Apply for a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage
Certificate from the registry office stating that there are no legal impediments to marriage under German law – often required for getting married abroad.
How to proceed
- 1
Submit an application to the appropriate registry office
Generally, the registry office in the place of residence.
- 2
Submit documents
Birth certificate, proof of residence, and, if applicable, a divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse.
- 3
Issuance of the certificate
Valid for a limited time; after that, a new application is required.
Required documents
- Birth certificateMandatory
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 3 weeks
Official: max. approx. 1 months
Online application
In person or by post
Common mistakes
- • Birth certificate and, if applicable, divorce decree not submitted as originals or certified copies
- • The certificate's validity period (usually 6 months) has expired in the case of a wedding abroad
Common reasons for rejection
- • Previous marriage cannot be proven to have ended in divorce
- • Required documents are incomplete or not certified
You can usually file an objection against a rejection.
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
German citizens who wish to get married abroad.
Income limit
The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 3 weeks
Success rate
approx. 90.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Birth certificate and, if applicable, divorce decree not submitted as originals or certified copies
- •The certificate's validity period (usually 6 months) has expired in the case of a wedding abroad
Common reasons for rejection
- •Previous marriage cannot be proven to have ended in divorce
- •Required documents are incomplete or not certified
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.