Process Service in Great Britain

Germany is a signatory to the Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters (20 UST361). This treaty is the most recognized instrument for service of process and encompasses most industrialized nations globally. Courts frequently rule that service conducted outside the prescribed treaty procedures is invalid, often stating that “failure to use the treaty will have consequences.” Procedures can vary significantly between treaty nations. Each foreign country, including Germany, is permitted to make modifications to the treaty affecting its national sovereignty, such as determining which treaty provisions are enforceable, which are prohibited, and whether translations are mandatory, and if so, into which language. These notifications, declarations, and reservations effectively allow each country to tailor the treaty to its jurisdiction.