Administrative services A-Z

Do you want to adopt a child from abroad? Then you should clarify in advance the recognition of such an adoption in Germany. After the foreign adoption, the foreign birth certificate of your adopted child remains valid. As an adoptive parent, you can still apply for certification in the birth register in Germany if the child has acquired German citizenship through adoption.

Please contact your local adoption agency, the responsible central adoption agency or a recognized foreign placement agency in independent sponsorship.  
 
Note: If a German court decides on an adoption, it will also carry out the notarization. The same applies if a German family court converts a foreign adoption from a weak to a strong adoption.

Detailed information can be found in the procedure description "Adoption of a foreign child - applying for conversion of a weak into a strong adoption".

See Recommendations on Adoption Placement , as amended, BAGLJÄ

- Health (good physical, mental and emotional condition)

- no criminal record that endangers the child's welfare

- stable partnership

- supportive network/social environment

- secure economic conditions

- Life satisfaction/reflected personality

- Connection/attachment to the country of origin/culture

• all documents required for adoption in the country of origin
• If applicable, decision in accordance with the Adoption Effects Act

Note: You need foreign documents with certification by the competent foreign authority (apostille) or legalization by the German mission abroad.

• Updating of the civil status registers at the registry office of the place of residence: free of charge
• Notarization of a birth abroad: subject to a fee

You must apply for the certification of the birth of your foreign-born child at the registry office of your place of residence. Here you can apply for a new birth certificate at the same time.
 
The registry office registers the birth and you as an adoptive parent in the civil status register.
 
Note: The registry office that certifies the birth of your foreign-born child automatically informs other registry offices.

The registry office of your place of residence

Locally competent adoption agency

Responsible Central Adoption Office

Recognized foreign placement agency in independent sponsorship

• Adoption Effects Act (AdWirkG)
• Adoption Mediation Act (AdVermiG)
• Section 36 of the Civil Status Act (PStG) (births and deaths abroad)
• § 27 of the Civil Status Act (PStG) (determination and change of civil status, other continuation)
• Act on the Implementation of the Hague Convention (HAC)
• Act on Proceedings in Family Matters and in Matters of Voluntary Jurisdiction (FamFG)
• Introductory Act to the German Civil Code (EGBGB)
• German Civil Code (BGB)

Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports