Getting married in Spain, whether it involves a foreigner and a Spanish national or two foreigners, necessitates a precise process and the preparation of specific documents. This ensures all legal prerequisites are adequately met for the marriage to be recognized as valid.
Process and Required Documents
- Appointment Registration: The initial step involves scheduling an appointment at the Civil Registry (Registro Civil) in your place of residence to formally register the marriage intent.
- Submission of Documents: Both parties are required to furnish the following documents:
- Valid passport or other official identification documents.
- Birth certificate, officially authenticated and translated into Spanish.
- Proof of residency for both parties.
- For foreigners, especially non-EU nationals, all documents originating from abroad must be translated into Spanish and undergo dual authentication by the corresponding embassy and Spanish authorities.
- If applicable, legal documentation of divorce or widowhood.
- A premarital declaration, as provided by the Civil Registry.
Interview
- The registry might request an interview with both individuals to verify the marriage’s authenticity and the mutual consent of the involved parties.
- Waiting Period: Post submission of all requisite documents, a waiting period is typically observed for the processing and approval of the marriage registration. This duration may vary, largely depending on the specific region and case, and can range from several weeks to a few months.
Marrying in Spain demands patience and thorough preparation. It is advisable to commence the preparation of all necessary documents well in advance and to keep in constant communication with the local Civil Registry to ensure the marriage registration process is completed without any hitches.