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Marriage abroad; application for subsequent certification in the German marriage register
A marriage abroad can be subsequently notarized in the German marriage register.
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Procedure details
Description
A marriage abroad can be subsequently notarized upon application to the relevant registry office if one of the spouses is a German citizen at the time of the application. The spouses are entitled to apply, or if both are deceased, their parents and children.
The registry office in whose jurisdiction the person entitled to apply has or last had their place of residence or habitual abode is responsible for notarization. If this also does not result in jurisdiction, the registry office I in Berlin will notarize the marriage
Requirements
Subsequent certification of the marriage is possible for
- German nationals
- Stateless persons, homeless foreigners and foreign refugees with habitual residence in Germany
Eligible applicants are
- the spouses themselves
- if both are deceased, their parents and children
Required documents
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The foreign marriage certificate is required.The relevant registry office will be happy to advise you about any other documents that may be required.
Fees
- Notarization in the marriage register: EUR 55.00
Further costs may be incurred depending on the individual case. The relevant registry office will be happy to advise you. - Marriage certificate / certified printout from the marriage register: 12.00 EUR
Legal bases
Related issues
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Married name; declaration
You and your spouse can choose the maiden name of one spouse, the current name of one spouse or a double name made up of the names of both spouses as your married name.
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Marriage; registrationThe couple must register the marriage at the registry office so that it can check whether the legal requirements for the marriage have been met.
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Marriage abroad; application for a certificate of no impediment to marriageYou can apply for a certificate of no impediment to marriage or the establishment of a civil partnership abroad.
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Marriage at home and abroad; consummation
In principle, a marriage can be concluded at any German registry office. A marriage abroad is recognized if it was concluded before the competent authority.
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Marriage certificate; applicationYou can request a marriage certificate from the registry office that keeps the marriage register (usually at the place where the marriage took place).
Status: 22.08.2025
Editorially responsible for prodecure description: Bayerisches Staatsministerium des Innern, für Sport und Integration
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