Acknowledge paternity
Formal acknowledgment of paternity for a child at the registry office, child welfare office, or a notary public, with the mother’s consent.
How to proceed
- 1
Appointment at the Department of Children and Family Services or the Registry Office
The registration can take place even before the birth.
- 2
Submit a statement of acknowledgment
With the mother's simultaneous written consent.
- 3
Registration
Paternity is recorded on the birth certificate.
Required documents
- Identification cardMandatory
- Mother's birth certificateOften forgotten
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 1 weeks
Official: max. approx. 2 weeks
Online application
In person or by post
Common mistakes
- • Recognition declared only after birth, rather than before birth
- • The mother's consent is not included
Common reasons for rejection
- • The mother's consent is missing
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Fathers of children born to unmarried parents, as well as the mother (subject to consent).
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. 1 weeks
Success rate
approx. 98.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Recognition declared only after birth, rather than before birth
- •The mother's consent is not included
Common reasons for rejection
- •The mother's consent is missing
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.