Declarations under naming law - Submit a Rechtswahlerklärung (declaration of choice of law) for a marriage

• One spouse is (also) a foreign national • Documents in German • If the required documents/certificates are not in German, they must be translated by a translator/interpreter sworn in Germany (see "Further information"). • For some countries, an additional certification (apostille or legalization) is also required. The apostille (issued by the competent home authority in the home country) or the legalization (issued by the German embassy) must be affixed directly to the original or attached to it (more under "Further information"). • For certificates originally issued in Arabic, Greek, Hebrew, or Cyrillic, the translation of personal names (such as first names, surnames, birth names) must strictly follow the transliteration standards (ISO 9-1995 / ISO 843 / DIN 31634 / ELOT 734 etc.). • Original documents All required documents/certificates must generally be presented to the responsible Standesamt (registry office) in original form. Certificates must not be altered and/or perforated/laminated. • If applicable, sworn interpreter If the persons making the declaration are not sufficiently proficient in German, a sworn interpreter must be brought in, arranged by the persons making the declaration. • If applicable, further documents This list is not exhaustive. Further documents may be required. If one or both partners hold a nationality other than German, it is advisable to seek advice from the responsible Standesamt (registry office) regarding the required documents and the use of the family name. • Notes The declaration can only be submitted once. Advice on legal options and requirements is recommended.

• valid and signed identity card or passport • marriage certificate • birth certificates in the case of marriage abroad

• 25.00 euros: Namenserklärung (declaration of name) • 30.00 euros: Eidesstattliche Versicherung (affidavit), where applicable • 12.00 euros: Bescheinigung über die Namensführung (certificate of name usage)

• Personenstandsgesetz (PStG – Civil Status Act) § 41 - Declarations on the surname of spouses www.gesetze-im-internet.de/pstg/__41.html • Einführungsgesetz zum Bürgerlichen Gesetzbuch (EGBGB – Introductory Act to the Civil Code) Art. 10 para. 2 - Name www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgbeg/BJNR006049896.html#BJNR0060 • Personenstandsverordnung (PStV – Civil Status Ordinance) § 46 - Family-law declarations www.gesetze-im-internet.de/pstv/__46.html • Verordnung zur Ausführung des Personenstandsgesetzes im Land Berlin (PStGAV Bln – Ordinance implementing the Civil Status Act in the State of Berlin) § 9 - Setting of fees <https://gesetze.berlin.de/jportal/?quelle=jlink&query=PStGAV+BE+%C2%A7+9&psml=bsbeprod.psml&max=true>

• Directory of authorized sworn translators and interpreters www.justiz-dolmetscher.de/Recherche/

• Standesamt (registry office) where the marriage was concluded: for certification/registration of the marriage in Berlin • Standesamt of place of residence: in all other cases • Standesamt I in Berlin: if the marriage took place and residence is abroad