Antenatal care and childbirth in Germany for non-resident pregnant patients
Which documents are required, and what are the admission conditions in German hospitals?
In recent years, many women from outside the European Union have chosen to receive antenatal care or give birth in Germany, attracted by the high medical standards and comprehensive care offered to mother and baby.
However, access to these services requires specific documentation and an understanding of the legal and organisational requirements set by German hospitals.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the documents required for pregnant women who wish to give birth in Germany, together with the most important terms and practical steps.
1. Basic documents required
Before contacting a hospital, you will usually be asked to provide the following documents:
Valid passport
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the expected date of entry.
Recent medical report on the pregnancy
Ideally issued by a specialist in gynaecology/obstetrics, including:
Gestational age (in weeks)
General health status of the mother
Condition of the baby / foetus
Any complications (e.g. gestational diabetes, twin pregnancy, low-lying placenta, etc.)
→ A certified translation into German or English is usually required.
Pregnancy record or maternity booklet (if available)
For example, a maternity record / mother’s booklet from your home country,
including results of previous examinations and ultrasound scans.
Proof of health insurance or financial coverage
There are two main options:
A private health insurance policy (Incoming-Versicherung) that covers pregnancy and childbirth, or
a direct financial guarantee (Finanzierungsnachweis) of around €5,000 – €15,000, depending on the hospital.
2. Documents for communication with the hospital
When applying or making an enquiry, most hospitals will ask you to submit:
5. Signed formal application for admission
In PDF format or on paper, including:
Full name of the mother
Estimated due date (EDD)
Requested city/hospital
Planned temporary address in Germany (if already known)
6. Invitation letter from the hospital (Einladungsschreiben)
After reviewing your documents, the clinic or hospital will issue an official medical invitation letter,
which is later used to support your medical visa application at the German embassy.
3. Requirements of the German embassy for the visa
When you book an appointment to apply for a medical visa, you should prepare:
| Document | Remarks |
|---|---|
| Passport | With biometric passport photos |
| Medical invitation | Signed by the hospital, in German |
| Proof of funding | Either insurance policy or bank transfer / cost guarantee in favour of the hospital |
| Pregnancy report | Translated into German or English and certified |
| Potential follow-up schedule (optional) | Shows the expected number of appointments up to delivery |
| Proof of return (e.g. flight reservation) | To demonstrate your intention to leave Germany after birth |
| If applicable: marriage certificate or husband’s ID | If your husband will accompany you, it is recommended to attach his documents as well |
4. After arrival in Germany
Once you arrive in Germany, you should complete the following steps:
Register your address (Anmeldung)
In many cities you need to register your temporary address at the local registration office (Bürgeramt) within the first week.
First visit to a gynaecologist (Frauenarzt)
For an initial check-up, review of previous medical reports, and continuation of antenatal care under the German system.
Choose a hospital for delivery (Geburtsklinik)
Select a maternity hospital and book an introductory/consultation appointment,
Get to know the ward, medical team and admission procedures.
Inform yourself about birth options
Vaginal / natural birth
Planned or emergency caesarean section (C-section)
Options for pain relief and anaesthesia (e.g. epidural / PDA).
Bring a translation of your maternity record (if in another language)
This helps doctors to easily understand all previous tests and ultrasound findings.
5. Additional important documents when being admitted for delivery
| Document | Why it is important |
|---|---|
| ID card or passport | For identification and birth registration |
| Insurance card or proof of payment | To confirm that treatment costs are covered or prepaid |
| Final pregnancy report + ultrasound images | Helps the medical team to plan the birth safely and assess the baby’s condition |
| Marriage certificate (if applicable) | Ensures that the father’s name is correctly recorded on the birth certificate |
Important German terms
| German term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Geburt | Birth / delivery |
| Schwangere | Pregnant woman |
| Frauenarzt | Gynaecologist / obstetrician |
| Geburtsklinik | Maternity hospital / delivery ward |
| Mutterpass | Maternity record / pregnancy booklet |
| Einladungsschreiben | Medical invitation letter from the hospital |
| Finanzierungsnachweis | Proof of funding / financial guarantee |
Practical tip
Some German hospitals may refuse to accept complex pregnancies without prior evaluation, especially in cases such as:
Twin or multiple pregnancies
Previous caesarean sections
Gestational diabetes, high blood pressure or other chronic conditions
Therefore, the earlier you submit your documents and contact the hospital before your due date,
the better your chances of being accepted and receiving well-planned, safe medical care.
ـ The editorial team of this website aims to provide accurate information based on thorough research and consultation of multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some details may be incomplete or not definitively confirmed. The information in this article should therefore be considered as an initial reference only. For binding and case-specific advice, please always consult the relevant authorities or qualified medical professionals.
