Adoption of a foreign child Notarization in the birth register

  • Service description

    Would you like to adopt a child from abroad? Then you should clarify in advance the recognition of such an adoption in Germany. After the foreign adoption, the foreign birth certificate of your adopted child remains valid. As adoptive parents, you can nevertheless additionally apply for a certification of the birth in Germany

  • Process flow

    You can apply for the subsequent certification of the birth of your child born abroad at the registry office of your place of residence. The registry office will enter your child in the register of births. After registration, you will receive a German birth certificate for your child on request.

    Note: The registry office that carries out the subsequent certification of the birth of your child born abroad will inform you:

    • the registry office that keeps the birth records for the adoptive parents
    • the registry office I in Berlin that the birth of the child born abroad was subsequently certified in Germany
    • the registration office.

  • What documents are needed?

    All documents that were required in the country of origin for the certification of the birth and for the adoption must be submitted.

    Note : You will need foreign documents with over-certification by the competent foreign authority (apostille) or legalization by the German diplomatic mission abroad.

  • What are the fees?

    Prepayment: No
    For the subsequent certification of the birth of the adopted child by the registry office, fees are charged.The amount of the fee depends on the administrative effort in each individual case.

  • Legal basis

  • What else should I know?

    If you do not agree with a decision of the registry office, you can appeal to the district court. Only the district courts that have their seat at the location of a district court are responsible for the decisions.


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