Documents for foreigners' wedding in Georgia: complete list
One of the most popular wedding destinations is Georgia. Couples from any country in the world can officially legitimize their relationship here. Georgian legislation does not require prior residence in the country, a residence permit, or complex certificates and references. The bride and groom, regardless of their citizenship and religion, can become husband and wife in just one day. A marriage certificate issued in Georgia is legally valid in most countries.
Do you have any questions?
There are many fantastic locations for every taste to host a beautiful romantic ceremony. If you are planning a wedding in Tbilisi, Batumi, or Sighnaghi, you should familiarize yourself in advance with the procedures and documentation requirements. The specialists at Lotus Wedding agency have prepared a detailed checklist for you on the preparation and execution of the papers required for marriage in a Georgian registry office.
Documents requirements
In most cases, it is sufficient for the newlyweds to submit the originals and copies of their international passports. However, there are situations where other papers may be required. It is worth preparing and executing them correctly in advance.
Documents list for marriage in Georgia:
- international passports of the bride and groom (originals with notarized copies);
- birth certificates – apostilled, with notarized translations (Georgian/English);
- certificates confirming the eligibility to marry – issued by registry offices or consulates;
- apostilled certificates of divorce or death of a spouse.
Why an apostille is needed
An apostille is a special type of stamp. It is placed on documents in the country where they were issued. The seal confirms the authenticity of the papers so that they can be used in the institutions of other states. In the Russian Federation, the apostillization of documents is performed by the territorial bodies of the Ministry of Justice. In Ukraine, an apostille is affixed by the employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Belarus and Kazakhstan – by specialists of the Ministry of Justice. It is best to submit papers for an apostille 60-90 days before the planned date of the ceremony. An apostille takes from five to thirty days to be issued.
Translation features
All papers are translated by a certified specialist. The translation languages are Georgian/English. Our agency cooperates with verified specialists. The translation is completed in one to two business days. The price of the service is up to $30 per document.
Marriage: a step-by-step description
30-90 days before the wedding
You need to have your birth certificates apostilled, and obtain and apostille your eligibility certificates. You can order the translation of documents in your home country or do it already in Georgia. Call or write to our specialist in advance so that we can verify your package of papers.
Upon arrival in Georgia
Our employee handles the notarization of translations (45-60 minutes). Then we accompany you when submitting the application and the document package to the Public Service Hall. The state fee is paid (standard rate is about $20, for express registration – approximately $60). After that, the marriage registration procedure will be conducted for your couple (up to half an hour). You will be handed the marriage certificate. The languages of the issued document are Georgian and English.
International legal recognition of marriage
The certificate issued in Georgia is recognized by most countries in the world: the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Belarus, European Union countries, and others. For the document to gain legal force in your home country, it must be legalized in accordance with current international legislation. The Georgian certificate must be certified with an apostille (our team will take care of this). Then it is translated into the state language of the submitting country and notarized. After that, you can submit the documents to the relevant departments of your state to confirm your new status.
Do you have any questions?
The Lotus Wedding agency helps foreigners get married in Georgia comfortably and without stress. We provide full support for the wedding process. Our specialists will take care of all the hassle regarding the execution of documents required for registration. After the ceremony, we will put an apostille on the marriage certificate and translate it into the language you need. If you want your wedding day to be filled only with pleasant emotions and impressions, contact us. Our team will relieve you of all bureaucratic procedures.
