The conclusion of a marriage with a foreign citizen in the Republic of Belarus is a significant event that requires careful preparation and study of legal aspects. The process of registering such a marriage has its own peculiarities, which are associated with the need to provide certain documents and comply with established deadlines and procedures. This article will examine the specifics of marrying a foreigner in Belarus, including the necessary documents, registration dates, and places where marriage can be arranged.
Why is it Important to Know the Specifics of Registering a Marriage with a Foreigner in Belarus
Marriage registration with a foreign citizen differs from registration between citizens of the Republic of Belarus in additional legal nuances. Knowing these features will help you avoid difficulties and speed up registration. The main reasons why it is worthwhile to familiarise yourself in advance with the requirements for registering a marriage with foreign citizens:
- Collection of necessary documents: Documents issued in another country require legalisation, apostilization, and translation. In addition, sometimes, such documents have a limited validity period.
- Meeting deadlines: Marriage registration may take longer due to the need to verify documents.
- Legal consequences: Marriage may affect a foreign citizen’s residence status in Belarus and issues related to citizenship and immigration.
- Protection of spouses’ rights: Knowledge of legal norms helps to avoid possible legal risks and problems in the future.
- Financial aspects: Registering a marriage with a foreigner may require additional costs, including payment of notary services and state fees.
We recommend that you seek the advice of our experienced lawyer to understand all the risks and consequences of registering a marriage with a foreign citizen in Belarus.
Features of Marriage with a Foreign Citizen in Belarus
According to the norms of law in Belarus, a marriage between a Belarusian citizen and a foreign citizen can be registered at any body registering acts of civil status (Registry Office) at the choice of the persons entering into marriage. This gives future spouses the freedom to choose the place of registration, whether it is an urban or rural Registry Office, a Wedding palace, or another authorised institution.
However, registering a marriage with a foreign citizen requires considering several specific requirements related to providing additional documents and compliance with certain procedures.
Types of Marriage Registration
There are several types of marriage registration in the Republic of Belarus, which differ in the format and significance of the ceremony:
- Usual marriage registration is carried out at the Registry Office on a pre-appointed day, without special celebrations.
- Solemn marriage registration is carried out in specially equipped halls of Registry Offices or Wedding Palaces, with a ceremony, musical accompaniment, and guest participation.
- Outdoor marriage registration—such a ceremony can be organised outside the Registry Office, for example, in hotels, parks, or other picturesque places. However, such registration is symbolic, and the official marriage is registered at the Registry Office.
The choice of registration type depends on the couple’s preferences, capabilities, and formal requirements. For example, when a spouse who is a citizen of Belarus wants to reunite with a foreign spouse in his country after registration, the state authorities of that country may need proof of marriage registration in Belarus. These can be not only documents but also photos and videos. If you have any questions about recognising marriages concluded in Belarus in other countries, we recommend you consult our experienced lawyer.
Required Documents for Marriage Registration
It is necessary to provide certain documents to successfully register a marriage with a foreign citizen in Belarus. Below is a detailed list of documents for each party.
Documents for a citizen of the Republic of Belarus
- Passport of a citizen of the Republic of Belarus: a valid identity document.
- A document confirming the termination of a previous marriage (if applicable): for example, a certificate of divorce, a court decision on the dissolution of marriage, or a death certificate of a previous spouse.
Documents for a foreign citizen
- Valid foreign passport: with a notarised translation into one of the official languages of the Republic of Belarus (Belarusian or Russian).
- A document confirming the absence of a registered marriage with another person issued by the competent authority of the state of permanent residence of a foreign citizen. This document has a validity period of six months.
- A document confirming the termination of a previous marriage (if applicable): for example, a marriage annulment certificate or a previous spouse’s death certificate issued by the relevant state’s competent authority.
- Confirmation of a legal stay in the Republic of Belarus, such as a visa, residence permit, or other temporary residence permit.
- A document confirming the payment of the marriage registration fee: a receipt for payment of the state fee. In Belarus, the state fee for marriage registration and the issuance of a marriage registration certificate is 42 rubles (approximately 12 euros).
Please note that all documents issued in foreign countries must be legalised or apostilled by the established procedure unless otherwise provided by international treaties of the Republic of Belarus. In addition, such documents must be accompanied by a notarised translation into Belarusian or Russian. This requirement ensures the legal force of the documents on the territory of Belarus and facilitates the process of their consideration by the Registry Office.
The Procedure for Marriage Registration
The process of registering a marriage with a foreign citizen in Belarus includes several consecutive steps:
Step 1. Submitting a joint application
Persons wishing to marry submit a joint application to the selected body registering acts of civil status. The application cannot be submitted through a proxy representative only in person.
Step 2. Providing the necessary documents
At the same time as applying, the couple provides all the necessary documents listed above. It is important to ensure they are valid and correct to avoid delays in the registration process.
Step 3. Payment of the state fee
Before registering a marriage, you must pay the prescribed state fee, 42 rubles (approximately 12 euros), and provide the appropriate receipt.
Step 4. Setting the registration date
After checking the submitted documents, the Registry Office sets the date of marriage registration. According to the law, a marriage can be concluded within the period agreed upon with the Registry Office, but not earlier than three days and not later than three months after the date of application. This period allows the parties to prepare for the ceremony and resolve possible organisational issues.
Step 5. Official marriage registration
An official marriage registration ceremony is held on the appointed day. An interpreter must ensure proper understanding and paperwork if a foreign citizen does not speak Belarusian or Russian. After the marriage is registered, the passports of a Belarusian and a Russian citizen are stamped with a marriage certificate. The passports of other foreign citizens are not stamped with such a stamp. The newlyweds are also given a marriage certificate.
Terms of Marriage Registration
The terms of registration of a marriage with a foreign citizen in Belarus are regulated by legal norms that provide for a certain time frame:
- Minimum term
A marriage can be registered no earlier than three days after submitting a joint application to the Registry Office. This period is necessary to verify the submitted documents and prepare for registration.
- Maximum term
The marriage is registered no later than three months after the application is filed. If the marriage has not been registered after this period, the application for marriage registration becomes invalid, and the procedure must be started anew.
In some cases, if there are valid reasons, the time between filing an application and registering a marriage may be shortened or extended in agreement with the head of the Registry Office. To do this, you must provide the relevant documents confirming the need to change the standard terms.
Is a Marriage Сoncluded in Belarus Valid in Other Countries
A marriage registered in the Republic of Belarus can be recognised as valid in other countries, but the international and national legal norms of each particular state must be considered. In most cases, a marriage concluded in Belarus is recognised abroad if registered by Belarusian legislation and does not contradict the legal norms of the country where its recognition is planned.
Legalising a marriage or affixing an apostille on the marriage certificate may be necessary for it to have legal force outside of Belarus. Belarus is a party to the Hague Convention of 1961, which allows the oscillation procedure to be used for document recognition in other member countries of the Convention. Consular legalisation may be required if the country is not a party to the Hague Convention.
Some states may also require additional marriage registration with their civil registration authorities. In addition, if the legislation of a foreign state provides special requirements for marriage registration, for example, a mandatory marriage ceremony in the country’s state authorities, then the Belarusian certificate may require additional confirmation.
To avoid legal problems, it is recommended that you consult in advance with our lawyers or the competent authorities of the country where marriage recognition is planned. It is especially important in cases where the spouses intend to move to another country or apply for family visas and citizenship based on marriage.
Conclusion
The registration of a marriage with a foreign citizen in the Republic of Belarus requires a careful approach and preparation of documents. Compliance with established procedures and timely provision of all necessary documents will ensure successful marriage registration and help avoid possible legal difficulties in the future.
If you have any questions or need professional assistance in preparing documents and supporting registering a marriage with a foreign citizen. In that case, Ambylegal specialists are ready to provide qualified legal support and support at all stages of the procedure.
Contact us
If you have any questions and disputes related to registering a marriage with a foreign citizen in Belarus, we will be happy to help! Our long-term experience in the field of protecting citizens’ rights will help you resolve any disputes in this area.
- +37529142-27-19 (WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram);
- info@ambylegal.by.
