Notarisation of marriage abroad

Duly issued marriage certificates from abroad are generally recognised in Germany. There is no requirement for them to be re-registered.

However, having the marriage entered in the marriage register retrospectively may be advantageous, as the local registry office will then be able to issue you with a German marriage certificate. This will mean that you will no longer need to have the foreign certificate translated or certified in future.

• Section 34 of the Civil Status Act (PStG)

• Marriage certificate (certificate of marriage) for a marriage contracted abroad, where applicable certified by the relevant foreign authority (Apostille) or legalised by the German diplomatic mission abroad
• a valid identity card, passport or travel document
• where applicable, a certificate of naturalisation or a certificate of nationality
• Translations of all documents in a foreign language by translators sworn in within the country

Further documents required:

if the spouses were born in Germany:

• the birth certificates

If the spouses were born abroad:

• birth certificates certified by the relevant foreign authority (with an Apostille) or legalised by the German diplomatic mission abroad

If one of the spouses has been married before:

• certified copy from the marriage register of the last previous marriage, bearing a note of dissolution
• Alternatively, or in the case of a previous marriage abroad: Evidence of the conclusion and dissolution of all previous marriages – for example, marriage certificates, death certificates, all divorce decrees (in full and bearing a court note stating the date on which the decree became final / “note of finality”)
• where applicable, recognition of the foreign divorce by the President of the Higher Regional Court

If one of the spouses has previously entered into a registered civil partnership:

• Evidence of the formation and dissolution of all civil partnerships

A marriage contracted abroad can only be entered in the German marriage register if it was legally valid. Furthermore, it must not contravene German law.

Retrospective registration of the marriage is possible for:

• German nationals
• Stateless persons, foreigners without a country of origin, or foreign refugees habitually resident in Germany

Eligible applicants:

• each spouse
• Both have passed away:
  • whose parents or
  • whose children

Please contact the registry office in advance by telephone to enquire about the specific procedures and the documents they require from you.

• Gather the necessary documents and visit the registry office.
• The registrar checks whether the registration can be carried out by a German registry office.
• Provided the requirements are met, the marriage may be entered in the marriage register.

If required, the registry office will issue you with a marriage certificate once the marriage has been registered.

Since 1 January 2009, certified copies from the family register have no longer been issued – the registry office now maintains the data from the family registers as marriage entries.

If you require proof of this, please request a marriage certificate in each case.

If you were married abroad, you can apply to the registry office in your home town to have the marriage retrospectively recorded in the German marriage register.

• Marriage registration in Brandenburg

  Display of performance in the source portal

• Registration of a marriage concluded abroad by a German registry office

  Display of performance in the source portal

• Registration of a marriage contracted abroad in Rüdersdorf near Berlin

  Display of performance in the source portal

• if you are resident in Germany: the registry office for the place where you live or usually stay
• if you are resident abroad: Registry Office I in Berlin

Registry Office I in Berlin
Schönstedtstr. 5
13357 Berlin (Mitte)
Tel.: +49 30 90 269-5000
Fax: +49 30 90 269-5245

Opening hours:
Mon closed
Tue 09:00 – 12:00
Wed closed
Thu 14:00 to 17:00
Fri closed