Official Paperwork

Questions on this topic

• Can I find a free interpreter to take to an official appointment (Amt, tenants' association, etc.)?Some institutions provide interpreters for free, for example the Jobcenter, the Arbeitsagentur and criminal proceedings. For other appointments you can bring someone you trust or ask migrant counselling centres and volunteer interpreter projects for support.
• Can I get a biometric photo taken at dm?Yes, at some dm stores you can get a biometric photo for official documents. A staff member takes the photo, not you.
• How do I get a certificate of good conduct (Führungszeugnis), and how long does it take?You can apply online with a card that has the electronic ID function, or at the Bürgeramt with an appointment. It usually arrives in 2 days to 1 week, though you may be told a longer time when you apply.
• How do I update my address with the Turkish consulate, and is there a fine if I am late?Turkish citizens living abroad must report a new address to the consulate, and you may have to go there in person. If you report it late, there is a small fine, usually 10-15 euros.
• I got divorced in Germany. How do I register my divorce with the Turkish civil registry through the consulate?The Turkish Consulate General in Berlin registers German divorce decisions. Book at konsolosluk.gov.tr and go in person with the apostilled decision and a certified Turkish translation. Custody and maintenance need a separate case in Turkey.
• I got divorced in Turkey. Is the divorce valid in Germany, or do I need to get it recognised?If both partners were only Turkish citizens when the divorce was granted, separate recognition is usually not needed. In other cases you apply for recognition at the Senatsverwaltung für Justiz in Berlin. The fee is 15 to 305 euros, around 160 euros on average.
• I got married abroad. Do I have to register my marriage separately in Germany?No, it's not required. Properly issued foreign marriage documents are generally recognised in Germany. If one partner is a German citizen, the marriage can optionally be entered in the German marriage register (Nachbeurkundung). The fee is 80 to 170 euros.
• I got married in Germany. How do I report my marriage to the Turkish civil registry?The partner with Turkish citizenship reports the marriage to the consulate. By law this must be done within one month. You need the international marriage certificate (Formula B) and ID documents. It's enough for one partner to go.
• I've moved to Berlin. How do I register my address (Anmeldung)?You need to register your address at a Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving. It's free.
• My partner is a German citizen and we're getting married in Turkey. Where do we get the certificate of no impediment?The German partner's certificate of no impediment (Ehefähigkeitszeugnis) is issued by the Standesamt at their place of residence in Germany. German missions in Turkey don't issue it. Start weeks ahead because of postal times.
• My partner or I am a foreign national. What do we need to do to get married in Berlin?First you apply at the Standesamt (registry office). Documents must be originals, and foreign documents need a certified translation. The application fee is 45 euros, plus 45 euros per person if foreign law applies.
• My surname changed after marriage. How do I update my Anmeldung?First have your passport and ID changed to your new surname at the Turkish consulate and get a Formül B. Then book an appointment at the Bürgeramt to update your details. The new certificate can cost about 10 euros.