💒 Checklist: Getting Married in Germany

Standesamt, documents, Apostille — all steps for Eheschließung in Germany, including for international couples.

German terms

Eheschließung Standesamt Ehefähigkeitszeugnis Apostille Aufgebot Namensänderung

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Book appointment at Standesamt (3-6 months in advance) Required

Standesamt / Eheschließung

Register for Eheschließung at the Standesamt of your residence. Book popular dates (Saturdays, special dates) early. Costs: approx. €60-100 base fee + any expenses.

Certified birth certificate (current, not older than 6 months) Required

Geburtsurkunde (beglaubigt)

Request from the Standesamt of your birthplace. For births abroad: certified translation + Apostille/legalization required. Costs: approx. €12-25.

Ehefähigkeitszeugnis (certificate of eligibility to marry) (for non-German partners) Required

Ehefähigkeitszeugnis / Ledigkeitsbescheinigung

For non-German partners: Ehefähigkeitszeugnis from home country + Apostille + certified translation. If unavailable: request exemption from regional court (4-12 weeks, approx. €40).

Residence permit / visa (for non-EU partners) Optional

Aufenthaltstitel / Visum zur Eheschließung

Valid residence permit or national visa for marriage. With tourist visa: marriage in Germany generally possible, but residence permission must be applied for separately afterward.

Extended Meldebescheinigung (residence registration certificate) Required

Erweiterte Meldebescheinigung

Request from Bürgeramt. Extended = with marital status. Not older than a few weeks. Costs: approx. €10.

Apostille / legalization for foreign documents Optional

Apostille / Legalisation / Haager Übereinkommen

Hague Apostille for convention countries. Otherwise: legalization via embassy. Certified translation by sworn translator. Costs vary widely (€50-200).

Name change after marriage Optional

Ehename / Namensänderung

Declare at Standesamt during Eheschließung. Then update: ID card, passport, bank, employer, health insurance, driving license (optional). Marriage certificate serves as proof.

Change tax class (automatically IV/IV after marriage) Required

Steuerklassenwechsel / Steuerklasse III/V

Automatically tax class IV/IV after marriage. Request combinations III/V or IV+factor at tax office. Possible online via ELSTER. III/V beneficial with very different incomes.