Marriage

Notarization of a marriage abroad by a German registry office

Properly issued marriage certificates (marriage certificates) from abroad are generally recognised in Germany. There is no obligation to subsequently certify the marriage.However...

Marriage registration

If you want to get married, you must register the marriage in advance.

Annulment of the marriage

If you are of the opinion that your marriage is not legal, you can apply for an annulment of your marriage.

Marriage certificate issue

Who needs a certificate of no impediment?

Applying for exemption from presenting a certificate of no impediment to marriage for foreign nationals

If you do not have German citizenship and wish to marry in Germany, you will need a certificate of marriageability from your home country. If you are not issued one, you can apply for an exemption from the requirement to present a certificate of marriageability.

Surname change for an important reason

You can change your family name if you have an important reason to do so.

Residence permit for family reasons Issued for the family reunification of a foreign spouse with a German national

If you are a third-country national and want to live together with your German spouse or partner in Germany, you can obtain a residence permit for family reunification.

Residence permit for family reasons Extension for family reunification of a foreign spouse with a German citizen

As a third-country national with a residence permit for family reunification with a German spouse or life partner, you can apply for an extension of your residence permit as long as your marriage or life partnership continues.

Residence permit for family reasons Extension for other family reunification with a German national

If you belong to the group of other family members of a German and your stay in Germany is still necessary to avoid exceptional hardship, you can apply for an extension of your residence permit for family reunification.

Entry in the matrimonial property register after conclusion of a marriage contract

If you have concluded a marriage contract, you can have the chosen matrimonial property regime entered in the matrimonial property register.

Inspection of the matrimonial property register

You can inspect the register of matrimonial property rights.

Apply for a marriage certificate

Do you need a marriage certificate? You can obtain your marriage certificate from the registry office in whose district the marriage took place.

Issue of civil partnership certificate

Do you need a civil partnership certificate? You can obtain your civil partnership certificate from the registry office in whose area the civil partnership was established. The registry office will issue it from the civil partnership register.

Persons who are married to each other may, under certain circumstances, be able to change their name after marrying abroad by making a declaration to a German registry office.

The registry office will issue a certificate to this effect.

You can have your first name changed under certain conditions.

If you have more than one first name, you can have their order changed by making a declaration.

Rules and recognition of marriage

If you are planning to get married, you can find more information here on your rights and obligations associated with marriage and the recognition of marriage.

Marriage consummation

Two people who wish to marry are married to each other in a civil marriage ceremony. The ceremony takes place at a location designated (prescribed) for that purpose by the competent authority.

Marriage Abroad: Registration of Marriages Contracted Abroad by German Citizens or Involving German Citizens

You got married abroad and at least one of you is a German citizen? Then you can have the marriage certified at a registry office in Germany.

Marriage abroad Notarization of marriages entered into abroad by persons recognized as stateless or as refugees or their participation

Have you married abroad as a recognized stateless person, homeless person or recognized refugee? Then you can have the marriage certified at a registry office in Germany.

Marriage certificate issue for Germans

The certificate of marriageability is issued if it is required for marriage abroad.

It is issued for German citizens with residence or habitual abode abroad, by the Registry Office 1 in Berlin.

Applying for pension compensation for surviving spouses from statutory accident insurance in the event of remarriage

As a surviving dependant, you will receive a settlement from the statutory accident insurance instead of a pension if you remarry or enter into a new civil partnership.