Marriage Registration in Germany

Marriage and civil partnerships in Germany

The German Civil Law recognizes both marriage and civil partnerships between two individuals. Marriage and civil partnerships are considered legal contracts in Germany, thus they are protected by the Constitution. Marriage grants certain rights to spouses, such as taxation, pension, and adoption rights. Moreover, the Inheritance Law in Germany also confers certain rights in case of the death of one of the spouses.

Civil partnerships were introduced in Germany in 2001 when the Life Partnership Act (Eingetragene Lebensgemeinschaft) was enforced. Individuals concluding German civil partnerships have some of the same rights as to marriage, among them pension and health insurance.

For details about the Life Partnership Act please contact our law firm in Germany.

What is the procedure for getting married in Germany?

Marriages and civil partnerships are concluded in the exact same way in Germany. Both partners are required to go to the local registry office (Standesamt) within the city hall (Rathaus) of their city and submit a marriage application (Antrag auf Eheschlielung). Foreign individuals living in Germany must also know they must have lived in the city they want to get married into for at least 21 days. It is also possible for one of the parties to submit the marriage application if given power of attorney by the other party.

Foreign citizens getting married are required to send their documents to the Higher Regional Court of Nurnberg (Oberlandesgericht Nurnberg) in order to have their legal status verified.

Marriages and civil partnerships are registered within two to six weeks from submitting all the required documents.

What are the required documents for marriage registration in Germany?

Spouses are required to submit the following documents when getting married in Germany:

• - identification documents, such as passports,
• - an official statement of residency,
• - birth certificates,
• - birth certificates of children, if applicable,
• - a certificate of no impediment,
• - a declaration stating both parties are single,
• - a marriage questionnaire provided by the registry office,
• - a certificate of divorce and previous marriage certificates, if applicable,
• - death certificate, if applicable,
• - a confirmation of name change, if applicable,
• - financial statements from both parties.

All documents must be translated and certified. For notary services, you may rely on our attorneys in Germany.