A second wedding in Denmark is significantly easier than the first, provided the divorce decree is legally final. Here are the additional documents, the typical problems and the waiting-period rules for 2026.
Additional documents for divorcees
- Divorce decree full version
- Legal-force note important: without this note the decree is invalid
- For foreign divorce: apostille on the decree + legal-force note
- For multiple divorces: all decrees (not just the last)
- If the previous partner died: death certificate instead of divorce decree
Waiting periods, are there any?
| Country of divorce | Waiting period | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Germany, Austria | None | Marry immediately possible |
| Switzerland | None | Immediately possible |
| Turkey (women) | 300 days | Applies traditionally, often avoidable in practice |
| Iran, Saudi Arabia | Variable | Iddat period by region |
| Brazil | None | Abolished since 2010 |
Waiting period applies in the home countryEven if Denmark doesn't recognise a waiting period, the remarriage may be void in the partner's home country if the local waiting period is violated. For Turkey, Iran or Saudi Arabia, better to clarify.
Typical problems, and how to solve them
Problem 1: legal-force note missingSolution: request a new extract with legal-force note from the family court of the place of divorce (€ 18–35).
Problem 2: foreign divorce not recognised in DESolution: recognition procedure at the OLG (§ 107 FamFG), costs € 90–250, takes 2–6 months. EU divorces are exempt.
Problem 3: multiple divorces, one decree missingSolution: request the missing divorce decree from the marriage register of the time at the registry office, costs € 12–20.
Special case: foreign divorce
A divorce from an EU member state (except Denmark) is automatically recognised in Germany (Brussels IIa Regulation). A divorce from a third country needs a recognition procedure at the Higher Regional Court, duration 2–6 months.
Clarify directlyIf the divorce comes from a third country: do the recognition procedure BEFORE you go to Denmark. Otherwise Familieretshuset may reject the application.
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Check my divorce case → Fixed price €649.99 · Apostille €199.99 · GDPR-compliant
