The process of legalizing a marriage contracted in Georgia

In recent years, Georgia has become a popular destination for couples wishing to officially formalize their relationship. The simple and transparent registration process, the absence of complicated bureaucracy, accessibility, and promptness of registration – all of this makes the country especially attractive for foreign citizens. It is possible to get married here literally in one day, without the need to provide certificates of marital status, medical examination results, or other formalities customary in many countries.

Such accessibility and liberal legislation are especially valuable for citizens of countries where marriage is associated with serious restrictions, high costs, or long waiting periods. In particular, this applies to citizens of the UAE, the Philippines, India, Pakistan, as well as the USA, where couples of different nationalities, religions, or legal statuses may face various legal barriers.

However, a wedding in Georgia is only the first step. In order for the union to be recognized as valid in the country of the spouses’ permanent residence, the legalization procedure must be completed. Without it, it will be impossible to use the Georgian marriage certificate in official authorities in the home country.

The legalization process is a legal confirmation that the document issued abroad is genuine and can be accepted by the official authorities of another country. It is from this stage that the registration of the marriage contracted outside Georgia begins.

What is marriage legalization, and why is it needed

After registering their marriage in Georgia, foreign couples face the necessity to legalize the obtained certificate in order to use it in other countries. Legalization, in a legal sense, is the official confirmation of the authenticity of a document issued by one state for its recognition in another.

It is important to understand the difference between legalization and recognition of marriage:

• Legalization is a technical process aimed at confirming that the document is genuine and issued by a competent authority.
• Recognition of marriage is the decision of the competent authorities of another state that the union contracted abroad complies with their legislation requirements and can be accepted on their territory.

Cases when marriage certificate legalization is required:

• For recognition of the marriage in the country of residence, if the spouses want their union to be considered valid and have legal force.
• For visa application, obtaining citizenship or residence permit, especially if one of the spouses applies based on marriage to a foreign citizen.
• For changing the surname, submitting documents to the civil registry office, tax authorities, pension fund, and other government bodies.
• For registering the birth of children, indicating the father or mother in documents, obtaining maternity capital, etc.

Without legalization, a document issued in Georgia will be considered legally invalid in other countries, even if the marriage itself was properly registered.

Methods of legalizing a marriage certificate

There are two main ways to legalize foreign documents:

1. Apostille (a simplified form of legalization).
2. Consular legalization (a more complex procedure).

Georgia is a participant in the 1961 Hague Convention, which abolishes the requirement for consular legalization between member countries. This means that documents issued in Georgia can be used in other countries simply by affixing an apostille – a special stamp confirming the authenticity of the document.

Apostille: what it is and how it works

An apostille is an international form of legalization that:

• Confirms the authenticity of the official’s signature.
• Certifies their authority.
•  Indicates the authenticity of the seal or stamp on the document.

An apostille is affixed to the original or to a notarized copy of the document. If the country where you reside is a member of the Hague Convention, placing an apostille will be sufficient for recognition of your marriage.

Consular legalization: when it is applied

If the country where you intend to use the document is not a participant in the Hague Convention, consular legalization will be required. It takes place in several stages:

1. Certification of the document by the Ministry of Justice of Georgia.
2. Then by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
3. Finally, at the consulate or embassy of the country where the document will be used.

This method is more time-consuming and complex than the apostille and is applied, for example, for countries such as Canada, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Singapore, and others that have not signed the convention.

Who affixes the apostille in Georgia

In Georgia, the Ministry of Justice is responsible for affixing the apostille. The apostille can be obtained at any House of Justice by submitting an application either personally or through a representative.

Main steps:

• Prepare the original marriage certificate.
• Fill out the apostille application form.
• Pay the state fee (depending on urgency, from several days to 1 day).
• Receive the document with the apostille affixed.

After this, the document can be translated into the required language (if necessary) and used in the destination country.

Possible difficulties and nuances

Although the legalization of a marriage contracted in Georgia is considered a simple and fast procedure, in practice, couples often encounter unexpected challenges.

1. Errors in documents. Even a minor typo – for example, in the name, date of birth, or place of birth of one of the spouses – can cause rejection when registering the marriage in another country. Such errors frequently occur at the stage of transliteration into English. Therefore, it is important to carefully verify all data before submitting the application.
2. Incorrect format of translation or certification. Some countries do not accept notarized translations made abroad. For example, in Germany or France, a sworn translation is often required rather than a notarized one. Additionally, sometimes the translation is accepted only if it is done directly in the country where the documents are submitted.
3. Difficulties when submitting documents abroad. Even with an apostille and translation, local authorities may request additional confirmations or certificates. This is especially relevant when applying for migration documents, visas, residence permits, or when changing a surname. There are also cases when an apostille affixed to a copy is not recognized – the receiving party may require legalization only of the original document.