At the Hospital: Birth Registration in Germany

Birth Day: What Happens Legally

You're about to have a baby—emotions are high, preparation is everything.

But amidst the excitement, there are critical legal and administrative steps happening in the background.

This guide walks you through what happens at the hospital from a legal documentation perspective.

What to Bring to the Hospital

Essential Documents (DON'T FORGET THESE!)

✅ Mutterpass (pregnancy record book)

• Your complete pregnancy medical history
• Hospital needs this for safe delivery planning

✅ Health insurance cards (both parents)

• Proves coverage for hospital stay and delivery
• Baby will be added to one parent's insurance after birth

✅ ID documents (both parents)

• Passport or Personalausweis
• Needed for birth registration

✅ Paternity acknowledgment certificate (if unmarried)

• Proves father's legal recognition
• Without this, father's name may not appear on birth certificate

✅ Joint custody declaration (if unmarried)

• Proves both parents have equal rights
• Needed for father to make medical decisions

✅ Marriage certificate (if married)

• Proves marital status
• Needed for birth registration

If Applicable

✅ Divorce decree (if previously married)

✅ Birth certificates (both parents)

• Some hospitals/Standesamt require these

What Happens at Admission

Administrative Check-In

Hospital staff will:

1. Copy your insurance cards
2. Record your personal information
3. Ask about marital status
4. Request paternity/custody certificates (if unmarried)
5. Explain birth registration process

If you're unmarried and haven't completed paternity acknowledgment:

• Hospital will still deliver your baby (obviously!)
• But father's name may not appear on birth certificate
• You'll need to visit Jugendamt and Standesamt after birth
• This creates extra stress during an already overwhelming time

Pro tip: Complete paternity and custody paperwork BEFORE birth!

During Your Stay

Medical Care (Obviously the Priority!)

Your medical team focuses on:

• Safe delivery
• Mother's health
• Baby's health
• Postpartum care

Administrative Tasks

Hospital will:

• Issue a **Geburtsbescheinigung** (birth notification)
• This is NOT the official birth certificate
• It's a medical document confirming birth details

You'll receive:

• Multiple copies of Geburtsbescheinigung (usually 3-5)
• One for Standesamt (birth registration)
• One for health insurance (adding baby)
• One for Elterngeld application
• One for Kindergeld application
• Keep extras for yourself!

Birth Registration Process

Option 1: Hospital Handles It (Most Common)

Many hospitals register births directly with Standesamt

What happens:

1. Hospital collects all required documents
2. Hospital staff submits paperwork to local Standesamt
3. Standesamt processes registration (1-2 weeks)
4. You receive notification when birth certificate is ready
5. You pick up certificate from Standesamt (or request mailed copy)

Your responsibility:

• Provide all required documents at admission
• Pay birth certificate fees (usually €10-15)
• Pick up certificate when notified

Option 2: You Register at Standesamt (Less Common)

Some hospitals don't offer registration service

What you must do:

1. Take Geburtsbescheinigung from hospital
2. Visit local Standesamt **within 7 days**
3. Bring all required documents
4. Register birth in person
5. Pay for birth certificate
6. Receive certificate same day or within a few days

The Birth Certificate (Geburtsurkunde)

What It Includes

• Baby's full name
• Date, time, and place of birth
• Parents' names (if paternity acknowledged)
• Parents' marital status
• Place of registration

Types of Birth Certificates

1. Standard birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde)

• Used for most official purposes
• Order multiple copies (€10 each)
• You'll need them for insurance, benefits, passport, etc.

2. Birth certificate for marriage (Geburtsurkunde für Eheschließung)

• Special format required for future marriage
• Order this even if you're not planning to marry soon

3. International birth certificate (Mehrsprachige Geburtsurkunde)

• For dual citizens or international use
• Includes multiple languages
• Useful if you travel or register birth abroad

Pro tip: Order at least 3-5 copies of standard birth certificate—you'll use them more than you think!

Father's Name on Birth Certificate

If Parents Are Married

✅ Father's name automatically included

If Parents Are Unmarried

If paternity acknowledged BEFORE birth:

✅ Father's name included automatically

If paternity NOT acknowledged before birth:

❌ Father's name NOT included initially

⚠️ Must be added later (requires additional steps)

To add father's name later:

1. Complete paternity acknowledgment at Jugendamt
2. Return to Standesamt with paternity certificate
3. Request amended birth certificate
4. Pay additional fees
5. Receive updated certificate

Why this matters:

• Birth certificate is used for EVERYTHING (insurance, benefits, passport, school)
• Having father's name from day one avoids confusion and extra paperwork
• Proves father's legal relationship to child

Common Hospital Scenarios

"We Forgot Our Documents!"

Don't panic:

• Hospital will still deliver your baby
• You can bring documents during your stay (2-3 days)
• If necessary, you can handle registration after discharge

But try to avoid this—it adds stress during an already intense time.

"Father Can't Be at Hospital for Birth"

If father is away (work, travel, etc.):

• Birth still gets registered
• As long as paternity is already acknowledged, father's name will be included
• Father doesn't need to be physically present for registration

"We Haven't Chosen a Name Yet"

You must choose a name before registration

Timeline:

• Usually have 1-2 days to decide
• Hospital won't register until name is confirmed
• Name must follow German naming laws (registrar will advise)

German naming rules:

• Name must clearly indicate gender (with some exceptions)
• Cannot be offensive or harmful to child
• Surnames follow specific legal rules (discuss with registrar)

After Leaving the Hospital

Week 1: Pick Up Birth Certificate

If hospital registered:

• Standesamt will notify you (usually by mail)
• Visit Standesamt to collect certificate
• Bring ID and payment

If you must register:

• Go to Standesamt within 7 days
• Bring all documents + Geburtsbescheinigung

Week 2-4: Complete Remaining Admin

✅ Add baby to health insurance

✅ Apply for Elterngeld (within 3 months)

✅ Apply for Kindergeld (within 6 months, but sooner is better)

✅ Register baby with city (Anmeldung)

✅ Apply for passport (if needed)

Emergency Situations

If Baby Is Born Outside Hospital

• Midwife or doctor must provide birth notification
• Register at Standesamt immediately
• Same documents required

If Mother Can't Sign Documents

• Legal guardian or representative can act
• Hospital social services can help
• Consult with medical staff

Key Takeaway

> The hospital visit is about the baby—not paperwork.

> But completing paperwork early means less stress later.

> Bring your documents. Be prepared. Ask questions.

Quick Checklist

✅ Bring Mutterpass, IDs, insurance cards

✅ Bring paternity + custody certificates (if unmarried)

✅ Confirm hospital's registration process at admission

✅ Decide on baby's name within 1-2 days

✅ Receive multiple copies of Geburtsbescheinigung

✅ Pick up birth certificate within 1-2 weeks

✅ Order extra copies of birth certificate (you'll need them!)

Congratulations on your new arrival! 🎉