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Prerequisites

You are at least 18 years old.
You have German citizenship or are subject to German law as a stateless person, homeless person or foreign refugee.
They want to get married abroad.
The country in which you wish to marry requires you to provide a marriage certificate.

Documents required

If you are a German citizen and are entering into your first marriage, you will need the following documents:

• valid identity card or passport
• current certified extract from the birth register or certified copy of the birth certificate from the registry office of your place of birth

If you were born abroad:

• Birth certificate or international birth certificate

If you have been married/partnered before:

• Marriage certificate/civil partnership certificate of the last previous marriage with dissolution note

In case of marriage/divorce abroad:

• foreign marriage certificates and legally binding divorce decrees of all previous marriages

In case of divorce in another EU country:

• Certificate pursuant to Article 39 on decisions in matrimonial cases

In case of divorce outside the EU:

• Declaratory decision of the Higher Regional Court on the recognition of a foreign decision in matrimonial matters

If your former partner has since died:

• Spouse's death certificate

A notice:
The registry office needs the documents for both partners to issue the certificate.
Foreign documents must be translated by a sworn interpreter in Germany.
Depending on the country, a translation, certification (apostille) or legalization may be necessary.

Please note

If both fiancés have German citizenship, it is often sufficient to issue only one certificate of no capacity to marry for both fiancés.
Foreign nationals who wish to marry in Germany also need a certificate of no capacity to marry.
If same-sex couples wish to marry and their home country does not allow same-sex marriage, they do not need to provide a marriage certificate.

Deadlines

The certificate of no capacity to marry is valid for 6 months after it is issued.

Procedure

• Before submitting an application, please contact the relevant registry office
• You will then be informed personally or in writing about the necessary documents
• Then apply for the certificate of capacity to marry in writing or in person at the relevant registry office
• The responsible registry office will review your application and documents. If necessary, it will request additional documents or information from you.
• The responsible registry office decides on your application

Processing time

Depending on the complexity of the couple's case and the documents to be submitted, this can take up to several weeks.

Fees

The cost of applying for a certificate of capacity to marry is EUR 68.00.


If one of the fiancés has foreign nationality, the costs are EUR 109.50.

Legal remedies

Application for a court decision and instructions from the registry office

Legal basis