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Marriage Registration

How quickly can foreigners get married in Georgia?

Marriage can be registered very quickly, often within 24 hours of submitting the application, provided all documents are translated and notarized.

Do I need to be a resident of Georgia to get married?

No, there is no residency requirement. Tourists and visitors can legally marry in Georgia.

Will my marriage in Georgia be recognized in my home country?

Yes, Georgia is a signatory to international conventions. However, you will likely need to get the marriage certificate apostilled or legalized in Georgia for it to be accepted back home.

What if I was divorced before?

You must provide an original divorce decree from your previous marriage, legalized or apostilled in the country of issuance, and translated into Georgian.

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Marriage Registration: Legal Foundations and Procedures

Marriage is a voluntary union of a woman and a man for the purpose of creating a family, which gives rise to rights and duties between spouses. In recent years, Georgia has become a popular destination for marriage registration not only for local citizens but also for foreigners, thanks to simplified bureaucratic procedures and liberal legislation. Marriage registration (signing the act) is the only way the state recognizes a couple's union. Religious marriage (church wedding), despite its spiritual significance, does not produce legal consequences. Therefore, to obtain property rights, inheritance, and social guarantees, civil marriage registration is essential.

Despite the simplicity, the process requires correct preparation of documentation, especially when dealing with foreign citizens or mixed couples. Mistakes in documents can lead to a refusal of registration or problems in the future when legalizing the marriage certificate (Apostille). Legal.ge offers full legal support in the marriage registration process, starting from filling out the application to organizing the ceremony and translating documents.

What Does Marriage Registration Service Cover?

Specialists on our platform offer services that ensure the legality and speed of your marriage:

  • Legal Consultation: Providing information on legal conditions for marriage (age, absence of consanguinity, termination of previous marriages).
  • Document Preparation: Translation and notarization of passports, retrieval and legalization of previous marriage certificates or divorce decrees (for foreigners).
  • Application Submission: Filing an application at the Civil Registry Agency (Public Service Hall) or Wedding House and booking a date.
  • Providing Witnesses: According to the law, two witnesses must attend the registration. If necessary, a lawyer can arrange for witnesses to be present.
  • Offsite Registration: A special service where the registrar comes to your desired location (e.g., in nature, at a restaurant) and registers the marriage on the spot.
  • Legalization/Apostille: Translating and apostilling the marriage certificate so that it is valid in a foreign country.

Common Scenarios and Real-World Examples

Marriage registration services are relevant in various situations:

  • Foreign Couples (Marriage Tourism): A couple from Israel or Gulf countries comes to Georgia because civil marriage is difficult or impossible in their country (e.g., due to religious restrictions). They need quick service and international recognition of documents.
  • Mixed Marriage: A Georgian citizen marries a foreigner. It is necessary to check the foreigner's legal status and translate their passport.
  • Express Marriage: A couple wants to get married within 24 hours, without bureaucratic waiting.
  • Name Change: During registration, one or both spouses change their surname. A lawyer explains the accompanying legal consequences of this process (changing ID documents).

Georgian Legal Framework

Marriage registration is regulated by the following key acts:

The Civil Code of Georgia defines the conditions for marriage: marriage age (18 years), consent, and absence of impediments (e.g., another registered marriage, mental illness, close kinship). The Code also regulates the property rights of spouses arising from the moment of registration.

The Law of Georgia on Civil Status Acts establishes procedural rules for registration. According to the law, marriage registration takes place in a ceremonial or non-ceremonial setting, in the presence of two adult witnesses. In the case of a foreign citizen, their legal presence in Georgia is mandatory.

Orders of the Minister of Justice of Georgia regulate specific administrative procedures, deadlines, and fees at the Public Service Hall.

Step-by-Step Service Process

Marriage registration with the help of Legal.ge is simple:

  1. Collecting Documents: ID cards/passports, and if necessary — divorce or death certificates of a previous spouse.
  2. Translation and Certification: Preparing notarized translations of foreign-language documents.
  3. Registering Application: Visiting the Public Service Hall or making an online application to reserve a date.
  4. Registration Ceremony: Signing the act in the presence of witnesses and receiving the certificate.
  5. Subsequent Procedures: If necessary, apostilling the certificate for use abroad.

Why Choose Legal.ge?

Especially for foreigners, the Georgian bureaucratic system can be confusing due to the language barrier. Legal.ge gives you access to lawyers who know all the nuances of "marriage tourism" and local procedures. Our specialists ensure that your marriage is legally flawless to avoid problems with visas, residence permits, or acquiring property rights in the future. Make your happy day carefree with Legal.ge.

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