Register a birth that occurred abroad
Registration of a German citizen born abroad in the German birth registry.
How to proceed
- 1
Submit an application to the appropriate registry office
Berlin Registry Office I for Germans born abroad; if necessary, the local registry office.
- 2
Submit a foreign birth certificate with an apostille or legalization
Plus a certified translation and proof of the parents' German citizenship.
- 3
Obtain a German birth certificate
Will be entered in the German birth registry.
Required documents
- Foreign birth certificate with an apostilleMandatoryOften forgotten
Legalized foreign birth certificate.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 4 weeks
Official: max. approx. 1 months
Online application
In person or by post
Common mistakes
- • Forgot to get an apostille or legalization for the foreign document
- • Application filed with the wrong registry office (the competent office is Registry Office I in Berlin or the parents' place of residence)
Common reasons for rejection
- • German citizenship not proven
- • Foreign birth certificate not legalized or apostilled
You can usually file an objection against a rejection.
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
German citizens who were born abroad and need a German birth certificate.
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. 4 weeks
Success rate
approx. 90.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Forgot to get an apostille or legalization for the foreign document
- •Application filed with the wrong registry office (the competent office is Registry Office I in Berlin or the parents' place of residence)
Common reasons for rejection
- •German citizenship not proven
- •Foreign birth certificate not legalized or apostilled
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.