Procedure descriptions

Adoption – applying to become adoptive parents

If you wish to adopt a child, you must apply to an adoption agency.

Forms/Online Services

Responsible authority

Adoption agencies run by youth welfare offices and independent organisations

The following privately run agencies are recognised adoption agencies in Baden-Württemberg:

Landratsamt Ortenaukreis

Details

Prerequisite

  • Physical and mental health
  • Adequate housing
  • Financial security
  • Minimum age:
    • In the case of married couples, one spouse must be at least 25 years old and the other at least 21 years old. Married couples may only adopt a child jointly.
    • In the case of unmarried couples, only one of the two may adopt a child. In this case, the minimum age is 25. It is possible for the other partner to adopt the child as well after the first partner has adopted them (successive adoption).
    • Children aged 14 or over must consent to the adoption.

The adopted child should be able to grow up in a stable social environment.

Adoption law does not specify a maximum age for applicants. The age difference between the prospective adoptive parents and the child to be adopted should correspond to a natural age gap.

Procedure

You can find out more without any obligation at a themed evening organised by the adoption agency.

Once you have decided that you wish to adopt a child, you must contact an adoption agency. Following a consultation – or a series of consultations – you will be given a questionnaire.

You should submit the completed questionnaire, together with the required documents, to the adoption agency. In further meetings – at least one of which will take place at your home – the adoption agency will assess your application and the reasons you have given for wanting to adopt. For example, information on whether a child would be a good fit for your family is important in determining your suitability. Such issues and similar topics play a key role. Further questions may relate, for example, to your income, your age and your health.

Following a thorough assessment, the adoption agency will decide whether you are suitable to adopt a child. You will be notified of the outcome of this assessment in writing.

Deadlines

None

Required documents

As a rule:

  • completed application forms
  • CVs with photographs
  • Extracts from the register of births and marriages
  • Certificates of nationality
  • Evidence of financial circumstances
  • Certificates of good conduct
  • Medical certificates

The adoption agency may request further documents.

Costs

  • for the suitability assessment for the adoption of a child within Germany: none
  • For the suitability assessment for the adoption of a child from abroad: depending on the individual case

Costs may arise from applying for the necessary documents from the relevant authorities, for example a certificate of good conduct from the Federal Central Register.

Miscellaneous

Please note: You have no legal right to be matched with a child.

Applications to adopt a child from abroad can only be made

through the central adoption agency of the State Youth Welfare Office or through authorised international adoption agencies (Adoption: Municipal Association for Youth and Social Affairs Baden-Württemberg).

The suitability assessment should be carried out by the Youth Welfare Office responsible for your place of residence.

Legal basis

Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB):

  • §§ 1741 - 1772 Annahme als Kind

Adoptionsvermittlungsgesetz (AdVermiG)

Gesetz über das Verfahren in Familiensachen und in den Angelegenheiten der freiwilligen Gerichtsbarkeit (FamFG)

  • § 101 Adoptionssachen
  • §§ 186 - 199 Verfahren in Adoptionssachen

Einführungsgesetz zum Bürgerlichen Gesetzbuche (EGBGB):

  • Artikel 22 Annahme als Kind

Release note

machine generated, based on the German release by: Sozialministerium Baden-Württemberg, 22.07.2026