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American/German couple getting married in Germany

Choosing a Standesamt, work permits, other advice

Toytown Germany > Discussion forum > Germany-wide > Visas/permits
Amnda2335
So I had a few questions about getting married in Germany, I searched the old posts and havent found what I was looking for so here are my questions.

1. I am American and my fiance is German, we live and are registered in Munich, but we would like to get married at the standesamt in Koln, does anyone know if that is possible?

2. I have been working in Germany for 3 years, when we get married is it better to keep my work permit (which is tied to my company) as it is or would it be better to get a new one because i am now married to a German. Does either have more benefits?

3. If we get married in Germany and decide to move to the US a few years later would we have any problems with our wedding certificate, getting agreen card, etc...

4. Is it better to have the legal marriage in Germany or America.

feedback would be great!
damara4178
First of all, congratulations!
As for your questions:
1. Not sure about this one. My husband and I were married in California (I'm Ami, he's Austrian). We got married in LA County, but had to get our license in Orange County where I have my residence. I know that you can get married by the Standesamt in Munich and have a church wedding anywhere . . . but that's not really your question rolleyes.gif

2. Depends on what you want. If you get great benefits (insurance, etc . . . ) through your company, then why bother; especially if you are planning to move back to the States. I got my residency in Germany after my marriage. I have my own business, but I don't see anything "special" about this type of immigration status. I don't (won't) take any social benefits; and we do plan on spending more time in the States in the near future.

3. Shouldn't be . . . assuming he has never been convicted of a violent/drug crime, is not a member of the Nazi or communist party, and has a German passport wink.gif My husband and I hired an immigration lawyer to take care of all that crap, and it was a breeze; of course, the only difficult thing is that he has to spend more than 1/2 the year in the States . . . Tough when our business is in Munich.

4. I don't think it matters either way . . . The US certainly doesn't care, but you may have to provide a few more documents and translations. Anyway, it shouldn't be a problem at all.

Good luck with all of your planning biggrin.gif
Krieg
1. Yes you can

2. You have to inform the AB of your new status. Anyway, the next extension of your residence will not be attached anymore to the company, if you stayed single you would get a PR in 2 more years. I guess, no big deal, no big difference.

3. Marriage in Germany should be valid in the USA and viceversa

4. I do not see any big difference.
Guy
1. Yes, but you have to apply through Munich.
ThunderCat
unlucky !
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