The Federal Office of Justice, as well as performing a range of other tasks, takes on the role of German Federal Central Authority for Intercountry Adoption. At a national level, it is Federal Central Authority under the Hague Convention of 29 May 1993 on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention).

The Hague Adoption Convention has been in effect in the Federal Republic of Germany since 1 March 2002. The Convention covers intercountry adoptions where the child’s habitual residence changes from its State of origin to another State (receiving State). The aim of the Convention is to ensure the protection of children during intercountry adoption and to establish consistent procedures for co-operation. The German legislator has also put in place laws to ensure that the tried-and-tested protection standards the Convention provides also cover States which are not signatories to the Hague Adoption Convention.

The Federal Office of Justice represents Germany in relations with other countries’ Central Authorities. Where questions arise relating to matters of international co-operation, it co-ordinates the activities of the various regional and national authorities in Germany. The Federal Office of Justice also operates as first port of call for countries which are not signatories to the Hague Adoption Convention and co-ordinates matters at a federal level. It is involved in German domestic legal proceedings before the country’s family courts on the recognition and effects of adoption abroad.

The Federal Office of Justice is not involved in matching adoptive parents and children in cases of adoptions to Germany from abroad. Responsibility for this lies with the Regional Central Authorities at the Youth Welfare Offices of the Länder and the Accredited Adoption Bodies. These bodies advise those interested in adopting on the practicalities of carrying out an adoption in Germany of a child from abroad. You will find the contact information under “addresses”.

See below for more detailed information on international adoptions, including a list of the Contracting States to the Hague Adoption Convention, how to get in contact and applicable laws in English.