Title:
Adoption in Germany: The Difference Between Domestic and International Adoption and the Steps for Each

Meta Description:
How does adoption work in Germany? What is the difference between domestic and international adoption? Learn in detail about the legal procedures, the role of the Jugendamt, and the rights that both the child and the adoptive family receive.

First: What is the difference between domestic and international adoption?

Who is allowed to adopt in Germany?

Basic requirements:

• Usually a couple (typically married, with a stable marriage preferably lasting more than one year).

• In specific cases, a single person can also adopt.

• Age: generally between 25 and 45 years, with the age difference between child and adoptive parents taken into account.

• Psychological, social and financial ability to raise and care for a child in the long term.

• Willingness to undergo a thorough assessment and to participate in preparatory parenting and adoption training.

Steps of domestic adoption (Inlandsadoption)

• Contact the Jugendamt or the local Adoptionsvermittlungsstelle (adoption agency/office).

• Submit a formal application and complete self-assessment and evaluation forms.

• Home visits and personal interviews conducted by specialised social workers.

• Participation in a mandatory Vorbereitungsseminar (preparatory seminar) for prospective adoptive parents.

• Being placed on the waiting list (Warteliste) as an approved adoptive family.

• Meeting the child and entering the Adoptionspflege stage, during which the child lives with the family for several months to allow everyone to adapt to one another.

• Final court decision (Adoptionsbeschluss) which makes the adoption legally binding and grants the child the family name and full family rights.

Steps of international adoption (Auslandsadoption)

• Contact a licensed Auslandsvermittlungsstelle (accredited international adoption agency).

• Check whether the child’s country of origin is a party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption.

• Fulfil the specific legal and social requirements of the child’s country of origin (age limits, marital status, sometimes religion or other criteria).

• Translate and officially certify all necessary documents (Zulassungsdokumente, Führungszeugnis, Gesundheitszeugnis, etc.).

• Ongoing assessment and coordination between the authorities in Germany and in the country of origin.

• Travel to the child’s country of origin to take custody of the child and/or complete the legal procedures there (depending on national law).

• Recognition of the adoption in Germany under German law so that the child receives full legal status here as well.

What does adoption mean legally in Germany?

• Adoption usually cuts all legal ties with the biological family.

• The child receives the full surname of the new adoptive family.

• The adopted child enjoys the same inheritance and nationality rights as any biological child of the family.

• The biological family generally has no legal right to reclaim the child later.

Important German terms

Keywords (SEO)

Adopting children in Germany, Inlandsadoption explained, Auslandsadoption step-by-step, Jugendamt adoption process, rights of adopted children in Germany, legal requirements for adoption in Germany

The editorial and writing team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on in-depth research and consultation of multiple sources. However, errors may still occur or certain details may not be fully confirmed. Therefore, please regard the information provided as an initial guide and always consult the competent authorities or legal professionals for definitive and up-to-date advice.