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Apply for an honorary sponsorship from the Federal President

At the request of the parents, the Federal President will take on the honorary godparenthood for the seventh child in a family. If you have not applied for the seventh child, you can also apply for a godparenthood for a child born later.

It is primarily symbolic in nature and cannot be compared with a godparenthood. By taking on the honorary godparenthood, the Federal President expresses the state's special caring commitment to families with many children. The godchild receives a godparent certificate and, within the limits of available funds, a gift of money.

In the case of multiple births, he takes on the honorary godparenthood for all children born together with the seventh child.

Related forms and processes

Prerequisite

  • The godchild is German within the meaning of Article 116 Paragraph 1 of the Basic Law.
  • At the time of application, the family mustincludes at least seven living children, including the godchild, who are descended from the same parents, mother or father. Adopted children are treated in the same way as biological children.

Responsible department

the municipal/city administration of your place of residence

Procedure

You apply for an honorary sponsorship in writing to the relevant office. The application form is available on the website of the Office of the Federal President. After checking the requirements, the Federal President will issue a certificate of acceptance of the honorary sponsorship. This will be presented to the parents, together with the sponsorship gift, by a representative of your municipality/city.

Deadlines

The application must be submitted within one year of the child's birth.

This does not apply if you were not aware that you could apply for an honorary godparenthood for your child. In this case, you can apply for an honorary godparenthood with reasons until the child turns three.

Required documents

  • Family register
  • Birth certificates of the children

Costs

none

Miscellaneous

none

Appeal

none

Release note

machine generated, based on the German release by: Sozialministerium Baden-Württemberg, 02.07.2024