Change personal data in the population register

Description

Marriage abroad:

In principle, marriages entered into abroad are recognised in the Federal Republic of Germany. However, all requirements for marriage under the law of the country in which the marriage was concluded must be met.

Divorce abroad:

In principle, foreign divorces or comparable decisions require recognition by the Higher Regional Court.

Recognition is not required

- if both spouses belonged exclusively to the state whose court or authority issued the judgement at the time of the judgement (home state judgements).
- in matrimonial matters from member states of the European Union - except Denmark

Change of name due to marriage or divorce abroad:

The names of the spouses are determined by the respective home country law. If one spouse is a foreign national, the name in the foreign passport is decisive for the entry in the register of residents. The foreign marriage certificate is not taken into account.

Prerequisites

If you are getting married in Germany, the registration office will be informed by the registry office.

In all other cases, you (or an authorised person) must come in person.

Required documents

• international marriage certificate or marriage certificate with translation into German
• Divorce decree with translation into German
• recognition by the higher regional court, if applicable
• EU divorce: divorce decree in German translation or certificate in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 2201/2003, available from the divorce court