To obtain a birth certificate, the general process is as follows:
- You must request the birth certificate from the registry office (Standesamt) in the area where the birth was registered or where the person was born.
- Applications can usually be made in person, in writing by post or fax, or online if the local registry office offers digital services.
- When applying in person, you must present your identity card or passport to prove identity and typically pay a fee.
- Alternatively, a trusted person can apply and collect the certificate on your behalf with a written authorization and identification documents.
- Written applications should include full names, date and place of birth, parents' names, and a certified copy of your ID.
- Some registry offices provide multilingual or international versions of the birth certificate.
- The fee for a birth certificate varies but may be around 10 to 12 euros for the first copy, with additional copies costing less.
- The processing time generally takes a few days to about a week.
The birth certificate proves the birth of a person, typically including the first and last names, date and place of birth, and parents' first and last names. The registry office that recorded the birth is the authority that issues the certificate.
