What Documents Are Needed to Register a Marriage in Georgia?
Georgia is a wonderful destination for tying the knot, attracting couples from all over the world with its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural traditions. Marrying in Georgia is quick and relatively simple, which makes it particularly appealing for foreigners. Here, we will explain in detail what documents are required to register a marriage in Georgia and outline all the steps involved in the process.
Documents Required for the Application
To apply for marriage registration in Georgia, foreigners need to prepare the following documents:
- Passport or International Passport: Original and copy of each spouse’s passport.
Additional documents that may be required include:
- Birth Certificate: Original and notarized copy of the birth certificate.
- Divorce Certificate or Death Certificate of Previous Spouse (if applicable): Original and notarized copy of the document.
- Notarized Translation of All Documents into Georgian: All provided documents must be translated into Georgian and notarized.
- Written Application for Marriage Registration: The application can be submitted at the House of Justice or any other authority that performs marriage registrations.
- Citizenship Confirmation Documents: If one of the spouses is not a Georgian citizen.
- Certificate of Marital Status: Confirmation that both partners are not currently married at the time of application.
- Documents Regarding Name Change (if applicable): Documents confirming the name change of one of the spouses, if applicable.
All documents provided for marriage registration must be translated into Georgian and notarized to meet the requirements of Georgian law.
Steps for Registering Marriage for Foreigners
The process of getting married in Georgia consists of several key steps:
- Document Preparation
Gather all necessary documents. Ensure all documents are translated into Georgian and notarized. - Submitting the Application
The application for marriage registration is submitted at the House of Justice or in Wedding Palace. At this stage, all prepared documents must be provided, and the marriage registration application must be filled out. - Appointment of Registration Date
After submitting the application and checking all documents, a date is selected for marriage. - Witnesses
Two witnesses are required to be present at the marriage registration. They also need to have their passports. If the witnesses are Georgian citizens, no translation of their documents is needed. For witnesses with other citizenships, passport translations are necessary. If you don’t have suitable candidates for witnesses at the time of marriage registration in Georgia, we can provide witnesses to fulfill this formality. - Marriage Registration
On the appointed day, you and your future spouse must appear at the House of Justice for the official marriage registration ceremony. - Receiving the Marriage Certificate
After the marriage registration ceremony is completed, you will receive an official marriage certificate. This document can be used for further legalization of the marriage in other countries.
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Why Choose Georgia?
Georgia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for marriages among foreigners for several reasons:
- Simplicity and Speed of the Procedure: Marriage registration in Georgia takes minimal time and requires relatively few documents.
- Affordability: The marriage registration process in Georgia is one of the most affordable compared to other European and Asian countries.
- Unique Locations: Georgia offers numerous picturesque venues for wedding ceremonies, from mountain peaks to the Black Sea coast.
- Recognition of Marriages in Other Countries: The marriage certificate issued in Georgia is recognized in most countries worldwide, simplifying the marriage legalization process.
- Tourist Appeal: Georgia is famous for its culture, cuisine, and hospitality, making it an ideal destination for a wedding trip.
Which Countries Recognize Marriages Registered in Georgia?
Georgia is a participant in the Hague Convention, which simplifies the marriage legalization process for many countries.
For countries that are part of the Hague Convention, it is sufficient to obtain an apostille on the marriage certificate. An apostille confirms the authenticity of the document and its legal force in the member countries of the convention. If your country is not part of the Hague Convention, a legalization procedure will be required.
The marriage certificate issued in Georgia is recognized in the following countries:
- Russia
- USA
- European Union Countries
- Canada and Australia
- Israel
If your country is not a member of the Hague Convention, the legalization procedure will differ from obtaining an apostille and requires additional steps. In Georgia, document legalization is possible for countries like the UAE (Dubai) and Qatar through the respective embassies in Tbilisi. For countries not part of the Hague Convention, we can complete the first stage of legalization in Georgia, and the second stage will be completed in the country of residence through local authorities such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Georgia offers ideal conditions for marriage registration, combining simplicity, affordability, and unique locations for wedding ceremonies. Our wedding agency, Miel, will help you organize your dream wedding and handle all the bureaucratic aspects.