Adopting a child in Germany
Your way to the application
An online application is not possible.
In Germany, adoptions may only be arranged by certain agencies, the adoption agencies. Please contact one of these agencies. You will find an overview of the agencies at the bottom of this page under Frequently asked questions and answers.
- Extended police clearance certificate
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if you are married)
- Civil partnership certificate (if you are in a registered civil partnership)
- Extensive curriculum vitae
- Completed questionnaire and application for adoption
- Proof: Nationality, earnings, assets, debts
.
Adoption placement via a recognized adoption agency is free of charge.
However, there are costs for certifications, certificates of good conduct, medical certificates, notarial certifications, preparatory seminars and the like.
Simply explained
If you want to adopt a child, contact an adoption agency. In Germany, adoptions may only be arranged by certain agencies, the adoption agencies (Adoptions-Vermittlungsstellen).
The adoption agency is responsible for the adoption of related children, stepchildren and other people's children.
Adoption is a process and you will be supported by the adoption agency throughout the entire process. Even after the adoption process has been completed, you have a legal right to advice and support.
The adoption office will check whether you are suitable to adopt a child. To do this, you take part in a seminar, submit documents and have discussions with the team at the adoption office. Home visits also take place. The focus here is on the welfare of the child and safeguarding their rights and needs.
If you are eligible as an adoptive parent, you will be recognized as a suitable adoption applicant. The adoption agency can then place a child.
The team at the adoption center decides who is selected for which child. A placement is made if a positive parent-child relationship can be expected to develop.
What requirements must be met?
- You must have unlimited legal capacity.
- You must be at least 25 years old.
- You must have a secure income and/or sufficient financial security.
- Your professional circumstances must allow enough time to raise your child.
- You must be in good health. A certificate from your family doctor is sufficient. You can obtain an information sheet for submission to the doctor from the adoption office.
- You must have no criminal record. An extended certificate of good conduct is required (extract from the Federal Central Criminal Register). You can obtain a certificate for submission to the city office from the adoption office.
- You must be prepared to respect the child's religion or the birth parents' wish for a religious upbringing.
The following applies to couples:
- You should have been living in the same household for at least 4 years.
- At the same time, you must not be pursuing any medical procedures to overcome your own childlessness.
If you are married, the following also applies:
- You can only adopt together.
- One of you must be at least 25 years old. The younger one must be at least 21 years old.
Preference is given to joint adoption. For single parents, adoption is only an option if
- a related child is being adopted.
- there is already a significant relationship with the child.
- the adoption preserves the familiar living environment.
- it is ensured that the child will grow up in stable social circumstances.
Frequently asked questions and answers
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