Birth Announcement
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Why should I specify a location?
With the help of the location information, we can display the information, forms and services suitable for you and your responsible office.
Which location should I specify?
For example, your place of residence if you want to apply for a passport or the company location if you want to register a business.
To register a birth, you will need the following documents:
- The ID card, passport, or a recognized substitute travel document for both of the child’s parents.
- If you are married: Additionally, a certified printout from the marriage registry with relevant notes or birth certificates and the parents’ marriage certificate
- If you are an unmarried mother: additionally, your birth certificate
- If you are a divorced or widowed mother: additionally, a certified copy from the marriage registry with relevant notes, or your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and the divorce decree or death certificate
- If the parents are not married to each other and paternity has already been acknowledged or is to be acknowledged prior to the registration of the birth: additionally, a certified copy of the father’s acknowledgment of paternity, a certified copy of the mother’s declaration of consent, and the father’s birth certificate.
- If a parent’s name has changed: proof of the name change.
- If the parents have already established joint custody: a certified copy of the custody agreement.
- For foreign parents: additionally, proof of a residence permit to verify the child’s acquisition of German citizenship
Note: Documents from abroad must be submitted in the original and accompanied by a German translation from a certified translator. The civil registry office may request additional documents if necessary to verify the information provided.
Registering a birth with the civil registry office is free of charge.
Certificates for personal use are subject to a fee. You can pay in cash or with an EC card.
Simply explained
The birth of a child must be reported to the registry office responsible for the place of birth.
If your child is born in a hospital or other facility where obstetric care is provided, the birth notification will be handled by this facility. In this case, you should enquire at the maternity facility in good time about which documents you need to bring with you to the delivery date. .
If the birth does not take place in a hospital or other facility where obstetric care is provided (home birth), the birth must be registered in person by a parent with custody at the registry office within one week. If the parents are unable to register the birth, the birth must be registered by another person who was present at the birth.
What requirements must be met?
As the mother or the father with custody, you can personally register the birth of your child. However, it is also possible for another person who was present at the birth to register the birth.
What do I get?
After the birth, you will receive free birth certificates from the registry office to apply for maternity benefits, child benefits, and parental benefits. These certificates are issued only once for each respective purpose. Birth certificates can only be issued after the birth has been recorded in the birth registry. Additional certificates for private purposes will be issued in the desired quantity for a fee. The fees vary depending on the civil registry office.
The civil registry office notifies the registration authority of your child’s birth.
After the birth has been registered, you will receive a birth certificate if the child’s names have already been determined; otherwise, you will receive a certified copy of the registry entry.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Already checked? Tips and lists for the next steps
There are a number of things to consider and take care of surrounding the birth. The following checklists provide an overview of important matters you need to address before and after the birth.
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