Issue of a certificate of no impediment to marriage for German citizens who have never had a residence in Germany
If you wish to marry abroad, it is possible that there is a legal standard in the intended country of marriage which requires the presentation of such a certificate.
The registry office I in Berlin is responsible for issuing a certificate of no impediment to marriage for this group of persons (German citizens with residence or habitual abode abroad who have never been resident or registered in Germany).
Responsible authority
State Office for Citizens' and Regulatory Affairs - Registry Office I in Berlin
Schönstedtstraße 5
13357 Berlin
Telephone: 030 115
Details
Prerequisite
- The person must have German citizenship.
- They must have their domicile and habitual residence abroad and have never been resident or registered in Germany
- The intended marriage is to take place abroad
- The intended marriage must not be prevented by any impediment to marriage under German law
Procedure
An application for a certificate of no impediment to marriage is submitted to the competent registry office I in Berlin. If the examination shows that there is no impediment to the intended marriage under German law and the necessary personal details of both parties to the marriage have been provided, the registry office will issue the certificate of matrimonial capacity applied for.
Deadlines
Once issued, the certificate of no impediment is valid for a period of six months.
Required documents
- The requirements, type and format of the evidence to be provided and the examination of the marriage requirements are governed by German law, as for a German citizen.
- Proof must be provided in the form of public documents:
- The civil status
- Domicile, habitual residence
- Nationality
- As well as, if applicable, the last marriages and/or civil partnerships and their dissolution
Costs
Costs may be incurred for the issue of a certificate of no impediment to marriage. Please contact your registry office.
Processing time
Depending on the individual case
Miscellaneous
none
Legal basis
- § 13 Prüfung der Ehevoraussetzungen
- § 39 Ehefähigkeitszeugnis
Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB):
- § 1309 Absatz 1 Satz 1 und 2 Ehefähigkeitszeugnis für Ausländer
Release note
Machine generated, based on the German release by: Innenministerium Baden-Württemberg, 17.03.2025