Recognition of foreign judgements in matrimonial matters (foreign divorce)

If you have divorced abroad, you can find out from the registry office what options are available to have this divorce recognised in Germany.

According to the general principles of constitutional and international law, judgements and comparable state acts only have direct legal effect in the territory of the state in which they were issued. Each state is free to decide whether and, if so, under what conditions it recognises foreign sovereign acts, unless it is bound by international treaties.

The distinction between foreign countries is made in the following categories:

• Divorce within the European Union (EU)
• Divorce in all other foreign countries outside the EU
• Private divorces (e.g. before a foreign registry office or foreign notary)