Marriage abroad; application for subsequent certification in the German marriage register

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

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

• The foreign marriage certificate is required.
  The relevant registry office will be happy to advise you on any other documents that may be required.

• 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