There is no formal recognition procedure for foreign marriages in Germany. If you got married abroad, you are therefore not obliged to register your marriage in a German marriage register.

However, to make it easier to deal with authorities and other institutions, it may be advantageous for you to register in a German marriage register at your local registry office. You can then have a German marriage certificate issued there. This proves your marriage and provides information about your name.

A marriage concluded abroad is recognized in Germany if the regulations applicable in the country of marriage were observed and the marriage was concluded before a legally authorized person.

Marriage certificates from abroad are generally recognized in Germany in the case of a marriage that is valid in German law, but are often only accepted if their authenticity has been established in a special procedure. For this purpose, an apostille or legalization is helpful, which confirms the authenticity of the document. If the document was not drawn up in German, a translation is often required.

Notes:

• The registry office in whose jurisdiction you have or last had your place of residence or habitual abode in Germany is responsible for subsequent notarization.
• If you have never lived in Germany, the "Landesamt für Bürger- und Ordnungsangelegenheiten - Standesamt I in Berlin" is responsible for you.