Marriage: Post-certification of marriages abroad

Procedure

• At least one spouse must appear in person at the registry office.
• The required documents must be compiled during the visit.
• The registrar checks whether the certification by a German registry office is possible.
• If the requirements are met, the entry can be made in the marriage register.
• If required, the registrar's office will issue a marriage certificate after the registration has taken place.

Legal bases

• § 34 Personenstandsgesetz (PStG)

More information

Notes/special features

Since January 1, 2009, certified copies of the family register are no longer issued - the registry office continues to maintain the data of the family registers as marriage entries.

If proof is required, marriage certificates can be requested in each case.

If the marriage was contracted abroad, an application can be made to the registry office in the place of origin for the marriage to be subsequently recorded in the German marriage register.