Vaterschaftsanerkennung: Recognising Paternity

For unmarried couples only. Best done at the Jugendamt before the birth — otherwise the father won't appear in the Geburtsurkunde and a separate correction will be needed later.

✓ Verified: 15/08/2026

WHAT TO DO

Book an appointment at the Jugendamt — both parents must be present; the Beurkundung is free of charge

Bring: passport/ID of both parents + Aufenthaltstitel (if applicable) + divorce decree if either parent was previously married
Sign the Vaterschaftsanerkennungsurkunde — the legally binding recognition of paternity
Recommended: simultaneously file a Sorgerechtserklärung (joint parental custody declaration)

AUTHORITY

Jugendamt

Municipal authority

Kita voucher, acknowledgement of paternity, child maintenance and legal support all go through your town's Jugendamt.

Where to go in your city →

What and when

In Germany, the husband is automatically considered the father of a child born in marriage (§ 1592 BGB). For unmarried couples, paternity must be officially recognised — at the Jugendamt or a notary.

Why before birth: if done afterwards, the father is not included in the original Geburtsurkunde. Adding him later requires an additional Standesamt visit.

What you need to do

Both partners visit the Jugendamt in the mother’s municipality together. Book an appointment in advance.

Documents:

Passport or ID of both parents
Aufenthaltstitel (residence permit) if applicable
If either parent was previously married: divorce decree or death certificate of former spouse

The process is called Beurkundung and is completely free of charge.

At the same time: joint custody

It is recommended to also file a Sorgerechtserklärung (declaration of joint parental custody) at the same appointment. Without it, the father has no legal right to make decisions for the child — even with paternity recognised.

› Details and tips

👨🏻‍💻

Max recommends:

We did everything in one appointment: paternity recognition + Sorgerechtserklärung. Took 40 minutes. The Jugendamt staff member explained everything — very straightforward.

👩🏼‍💼

Lea recommends:

The Jugendamt is not a scary place. The staff are used to unmarried couples and explain everything without judgement.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does paternity recognition have to happen before birth? ▾

No — there is no legal deadline. But if done afterwards, the father will not be included in the original Geburtsurkunde. Adding him later requires a separate trip to the Standesamt and takes extra time.

What is the Sorgerechtserklärung and why does it matter? ▾

It establishes joint parental custody (§ 1626a BGB). For married couples, joint custody arises automatically. For unmarried couples, only after filing this declaration at the Jugendamt or notary. Without it, the father has no legal decision-making authority for the child.

What if the mother is a single parent by choice? ▾

If no paternity recognition is desired, the child receives the mother's surname and she has sole custody. Recognising paternity is a voluntary act by both parents.