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Marriage Requirements for Foreigners: Document Checklist
When foreigners marry in another country, the registry usually asks for a set of documents. This tool gives you a starter checklist based on your status and a quick link to search the official rules for your destination.
General information, not legal or immigration advice. Confirm fees and rules on official government sites. Free and private: what you type stays in your browser.
How to use it
- Type the country you plan to marry in.
- Choose your status: never married, divorced or widowed.
- Read the checklist, then use the search link to find the official rules.
How it works
The checklist lists documents commonly requested: valid passports, birth certificates, proof you are free to marry, certified translations, and an apostille or legalisation of documents. It adds a final divorce decree or a death certificate where your status needs one. It does not contain country-by-country rules.
Tips
- Ask the local registry or your embassy for the exact list. It can differ even between towns.
- Allow time for apostilles and certified translations.
- Some countries require a waiting period or public notice before the wedding.
Questions about this tool
Is this list complete?
No. It is a starting point. The local registry decides what it accepts.
What is an apostille?
A certificate that authenticates a public document for use in another country that belongs to the Hague Apostille Convention.
What is a certificate of no impediment?
A document confirming you are legally free to marry. The name and issuing office vary by country.