Detailed description
If you
- want to adopt a child from abroad,
- have already adopted a child from abroad,
- were adopted abroad or
- work as a professional in an adoption agency,
you can receive advice on your concerns.
FS 43
Adoption of a child living abroad General informationAre you interested in adopting a child living abroad? You can find further information here.
Information
Important notes
Prerequisites
You live in the federal states of Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony or Schleswig-Holstein and are interested in an international adoption or would like advice on or after an international adoption.
Documents required
Which documents are required depends on the specific circumstances of the individual case. The responsible authority will inform you accordingly.
Please note
No
Deadlines
There are no deadlines
Procedure & Fees
Procedure
- You contact the responsible office and explain your concerns. If necessary, arrange a consultation appointment.
- The responsible authority will advise you on your concerns.
Processing time
Your request will be processed as quickly as possible.
An international adoption process typically takes at least 1.5 years, and often much longer. The duration depends primarily on whether and when a child is proposed from the country of origin.
Fees
The consultation is free of charge.
Fees of EUR 1,200.00 are charged for an international adoption procedure, and you must also reimburse any expenses incurred (for example, for translations).
Legal notes
Legal remedies
Not applicable
Legal basis
§ 2a Adoption Placement Act (AVermiG)
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/advermig_1976/__11.html
§ 11 Adoption Placement Act (AVermiG)
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/advermig_1976/__11.html
Downloads & Links
Related services
Links on hamburg.de
Keywords: International adoptions GZA Central office for international adoptions Central Authority for International Adoptions Common Central Adoption Office Adoption of a foreign child
Last updated: 16.04.2026