Adoption

There are no uniform EU rules on adoption. Each EU country applies its own rules.

Contact national authorities for information on requirements for adoption and procedures to be followed.

All EU countries do, however, share certain principles enshrined in international conventions on adoption:

  • if alive, the child's biological parents must freely agree to the adoption
  • the adoption must be decided in the interest of the child
  • the adoption must be granted by a court or administrative authority.

In most EU countries, the child will be able to take your surname and nationality, and should have the same inheritance rights as a biological child.

As an adoptive parent, you will have the same rights and obligations towards your child as any other parent.

FAQs

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Last checked: 07/06/2024
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