcare system
• Registration at a Government Health Centre is required
• Entitled to free basic services

Private Health Insurance: When Is It Worth It?

About 30% of Maltese have private health insurance—and nearly every expat I know does, too. Why? It’s obvious:

The Most Popular Private Health Insurers for Expats

After chatting with over 50 Malta expats, three providers have emerged as favorites:

1. Bupa Malta: €1,200–3,600/year, strong for chronic conditions
2. GlobalCapital Health Insurance: €800–2,400/year, great value for money
3. Mapfre Middlesea: €600–2,000/year, especially popular with younger expats

Insider tip: Many expats combine the state system for emergencies with an affordable private top-up for specialists. That often costs only €600–800 per year and gives you the best of both worlds.

Medications and Pharmacies: What You Need to Know

Maltese pharmacies are very well stocked—often better than in Germany. Lots of German medications are available, sometimes cheaper. Key points:

• Prescription drugs: With Maltese e-Residency, heavily subsidised
• OTC medicines: Similar prices to Germany
• International brands: Generally available, sometimes under different names
• Out-of-hours service: 24h pharmacies in Valletta and bigger towns

The biggest challenge? German private prescriptions aren’t accepted. You need a Maltese script—which means a doctor’s visit, even for meds you’ve had for years back home.

Securing Your Pension Rights: For Peace of Mind Later On

Pensions might be the last thing on your mind while you’re living your Maltese dream. But I’ve seen too many expats who realised years later their casual decisions cost them thousands in lost retirement money. So, let’s talk about it—even if you’re only 30.

EU Pension Coordination: Rescuing You from Pension Chaos

The best thing about the EU: Your pension contribution years from Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, or anywhere else in the EU aren’t lost if you move to Malta. EU Regulation 883/2004 ensures these “aggregation of periods.”

What that means in practice:

• All contribution years count: 15 years in Germany + 10 in Malta = 25 in total
• Multiple pensions possible: You get a German and a Maltese pension
• Proportional calculation: Each country pays their share based on your contributions
• Paid wherever you live: You can live in Thailand and still draw your German and Maltese pensions

The Maltese Pension System: Simpler Than You’d Think

Malta’s three-tier pension system is far more straightforward than the German one:

The Maltese basic pension isn’t generous—max €11,084 per year at present. But you only need to show 35 contribution years (with at least 10 in Malta) to qualify.

Example: How Much Do You Really Get From a Malta Pension?

Take Dr. Mara, our 61-year-old retired Zurich physician. She paid in for 35 years to the Swiss pension fund and plans to work another 4 years in Malta before fully retiring.

Scenario without EU coordination (for argument’s sake):

• Swiss pension: Based on 35 years’ contributions
• Malta pension: None (just 4 years, doesn’t meet 10 year minimum)

Scenario with EU coordination:

• Swiss pension: Still based on 35 years
• Malta pension: 4/35 of the full pension = about €1,267 extra per year
• She meets the 35-year total thanks to aggregation

So: Dr. Mara gets an extra €1,200+ annually for the rest of her life just by working 4 years in Malta.

Voluntary Contributions: Cleverly Filling the Gaps

Malta offers several ways to fill pension gaps or build up extra rights:

Class 2 Contributions (self-employed):

• €487.20 per year (2024)
• Buys you a full contribution year
• Brilliant for digital nomads and early retirees

Class 3 Contributions (voluntary top-ups):

• €487.20/year for additional years
• Can be paid retroactively for up to 6 years
• Especially worthwhile if you’re just short of the minimum requirements

Tax Treatment: What You Need to Know

Pensions are taxed where you live—not where you earned them. This matters for Malta expats:

• Malta pension in Malta: Rate depends on total income, but usually moderate
• German pension in Malta: Taxed in Malta, no longer in Germany
• Non-dom status: In certain cases, only Maltese pensions are taxable

Important: Tax rules are complex and change regularly. For big pension plans, consult a tax advisor with Malta expertise.

Unemployment Insurance: What Happens if You Lose Your Job?

No one likes to talk about unemployment—especially when you’ve just landed your dream job on a Mediterranean island. But Malta is a small place, companies come and go, and sometimes it just doesn’t work out. So, here’s what happens if you find yourself between jobs.

The Maltese Unemployment Benefit: Basic, but Fair

Malta pays unemployment benefits under the following conditions:

• At least 20 contribution weeks in the past 2 years
• Availability for work: You must actively seek employment
• Register with Jobsplus: Malta’s official government employment agency
• No self-inflicted job loss: You must have been let go by your employer

Your benefit depends on previous income:

Source: Department for Social Security Malta, 2024

That’s €4,630 to €5,623 for the maximum period—not lavish, but enough in Malta to regroup.

EU Coordination for Unemployment: Your Options

This gets interesting: As an EU citizen, if you lose your job in Malta, you actually have several options that many expats aren’t aware of.

Option 1: Claim unemployment in Malta

• You stay in Malta and job-hunt
• Your German/Austrian contributions count toward eligibility
• You receive Maltese unemployment benefit at Maltese rates

Option 2: Export the benefit

• You return to Germany/Austria
• For up to 3 months, you can take Maltese unemployment benefits with you
• Afterwards, your home country system takes over

Option 3: Direct switch to your home country

• You register as unemployed in Germany/Austria
• Your Maltese contribution years count toward duration of benefit
• You get unemployment at home rates (usually higher)

Practical Example: Lukas Loses His Tech Job

Luca, our 34-year-old Italian UX designer, lost his job after 8 months at a Maltese gaming start-up (which folded—fairly common here!). His situation:

• 8 months of Malta contributions
• 6 years’ contributions in Italy prior
• Weekly gross income: €450

His options:

1. Malta unemployment benefit: €108.14/week for 156 days = €5,623 total
2. Return to Italy: Higher Italian rates, longer duration, years are combined
3. Transfer benefit to Italy for 3 months, then switch into the Italian system

Luca chose option 1—he found a new job at a Maltese fintech company after just 6 weeks. Sometimes Malta really is a village, and the job hunt is fast.

Jobsplus: Malta’s Public Employment Service Reviewed

Jobsplus is Malta’s official employment agency—and it genuinely works well. My experiences:

The bright side:

• Advice in English, Maltese, often German/Italian too
• Online portal with current vacancies
• Free training and upskilling programs
• CV advice and interview coaching

The reality:

• Focus is on Maltese employers
• International tech jobs are underrepresented
• Bureaucracy can be slow (typical Malta!)
• Personal contacts often matter more than official process

Malta insider tip: Alongside Jobsplus, check out Malta expat Facebook groups. “Malta Community Network” and “Malta Professionals” often have better leads than the official job boards.

Practical Steps & Applications: Your Roadmap Through the Paperwork

OK, enough theory. Which forms do you actually have to fill out, and where’s the right office? After three years in Maltese bureaucracy, I know every counter and every form. Here’s your roadmap.

Timeline: Your First 90 Days in Malta

I made a checklist that shows you what needs doing, and when. Trust me: The right order will save you weeks and plenty of stress.

Weeks 1–2: The Basics

1. Register your residence
   • Where: Local mayor of your community
   • Needs: Rental contract, passport, registration form
   • Cost: Free
   • Time: 1 day (if you have all paperwork)
2. Get your tax number
   • Where: Commissioner for Revenue, Valletta
   • Needs: Passport, proof of residence
   • Cost: Free
   • Time: 2–3 business days
3. Open a bank account
   • Where: Any Maltese bank (HSBC, BOV, APS recommended)
   • Needs: Passport, tax number, income proof
   • Cost: €0–50 depending on the bank
   • Time: 1–2 weeks to activate

Weeks 3–4: Social Security

4. Apply for e-Residency Card
   • Where: Identity Malta, Valletta or Gozo
   • Needs: EU passport, proof of residence, biometric photo
   • Cost: €27.50
   • Time: 10–15 business days
5. Social security registration
   • Where: Department for Social Security, Floriana
   • Needs: e-Residency Card, employment contract or proof of self-employment
   • Cost: Free
   • Time: Immediate (if paperwork is in order)

Weeks 5–8: Health Insurance & Fine-tuning

6. Register with Government Health Centre
   • Where: Nearest Government Health Centre
   • Needs: e-Residency Card, social security number
   • Cost: Free
   • Time: One appointment
7. Private health insurance (optional)
   • Where: Provider of your choice
   • Needs: Medical questionnaire, social security number
   • Cost: €600–3,600/year
   • Time: 2–4 weeks for underwriting

The Key Forms and Where to Find Them

Malta loves forms. But unlike in Germany, they’re usually short and clear. Here’s what matters:

Online vs. In Person: What Works Best Where?

Malta is going digital fast, but not every area is at the same stage. My take:

Definitely do online:

• Tax returns (via IRD portal)
• Requesting social security statements
• Address changes
• Booking appointments

Better to do in person:

• Initial registrations (personal contact helps)
• Complex cases or follow-up questions
• If in doubt (Maltese officials are usually very helpful)
• Urgent matters

Translations and Apostilles: What Needs Certifying?

As an EU citizen, you have it easier than non-EU nationals, but some documents still need translating or certification:

Always required:

• Birth certificate (for certain applications)
• Marriage certificate (if married)
• Academic certificates (for qualification recognition)

Sometimes required:

• Police clearance (for certain jobs)
• Employment contracts (with complex visa cases)
• Proof of income (for loans or renting)

Translation costs:

• Sworn translator: €25–40 per page
• Apostille: €8.50 in Germany, €25 in Malta
• Certification: Usually €10–20 per document

Malta hack: The German Consul in Malta (yes, really!) can certify German documents more cheaply than most private providers. Book appointments via the embassy website.

Common Application Pitfalls

Learning from others’ mistakes is always cheaper than making your own. These are the classic errors I see over and over:

• Wrong sequence: Almost nothing works without your e-Residency Card
• Incomplete paperwork: Better to bring too many copies than too few
• Not enough cash: Many offices are cash only
• No appointment booked: Walk-ins at Identity Malta are often a waste of time
• No translation of paperwork: German documents are usually fine, but not always

Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Learn from Others’ Mistakes

In three years in Malta, I’ve seen just about every possible social security mistake at least once. From double contributions to lost pension rights—here are the classics to avoid.

Pitfall #1: The 183-Day Trap

Happens more than you think: You come to Malta for a “short” workation, the sun’s out, the WiFi rocks, and suddenly four weeks become four months. Problem: From day 184, you’re a Maltese tax resident—with all social security consequences.

What happens:

• Malta can demand social security contributions retroactively
• Your German health insurance may no longer apply
• Complicated tax issues in both countries

Solution:

• Track your days precisely (apps like TaxTimer help)
• Apply for the A1 certificate early if staying longer
• Think about changing tax residency in time

Pitfall #2: Double Contribution Payments

Marco, an Italian software developer, shared his horror story: He paid into both Italian and Maltese social security for 8 months because he didn’t formally deregister in Italy.

Cost: Over €3,200 double contributions, took 18 months to recover

How it happened:

• Forgot to deregister in Italy
• Didn’t apply for the A1 certificate
• Employer was unsure, so paid into both systems

How to avoid it:

• Officially deregister in your home country before registering in Malta
• Always apply for the A1 certificate
• Keep a written confirmation of your deregistration

Pitfall #3: Lost Pension Rights by Bad Timing

Dr. Mara (our Swiss doctor) almost fell into this trap: She planned to have her Swiss pension fund paid out before moving to Malta—which would have wiped out her EU aggregation rights.

The mistake: Cashing out a pension fund = losing EU coordination rights

The smarter move:

• Leave pension capital untouched
• Use EU coordination to aggregate years
• Draw Swiss and Maltese pensions later

Savings in Mara’s case: Over €150,000 extra pension paid out over her lifetime

Pitfall #4: Private Health Insurance at the Wrong Time

Anna, a Berlin project manager, made a classic rookie error: She took out private Maltese health insurance before enrolling properly in the state system.

The fallout:

• Having to pay for health insurance twice
• Complicated refunds
• Doctors confused over responsibility

The right approach:

1. First sign up with the state system
2. Test it out
3. Add private top-up if you need to

Pitfall #5: The Digital Nomad Self-Employment Trap

Luca thought he was being smart: As a freelance UX designer for European clients, he paid social security nowhere. “I’m a digital nomad, I’m flexible, right?”

The nasty surprise:

• Malta claimed back payments for Class 2 Contributions
• No health cover when he had a surfing accident
• Pension rights for this period: zero

The smarter strategy for digital nomads:

• Pay Class 2 Contributions in Malta (€487/year)
• Or continue voluntary insurance at home
• Never just “wing it”—it gets expensive

Pitfall #6: Language Barriers with Important Documents

Maltese officials speak great English, but documents are sometimes issued in Maltese. Especially with social security rulings, this can cause confusion.

Common issues:

• Deadlines missed
• Wrong contribution amounts understood
• Eligibility terms misunderstood

Solution:

• Always ask for English translations
• If in doubt, ask (Maltese officials really do help)
• Get Malta-experienced expats to review important paperwork

Malta Relocation Checklist: So You Don’t Forget Anything

Lists are boring—but they save you from costly mistakes. This checklist is based on the experience of over 100 Malta expats I’ve helped over the years. Print it, tick it off, sleep easy.

3 Months Before the Move: Prep Work

Get and prepare your documents:

• ☐ Birth certificate (apply for international version)
• ☐ Marriage certificate (if married, international version)
• ☐ Police clearance (for certain jobs)
• ☐ Apostille for all relevant documents
• ☐ Transcripts/diplomas (if job recognition is needed)
• ☐ Recent payslips (for bank/rental)
• ☐ Proof of health insurance
• ☐ Obtain pension insurance history

Prep for social security:

• ☐ Apply for A1 certificate from your German/Austrian SS agency
• ☐ Get travel health insurance for the transition
• ☐ Check voluntary continued insurance (if needed)
• ☐ Obtain complete pension record
• ☐ Clarify occupational pension issues

Sort finances:

• ☐ Open accounts with EU-wide access
• ☐ Get credit cards with low overseas charges
• ☐ Tax advice for transition period
• ☐ Sort health insurance for the transition

1 Month Before the Move: Final Details

Official deregistration:

• ☐ Book deregistration appointment at the registration office
• ☐ Inform social security of your plans
• ☐ Inform health insurer about status change
• ☐ Inform tax office of your planned move
• ☐ Officially tell your employer about your move

Malta prep:

• ☐ Arrange accommodation for your first weeks
• ☐ Research local authority appointments in Malta
• ☐ Join Malta expat groups (Facebook, LinkedIn)
• ☐ Research initial bank appointments
• ☐ International health insurance for the transition

First Week in Malta: The Sprint

Day 1–2: Settle in and orient yourself

• ☐ Register address with local mayor
• ☐ Get a Maltese SIM card
• ☐ Open local bank account (HSBC, BOV or APS)
• ☐ Commissioner for Revenue: Apply for tax number

Day 3–5: Bureaucracy marathon

• ☐ Identity Malta: Apply for e-Residency Card
• ☐ Department for Social Security: Register
• ☐ Government Health Centre: Register for health insurance
• ☐ Contact employer (if already arranged)

Day 6–7: Fine-tuning

• ☐ Copy and separately store emergency documents
• ☐ Identify local doctors and pharmacies
• ☐ Organise transport (bus card, car registration)
• ☐ Make first Maltese friends (join expat events)

First 3 Months: Understand the System

Month 1:

• ☐ Pick up your e-Residency Card
• ☐ Redo any official processes with your e-Residency Card
• ☐ Check your first payslip (if employed)
• ☐ Review private health insurance options
• ☐ Clarify tax situation with an advisor

Month 2–3:

• ☐ Retrieve your social security statement online
• ☐ Prepare your first Maltese tax return
• ☐ Long-term finance planning (pension, savings)
• ☐ Build up your network (professional & personal)
• ☐ Feedback session: what works, what doesn’t?

Key Phone Numbers & Addresses

Pro tip: Save these numbers to your phone right now. Murphy’s Law says you’ll need them exactly when you don’t have internet.

Frequently Asked Social Security Questions

Do I have to pay social security in Malta if I stay only 6 months?

That depends on your work situation. If you have a Maltese employer, registration is mandatory. As a digital nomad with German clients, you can usually keep your home social security—but always apply for an A1 certificate.

Can I lose my German pension rights if I move to Malta?

No. Thanks to EU social security coordination, your German pension years won’t be lost. They’re combined with your Maltese years. You’ll later receive both a German and a Maltese pension.

What happens to my health insurance during the transition period?

Your EHIC works for the first three months. After that, you must register in the Maltese system or take out private health insurance. A transitional international health policy is recommended.

How high are social security contributions in Malta?

In 2024, you pay 10% of your gross salary (up to a max of €487.20 per month). Your employer pays another 10%. The self-employed pay Class 2 Contributions of €487.20 per year for full social security.

Do I need private health insurance in Malta?

The Maltese health system offers good basic care but longer waits for specialists. About 70% of expats take out private top-up insurance. Cost: €600–3,600 per year, depending on coverage.

Can I claim unemployment in Malta?

Yes, after at least 20 contribution weeks in the past two years. The rate is €89–108 per week, max 156 days. Your EU contribution years count when checking eligibility.

What’s an A1 certificate, and do I need it?

The A1 certificate proves where you’re insured and prevents double payments. You need it if you’ll be working in Malta temporarily but want to stay covered in Germany. Application takes 4–6 weeks.

Can I voluntarily keep up German insurance?

Yes, but only if you’re eligible for voluntary insurance (usually after at least 24 months of mandatory insurance). The contributions are much higher than in Malta. You generally can’t combine mandatory Maltese insurance with a German voluntary top-up.

What happens if I leave Malta again?

Your Maltese social security entitlements remain and are later aggregated with your new country’s contributions for pension purposes. You should get confirmation of your Maltese contribution years when you go.

Which documents do I need for social security registration?

You’ll need: e-Residency Card, employment contract or proof of self-employment, tax number, and proof of residence. German documents are usually accepted in English translation; certification is rarely needed.