Marriage registration in Bulgaria between foreign nationals

Marriage the Bulgarian way

The first thing required of foreigners in order to register a marriage in Bulgaria with the relevant Bulgarian authorities is a residence permit for the country. At least one of the spouses-to-be must hold such a permit.

The second condition for entering into marriage is that both future spouses hold a Certificate of Civil Status. This document certifies the absence of circumstances that would prevent the marriage. Such a certificate can be obtained from the embassy (consulate) of the foreign national’s country of citizenship located in Bulgaria. If the certificate is issued in a language other than Bulgarian, it must be translated and legalised.

The following documents are required to register a marriage:

• The future spouses’ international passports;
• A residence permit for Bulgaria (at least one);
• Medical certificates issued no earlier than one month before the registration. The documents must be in Bulgarian; otherwise translation and legalisation are required;
• An application;
• Declarations by the groom and the bride, completed using the template (provided on site).

The documents are submitted by the future spouses to the “GRAO” directorate of the Municipality (Obshtina) at the place of residence of one of them.

Timeframes

A marriage can be registered in Bulgaria in different ways: with a wedding ceremony in the Municipality’s Ceremonial Hall, with an off-site ceremony, or without a ceremony. In the first cases, the documents must be submitted at least a week before the registration date. The Municipality checks the documents and confirms that they comply with the requirements of Bulgarian law.

If the couple decide to do without a ceremony, they can register the marriage on the same day they submit the documents, provided the Obshtina staff have no comments on the documents presented.

The spouses receive a Marriage Registration Certificate. A duplicate or a certified copy of it must be submitted to the relevant authorities of their country of citizenship.

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