All You Need to Know About Georgia Marriage Laws
In recent years, Georgia has become one of the most popular destinations for marriage among foreign couples. The country attracts not only with its picturesque nature but also with the simplicity of the marriage process, minimal bureaucracy, and international recognition of the marriage certificate.
Why has Georgia become a popular destination for marriage?
In many countries, the marriage registration process can be complicated and lengthy. For example, in some countries, couples often have to deal with numerous requirements, long waiting periods, and additional legal obligations. However, in Georgia, everything is arranged differently:
Marriage registration is available even for couples where both spouses are foreigners.
A minimal set of documents – in most cases, only passports are required.
Speed of the process – registration can be completed in one day.
International recognition – the Georgian marriage certificate is easy to legalize through apostille or consular legalization.
Main Requirements for Marriage in Georgia
Despite the simplicity of the process, marriage in Georgia is subject to certain legal norms.
Minimum Age for Marriage
According to Georgian legislation, individuals who are 18 years old can marry. In exceptional cases, and only with a court's permission, marriage may be allowed from the age of 17.
What Marriages are Prohibited in Georgia?
Georgian law prohibits marriages:
- Between close relatives (parents and children, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren).
- If one of the spouses is already married (bigamy is prohibited).
- If one of the future spouses has been declared legally incompetent by a court decision.
Legal Forms of Marriage
The following forms of marriage are officially recognized in Georgia:
- Civil marriage – registered in the registry office (Justice House) and has full legal validity.
- Religious marriage – can be conducted according to the traditions of various denominations, but does not replace state registration. For the marriage to be considered legal, it must be registered with the official authorities.
- Common-law marriage – cohabitation without registration does not grant legal status to the partners. Only an officially registered union provides rights and obligations under the law.
These requirements make the process of getting married in Georgia simple yet legally protected, which is especially important for foreign citizens.
Marriage Registration Procedure in Georgia
Marriage registration in Georgia is considered one of the fastest and most convenient in the world. The process is simple, requires minimal documentation, and can be completed in a single day.
What Documents Are Required?
To get married in Georgia, only two documents are needed:
- Passports of both future spouses (or ID cards if they are Georgian citizens).
- A marriage application, which is filled out on-site.
Additional documents may be required in the following cases:
- If one of the spouses was previously married, a divorce certificate or the death certificate of the previous spouse is needed.
- If the documents are not in Georgian, a notarized translation will be required.
It is important to note that, unlike in many countries, Georgia does not require:
- A medical certificate.
- A certificate of marital status.
- Permission from government authorities (if both spouses are of legal age).
Where Can You Register Your Marriage?
Marriage in Georgia can be registered at several institutions:
- Justice House – the most popular option among foreign couples. The registration process takes a few hours, and the newlyweds receive the official marriage certificate the same day.
- Registry Office (Agency for State Services Development) – the classic registration option, which is also available for foreigners.
- Consulate – in some cases, foreigners can register their marriage through the consulate of their country, but this option is not available for all nationalities.
- On-Site Registration – if desired, an official ceremony can be organized in a scenic location (such as in the mountains or by the sea), with a representative from the registry office for an on-site registration.
How Long Does the Registration Procedure Take?
- Under standard conditions, marriage is registered on the same day the application is submitted. This refers only to the bureaucratic part of the wedding, such as signing documents, without any celebrations if that's of interest.
- If additional services, such as notarized translations, are needed, the process may take one or two days.
- Urgent registration is possible within a few hours.
- In some cases, a preliminary appointment can be made, but most often, registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Thus, the marriage process in Georgia is one of the fastest in the world, making it convenient for foreign couples.
Marriage for Foreigners in Georgia
Georgia is one of the few countries where foreign nationals can marry without additional permits or complex bureaucratic procedures. This makes the country attractive for couples who wish to officially and quickly formalize their relationship.
Can Foreigners Marry in Georgia if Both Partners Are Foreigners?
Yes, Georgia imposes no nationality restrictions on spouses. Citizens of any country can marry in Georgia and will receive a fully recognized international marriage certificate.
Is a Visa Required to Marry in Georgia?
Georgia is one of the most open countries in the world in terms of its visa policy. Citizens of over 90 countries, including EU countries, the USA, the UK, Canada, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, the UAE, and many others, can enter without a visa.If your country requires a visa to enter Georgia, you can apply for an e-visa online or get a visa on arrival.
Is a Translation and Notarization of Documents Required?
A translation of passports and other documents is required if they are not in Georgian, English, or Russian.
- A notarized translation can be done directly in Georgia. It takes no more than an hour and is inexpensive.
- The marriage certificate is also issued in Georgian, but it can be immediately translated and notarized for international use.
Thus, Georgia offers ideal conditions for foreign citizens to register their marriage – minimal documentation, fast processing, and international recognition of the marriage abroad.
Legalization of Georgian Marriage Certificate
Is it necessary to legalize a marriage certificate for use in other countries?
A Georgian marriage certificate is an official document, but for its recognition abroad, legalization is usually required. The procedure depends on the legislation of the country where the document will be used. Some countries accept Georgian marriage certificates without additional formalities, but in most cases, an apostille or consular legalization is required.
Apostille vs. Consular Legalization: Which one to choose?
The choice depends on the country where the document is to be used:
- Apostille is a simplified form of legalization that is valid in countries that have signed the 1961 Hague Convention. It certifies the authenticity of the document and allows it to be used without further certification. An apostille on a Georgian marriage certificate can be obtained at the House of Justice, and the procedure takes 1 to 5 business days.
- Consular Legalization is a more complex process required in countries not part of the Hague Convention. It involves multiple stages of certification, including by the Ministry of Justice and the consulate of the country where the document will be used.
Which countries recognize a Georgian marriage certificate?
|
No legalization required | Apostille required | Consular legalization required |
| Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan | European Union (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, etc.), USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Israel, Turkey, UAE (also requires additional certification from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs) | China, UAE (when using the document in government agencies), Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia |
Therefore, before using a Georgian marriage certificate abroad, it is important to verify the specific requirements of the country. If legalization is required, the wedding agency Shu Wedding can assist with the apostille and consular legalization procedures, making the process as convenient as possible.
