In some countries, Germans who wish to marry abroad need a "certificate of no impediment to marriage". This confirms that a marriage is authorised under German law.
In some countries, a certificate from the German consulate is required in addition to the certificate of no impediment to marriage issued by the German registry office.
Foreign nationals who wish to marry in Germany also need a certificate of no impediment to marriage.
In this certificate, the competent home authority confirms that there is no legal impediment to marriage.
If the certificate cannot be issued, you must apply for an exemption from the President of the Higher Regional Court. If same-sex couples wish to marry and the home state does not provide for same-sex marriage, a certificate of no impediment to marriage does not have to be presented.
A certificate of no impediment to marriage is valid for six months.
Legal basis
Personenstandsgesetz (PStG)
- § 39 - Ehefähigkeitszeugnis
Verordnung zur Ausführung des Personenstandsgesetzes (PStV)
- § 51 - Mehrsprachiges Ehefähigkeitszeugnis
Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
- § 1309 - Ehefähigkeitszeugnis für Ausländer
Verordnung des Innenministeriums zur Durchführung des Personenstandsgesetzes (PStG-DVO)
- § 5 - Erhebung von Gebühren und Auslagen, in Verbindung mit Anlage 1 (Gebührenverzeichnis)