Adoption of a foreign child - apply for notarization

Do you want 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 an adoptive parent, you can still apply for a certificate of birth in Germany.

Hint: If a German court decides on an adoption, it will also carry out the notarization. The same applies if a German family court converts a foreign adoption from a weak to a strong adoption.
 

To the registry office of your place of residence

all documents required for adoption in the country of origin

Hint: You need foreign documents with additional legalization by the competent foreign authority (apostille) or legalization by the German diplomatic mission abroad.
 

If you do not agree with a decision of the registry office, you can contact the local court. (§ 49 para. 1; § 50 of the Civil Status Act). Decisions are exclusively made by the local courts that have their seat at the place of a regional court.

You must apply for the registration of the birth of your child born abroad at the registry office of your place of residence. Here you can apply for a new birth certificate at the same time.

The registry office registers the change in the civil status register.

Hint: The registry office that certifies the birth of your child born abroad automatically informs other registry offices.
 

Notarization is free of charge. There are fees for the issuance of a birth certificate.

Further information is also available under the service description "Apostille and legalization (documents and certifications)".