obtain a marriage certificate

Prerequisites

• They are at least 18 years old.
• They possess German citizenship or, as stateless persons, homeless persons or foreign refugees, are subject to German law.
• The marriage does not violate German law.
• The country where you wish to marry will require a certificate of no impediment to marriage.

Documents required

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

• valid identity card or passport with current registration certificate
• current certified extract from the birth register
• A current certificate of residence or an extended registration certificate stating marital status. This is also called a certificate of single status. The certificate must not be older than 6 months at the time of registration. For persons registered in Hamburg, you can have this issued when you register your marriage at the registry office.

If you have ever been married or in a civil partnership:

• Marriage certificate and legally valid divorce decree or
• Evidence of the establishment and dissolution of the civil partnership

If your former partner has since passed away:

• marriage certificate or
• Proof of the establishment of the civil partnership
• Death certificate of former partner

In the case of previous marriages with an international element:

In case of marriage or divorce abroad:

• all marriage certificates
• all legally binding divorce decrees
• Complete translation by a sworn translator in Germany

It is not possible to provide a general and definitive answer regarding which documents are required due to individual circumstances. Your local registry office will be happy to advise you on your specific situation. Please contact your local registry office before submitting your application.

Please note

• If both fiancés have German citizenship, it is often sufficient to issue only one certificate of no impediment to marriage for both fiancés.
• If you have never had a residence in Germany, the registry office I in Berlin is responsible.

Deadlines

The certificate of no impediment to marriage is valid for 6 months after issuance.

Procedure

• You apply for the certificate of no impediment to marriage at the registry office responsible for your German place of residence or the German place of residence of the person entitled to apply. If neither a current nor a former German place of residence can be determined, you can apply for registration at the Berlin I registry office.
• Before applying, please inquire at the registry office about the documents you will need.
• You compile the required documents and send them with your application to the responsible authority, or arrange a personal appointment at the responsible registry office.
• The relevant registry office checks whether the certificate of no impediment to marriage can be issued.
• If the requirements are met, the certificate of no impediment to marriage will be issued.

Processing time

The processing time depends on the individual case.

Fees

The cost of applying for a certificate of no impediment to marriage is €72.50.


If one of the fiancés has a foreign nationality, the costs amount to EUR 124.50.

Legal remedies

Application for instructions from the registry office at the Hamburg District Court, Sievekingplatz 1, if one of the Hamburg registry offices is responsible.

Legal basis

Sections 13, 39 of the Civil Status Act (PStG)


§§ 1303 ff (BGB)


Section 51 of the Civil Status Ordinance (PStV)