Have your birth abroad certified

If you or a close relative were born abroad, you can apply for the subsequent certification of the birth in the birth register at the registry office in Germany.

If you or a close relative were born abroad, you can apply for the subsequent certification of the birth in the birth register (formerly the birth register) at the registry office in Germany.

There is no obligation to re-certify – duly issued birth certificates from abroad are generally recognised in Germany.

However, the subsequent entry in the birth register can be advantageous, because the local registry office can then issue you with a German birth certificate. Any translations and certifications of the foreign document will therefore no longer be required in the future.

The registry office in whose jurisdiction the person born abroad is responsible for the notarization.

• is domiciled, or
• last had their place of residence, or
• has their habitual residence

If jurisdiction cannot be determined on the basis of these points, the registry office I in Berlin will notarize.

• foreign birth certificate with translation; Legalization / Apostille if applicable
• valid identity card, passport or travel document
• Marriage and birth certificates of the parents of the person to whom the entry relates
• If applicable, naturalization certificate / certificate of citizenship

In addition, it may be necessary to submit further documents – please inquire about this in advance at the registry office.

The subsequent certification of the birth is possible for

• German nationals
• Stateless, homeless foreigners and foreign refugees with habitual residence in Germany

Eligible applicants are:

• the person to be registered
• whose parents
• their children
• the spouse or life partner

Application for a court decision at the district court responsible for the registry office

• Gather the necessary documents and visit the registry office.
• The registrar will check whether it is possible to be notarized by a German registry office.
• If the requirements are met, the entry in the birth register can take place.

If necessary, the registry office will issue you with a birth certificate after the registration has been made.

If a Hessian registry office is responsible:

• Notarization in the register of births: 47.00 euros, unless the municipality has set a different fee by statute. If necessary, the fee will increase if further documents have to be checked.
• Birth certificate / certified printout from the birth register: 12.00 euros (if ordered at the same time each additional copy 6 euros each), unless the municipality has set a different fee by statute.

You may incur additional costs and fees due to other services, such as the issuance of an apostille or translations.

If the registry office I in Berlin carries out the notarization, fees will be charged according to Berlin state law.
 

Further information: