Embassy of Canada to Germany, in Berlin

Refer to International adoption.

The Embassy of Canada cannot provide guidance regarding adoption procedures in Germany. Adoptions are under the responsibility of local German Youth Welfare offices. Surrogacy is not legally permitted in Germany.

Refer to Birth abroad.

If your child is born in Germany and you have submitted the required documentation, the local registrar’s office (“Standesamt”) will issue a German birth certificate. It is recommended to ask for the international version. Birth in Germany does not entitle your child to German citizenship.

The Embassy of Canada accepts and forwards applications for different citizenship related services. All decisions regarding citizenship applications are taken by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Canadian citizenship certificates can be received abroad via the embassy responsible for the country you reside in.

Refer to Marriage abroad.

Canadians wishing to get married in Germany need a certificate from the registrar's office (“Standesamt”). Requirements for Canadians vary depending upon the couple's status in Germany and where they plan to marry.

Canadians will be asked to present a long-form birth certificate indicating your parentage. Get the long-form birth certificate from a vital statistics office of the province or territory of birth.

Canadians may also be asked for a “Ledigkeitsbescheinigung”, which is a certificate of non-impediment to marriage stating that they are single. An exact equivalent does not exist in Canada. The Embassy of Canada in Berlin, however, can issue a statement in lieu of certificate of non-impediment to marriage for use in Germany only. The following are required:

• a certified copy of pages 2 and 3 of your current Canadian passport
• a certified copy of your Canadian birth or citizenship certificate
• a written declaration of present marital status, address in Germany and name of future spouse
• payment of fees (see Service fees)

Instead of the “Ledigkeitsbescheinigung”, the registrar might allow Canadians to make an affirmation of single status at the “Standesamt”.

The Embassy of Canada in Berlin offers a limited range of notarial services.

Please contact the Embassy by email with scanned copies of documents prior to visiting the office to verify if the requested service can be provided.

The Embassy of Canada in Berlin offers full passport services. Applications can be submitted by mail or in person. The standard processing time of 20 working days applies to all passport applications. It is recommended to apply for a new passport at least six weeks before any planned travel.

The Embassy of Canada in Berlin offers emergency and temporary passport services for urgent travel. The application needs to be submitted in person.

Refer to our Service fees section to pay online before completing your passport application.

Same-sex marriages are recognized in Germany.

Visa and immigration services for Germany are provided by the Embassy of Canada in Austria (Vienna).

• Submit visa applications and study and work permits to a visa application centre (VAC). Book an appointment to give your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a VAC.
• Submit permanent residence applications and documents to a visa office.
• Submit applications to overcome criminal inadmissibility to a visa office.

Refer to Elections Canada: Canadians abroad.