Marriage with foreign nationality

In order to enter into a marriage, a civil marriage ceremony is required under German law.

When examining the so-called capacity to marry of foreign spouses (certificate of capacity to marry from the home country), it is important to determine whether there are any legal obstacles to marriage under the respective home country law of the foreign partner. This check is intended to prevent a marriage being entered into in Germany that is invalid or annullable in the home country of the spouses.

The marriage is performed as part of the civil marriage of two persons by a registrar.

The only exception is the marriage of two foreigners before a wedding officiant duly authorized by the government of the home country in the form prescribed by the law of that country, provided that one of the fiancées is a national of that country.

• Proof of identity (identity card, passport, or suitable identification document)

In any case:

• new birth certificate or
• new certified copy from the birth register
• Birth certificate (international birth certificate if born abroad)
• new certificate of residence from the registration office with details of marital status (not required if resident in Offenbach am Main)

Foreign nationals also require

• a certificate of no impediment to marriage
• a current proof of marital status from your home country/consulate
• current birth certificates of joint children
• Proof of German citizenship if this was not acquired at birth. (naturalization certificate, registration certificate, citizenship certificates)
• Identity card or passport

Please submit foreign documents in the original with a German translation; translations must be made in Germany. Some foreign documents require an apostille or legalization or verification of accuracy. Fiancés who do not speak German must bring an interpreter with them.

The above information is not binding. Especially when foreign nationals are involved or foreign rights are taken into account, personal information and consultation meetings are absolutely necessary

• Fee: EUR 47.00
  during the general opening hours and within the office premises, unless the municipality has set a different fee by statute.