Please submit the following documents for your application, one original with one copy of each original in paper format A4:

• Your valid passport
• One print-out of your duly filled and signed application form
• Two biometrical passport photos, one of which glued to the application form
• Your legalized birth certificate
• Your child’s legalized birth certificate
• If your child was born within marriage: Legalized marriage certificate
• If your child was born outside of marriage and you are the child’s father: Proof of your recognition of paternity, mother’s consent to the recognition of paternity and declaration of joint custody. These declarations can be notarized at the German Embassy or in Germany, at the Civil Registrar, the Local Youth Office or any notary public.
• Proof that the German parent had the German nationality when the child was born: Copy of the German identity card or passport which was valid on the day of the child’s birth
• If available: Copy of your child’s German passport

Your application must be submitted personally at the German Embassy. Once you have obtained all necessary documents, please register for an appointment here.

Please note:

Incomplete applications will be decided based on the documents that were submitted, and may be rejected.

Foreign documents which were not issued in Germany must be legalized or have an apostille.

Documents that are not in German or English language need to be translated by a translator. For details, please see here.

Please note that the Embassy can request further documents and that a verification of documents may be necessary, especially in cases of late registration of birth.