Birth abroad Notarization of Germans without domestic residence

In principle, the application can be submitted via the German diplomatic mission if you live abroad.

• All documents and IDs must be submitted there in the original.
• If necessary, certified copies can be made at the diplomatic mission abroad, for which additional fees will be charged.
• The diplomatic mission or consular post can usually also determine whether a name declaration is required. In this case, a corresponding declaration can be made on the spot.

If you have never had a place of residence in Germany, the registry office I in Berlin is responsible for processing your application for subsequent certification of your birth abroad.

If you had a place of residence in Germany before your stay abroad, the registry office of your former German place of residence is responsible for processing your application.

• The child has acquired German citizenship by descent from a German parent or by naturalization.
• Eligible applicants are
  • the person to be registered themselves,
  • their parents,
  • their children,
  • the spouse or partner.
• The applicant or the child is not resident in Germany.

• Complete foreign birth register excerpt or, if not available, birth certificate of the child, if necessary with translation, legalization or apostille,
• Parents' birth certificates, with translation, legalization or apostille if applicable,
• Parents' identity documents and
  • naturalization certificate, if applicable
  • or certificate of citizenship.
• If the mother is or was married:
  • Marriage certificate, if applicable with translation, legalization or apostille
  • and in the case of termination of marriage: Proof of dissolution.
• If the parents are not married to each other:
  • If applicable, proof of acknowledgment of paternity and the mother's declaration of consent,
  • If applicable, proof of joint parental custody

The submission of further documents may be required. This depends on the foreign document system and can only be assessed after the application has been examined.

The respective processing status will be communicated with the confirmation of receipt. A longer processing time is to be expected.

• § Section 36 of the Civil Status Act (PStG)
• § Section 33 Ordinance on Civil Status (PStV)
• Nationality Act (StAG)
• No. 16.5.5.4 and 16.6.1 of the State Ordinance on Fees for General and Internal Administration including the Police Administration of Rhineland-Palatinate (Special Fee Schedule)

If an official act is refused, an application for an order can (only) be submitted to the competent local court. If the registry office I in Berlin refuses to carry out an official act, the district court Schöneberg in Berlin would be responsible for the application for instructions:

• Local Court Schöneberg of Berlin

Forms: yes
Online service available: no
Written form required: no
Personal appearance required: no

• Application for notarization of a foreign birth in the register of births (§ 36 PStG)

17.03.2023