Getting married in Germany: documents and steps for foreigners

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

In Germany a marriage exists in law only when it has been concluded at the registry office. A religious ceremony alone has no legal effect. For couples where one or both partners are foreigners, the paperwork is the long part, so start months ahead.

Rules, amounts and deadlines change. Check the official source named at the end before you act, and ask the office in your city, because procedures differ from town to town.

Step by step

1. Go to the registry office first

   Make an appointment at the Standesamt of the town where you or your partner are registered and ask for the list of documents for your nationalities. The list differs from country to country.

   Done

2. Check the basic conditions

   Both partners must be of legal age and able to decide for themselves, and neither may be married to someone else. Close relatives may not marry each other. Same-sex couples can marry since October 2017.

   Done

3. Collect the standard documents

   Valid passport or identity card, an extended registration certificate that is no older than 14 days, and a birth certificate or a certified copy from the register of births. After an earlier marriage: the marriage certificate and the divorce decree or death certificate.

   Done

4. Get the certificate of no impediment

   Foreign citizens need an Ehefähigkeitszeugnis from their home country, stating that nothing in that country's law stands in the way. If your country does not issue one, the registry office applies for an exemption at the Higher Regional Court (Oberlandesgericht). The exemption is valid for six months.

   Done

5. Have foreign documents translated and authenticated

   Documents must be translated by a sworn translator and usually carry an apostille or a legalisation from the authorities of the country that issued them. This step takes the most time.

   Done

6. Register and set the date

   When the papers are complete, you register the marriage together. You can do this up to six months before the wedding. The office names possible dates.

   Done

7. The ceremony

   It takes about half an hour. If one of you does not speak enough German, you must bring an interpreter. You decide on the surname: you can each keep your own, or take the name of one partner as the family name.

   Done

Good to know

The fees are about 50 to 100 euros for a weekday ceremony, plus costs for the exemption, translations, certificates and special locations.

A marriage concluded abroad is normally recognised in Germany if it was valid where it took place. Register it at your Standesamt afterwards.

A marriage alone does not give a right to stay. The residence permit for spouses has its own conditions: how to bring your family to Germany: spouse and children.

After the wedding, tell your employer and the tax office. Your tax class changes: your German payslip explained.

In short: Appointment at the Standesamt, passport, registration certificate, birth certificate, certificate of no impediment or court exemption, translations with apostille, register up to six months ahead, civil ceremony.