If you wish to get married abroad, the relevant foreign authority may require you to submit a certificate of no impediment to marriage. As a German citizen, you can apply for a certificate of no impediment to marriage.

The certificate of no impediment to marriage confirms that, under German law, you are permitted to marry the person named therein—that is, that you, for example,

• are not already married,
• have legal capacity,
• are of legal age.

If you are a German citizen and wish to marry abroad, the requirements for marriage are determined by German law.

You may also apply for a German certificate of no impediment to marriage if you are a stateless person, a foreigner without a country of origin, or a foreign refugee as defined by the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, with your habitual residence in Germany, and you need the certificate to marry abroad.

This provision is intended to prevent a situation where a marriage is recognized abroad but not in Germany. It is particularly important for any future children that a marriage concluded abroad is also recognized in the country of origin of the German parent.

If you hold multiple nationalities, the law of the country with which you have the closest connection applies.

A certificate of no impediment to marriage may also be issued if the certificate is required to establish a civil partnership abroad.