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Registration of childbirth takes place at the district administrative or municipal authority. This is done directly by state hospitals as soon as a child is born. If the parents of the new-born are not married, or if the husband is not the father, an affidavit is required from the biological father to recognise paternity. Both parents are given joint custody of the child if they are married; if not, custody is granted to the mother unless the parents decide on joint custody.
As regards marriage registration, the Register must determine the capacity of the future spouses to enter into marriage during a hearing, on the basis of the documents submitted. These include: an official identification document with a photograph; a document equivalent to a copy of the birth certificate; and proof of citizenship. An affidavit may be given if the person cannot provide these documents. Practice varies between local Registers, with some demanding all the aforementioned documents while others are more flexible.
Civil registration in Austria is necessary for people to have access to health insurance, child and family allowances and other social rights. In addition, the family allowance is granted only after asylum has been granted to the baby. This procedure may take several months.