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Family benefits

Submit an adoption application

Application for the adoption of a child (or stepchild adoption) through the Youth Welfare Office/adoption agency and the Family Court.

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Damit wir Submit an adoption application mit dem zuständigen Jugendamt in Ihrer Stadt anzeigen können.

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Sie werden zur geführten Suche weitergeleitet – mit Kontaktdaten, Termin und nächsten Schritten für Submit an adoption application.

Processing: approx. 18 monthsSuccess rate: 70.0 %
Last reviewed: August 02, 2026

Quick answer

  1. 1

    Documents you need

    Certificate of Good Conduct · Personalausweis oder Reisepass

  2. 2

    Responsible authority

    The authority of your main residence

  3. 3

    How to do it

    In person or by post at the office

  4. 4

    Costs

    Kostenlos

Find the responsible authority

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Counseling at the adoption agency

    At the Youth Welfare Office or a recognized private agency.

  2. 2

    Application and Aptitude Test

    Home visits, interviews, submission of documents (certificate of good conduct, medical certificates).

  3. 3

    Adoption order issued by the family court

    Following the probationary period (foster care period), the child is legally adopted.

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Individuals or couples who wish to adopt a child, including stepparents.

Income limit

Processing time

Nationwide: approx. approx. 18 months

Success rate

approx. 70.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • Application without a prior information session hosted by the adoption agency
  • Incomplete documentation regarding personal/financial circumstances

Common reasons for rejection

  • Failed the aptitude test
  • The child's best interests are not sufficiently safeguarded

Alternatives

  • Check related services in the application assistant
  • Use social counselling before applying

If rejected

Read the decision carefully: often submitting missing documents or reapplying helps more than an objection.

Related services

Questions & Answers

Wie lange dauert Adoptionsantrag stellen?

In der Regel ca. 540 Werktage – je nach Behörde und Auslastung.

Freshness & source

Maintenance
Continuously reviewed & updated
Source
Familienportal des Bundes
Data quality
100 %

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