Marriage with foreign element
2 tasks in suggested order
1. Clarify the required documents with the registry office for an international case
If either partner is a foreign national, foreign civil-status documents are involved, or there was a previous marriage abroad, the registry office will determine which evidence is required in the specific case.
As early as possible before the planned wedding date, because checking foreign documents can take longer.
The registry office responsible for registering the marriage; first clarify your personal document list there.
Passport/identity card, civil-status documents and, depending on the case, foreign documents; obtain translations or proof of authenticity only if the registry office requires them.
Foreign documents are not handled the same way in every case. First clarify the registry office's specific requirements before ordering paid translations or certifications.
Official source: Bundesportal
2. Clarify whether a certificate of no impediment to marriage or an exemption is required
If applicable: If at least one person getting married is a foreign national and a certificate of no impediment is relevant.
Foreign nationals generally need a certificate of no impediment to marriage from their home country to marry in Germany. If the home country does not issue one, an exemption may be required.
As soon as the registry office determines that a certificate of no impediment is required or cannot be obtained.
Through the responsible registry office. The registry office prepares any necessary exemption application for the competent authority.
The civil-status and identity documents requested by the registry office, plus evidence that a certificate of no impediment cannot be issued.
Do not start the exemption procedure independently with another authority; involve the registry office first.
Official source: Bundesportal
