Birth registration and name declaration – Germany in Australia

Parents register the birth of a child born in Australia in the German civil registry via the mission. It is required within one year if the child is to acquire German citizenship by descent.

Where to apply in Australia

Embassy Canberra (ACT residents) and Consulate General Sydney.

Contact details for every office are on the page of the embassy and consulates of Germany.

How to apply

Book an appointment | complete the form but sign it only at the appointment | the mission certifies signatures and copies and sends the file to the German registry

Documents you need

Unsigned application form
Parents' passports or ID
VEVO if the German parent is not an Australian citizen
Both parents' birth certificates
Child's official birth certificate
Marriage certificate if applicable
Proof of Australian residence
Deregistration or registration certificate

Fees and processing time

Official fee: signature certification EUR 60 (EUR 85 with name declaration)
Other charges: copy certification EUR 30-32; German registry fees about EUR 80-160 plus EUR 10-15 per certificate, paid to the registry

Processing time: Usually 3-6 months; years if handled by Civil Registry Office I Berlin.

Good to know

Since 1 May 2025 a child's name generally follows the law of habitual residence. Fees are set in euro and converted to AUD at the mission's rate (rounded to AUD 0.50); cash only in AUD; Canberra and Sydney take Visa/Mastercard physical cards only (fees page, no date shown, copyright 2026).

Official sources

Check before you apply

This page summarises information published by Germany's official channels, last checked on 24 octubre 2026. Fees and requirements can change at short notice, so confirm with the office that will handle your case.

Spotted a change? Let us know.

Germany: Birth registration and name declaration in Australia