I got divorced in Turkey. Is the divorce valid in Germany, or do I need to get it recognised?

For a foreign court's divorce decision to be valid in Germany, an official recognition procedure (Anerkennung ausländischer Entscheidungen in Ehesachen) is often required.

Exception: If, at the time of the decision, both partners were only citizens of the country that issued it (for example, you were both only Turkish citizens and the decision was made in Turkey), no separate recognition is needed. If one partner has German or dual citizenship, the situation may be different. Decisions from EU countries (except Denmark, for proceedings started after 1 March 2001) usually don't need recognition either.

If recognition is needed, in Berlin you apply to: Senatsverwaltung für Justiz und Verbraucherschutz, Salzburger Straße 21-25, 10825 Berlin. Either former partner can apply. You can send the application via the Standesamt (registry office) or directly. A handwritten signature is required; email alone isn't enough.

Documents usually required: signed application form, the original divorce decision or a certified copy with a note of finality, a copy of the marriage certificate, proof of both partners' citizenship (e.g. passport copies), proof of income, German translations by a sworn translator, and a power of attorney if applicable.

The fee is between 15 and 305 euros, around 160 euros on average. Processing can take from a few weeks to a few months, depending on whether your documents are complete.

If you're unsure about your situation, ask first by phone: (030) 9013-3342 (Monday 9–11, Thursday 13–15) or 3465@senjustv.berlin.de.