Marriage Abroad and with Foreigners: Required Documents and Essential Certified Translations

Getting married is one of life's most important events. More and more couples are choosing to marry abroad, dreaming of a unique ceremony in picturesque surroundings, or facing the necessity of completing formalities related to marrying a foreigner in Poland. Regardless of the scenario, it's crucial to gather the appropriate documents and, very often, ensure their certified translation.

Civil marriage abroad – formalities and documents

Organizing a civil marriage in another country requires careful preparation and completion of numerous formalities, both in Poland and in the country of ceremony. Key steps and documents include:

• Certificate of legal capacity to marry abroad: This is the basic document that must be obtained from the Polish Civil Registry Office (USC) appropriate for the place of residence of one of the future spouses. This certificate confirms that according to Polish law, there are no obstacles to your marriage.
• Certified translation of the certificate: The obtained certificate usually must be translated into the official language of the country where the wedding will take place. The translation must be performed by a sworn translator.
• Other documents required by the ceremony country: Each country has its own regulations regarding marriages by foreigners. Usually required are copies of birth certificates (often on multilingual forms or with certified translation), identity documents (passports), and in the case of divorced or widowed persons – appropriate documents confirming this fact (e.g., copy of divorce decree or death certificate of spouse, also with translations).
• Declaration of intention to marry: In many countries, it's necessary to previously declare the intention to marry at the local civil registry office or at the Polish consulate. Sometimes a minimum period of stay in the given country before the ceremony is required.
• Apostille or legalization: Some countries may require additional authentication of Polish official documents in the form of an apostille clause (if the country is a party to the Hague Convention) or full consular legalization.

After marrying abroad, for the marriage to be valid in Poland, it must be registered (recognized) in the Polish USC. For this purpose, the original foreign marriage certificate along with its certified translation into Polish will be needed.

Tip: Always carefully check the document requirements at the office where you plan to marry abroad, as well as at the Polish consulate in that country. Procedures may vary.

Religious marriage abroad – what you need to know?

Organizing a religious marriage (e.g., Catholic) abroad also involves specific requirements:

• Consent of your own parish priest: Usually, consent from the parish priest of one of the engaged couple's parish is needed to perform the sacrament outside the home parish.
• Pre-marriage protocol and pre-marriage education: Standard marriage preparation must be completed, including pre-marriage education and protocol completion.
• Delegation: The home parish priest may issue a so-called delegation for the priest who will perform the wedding abroad, or a license allowing marriage in another diocese/country.
• Church documents: Current baptismal certificates (not older than 3-6 months), confirmation certificates, certificates of completed pre-marriage education.
• Marriage banns: Must be announced in the parishes of the engaged couple.
• Finding a Polish priest or translator: If the ceremony is to be conducted in Polish and the local priest doesn't speak it, the presence of a Polish priest or sworn translator during the ceremony may be necessary (if local and church law allow and require this).

After a religious marriage abroad, care must be taken to obtain appropriate church documents, which may then require recognition and possible translation if the marriage is to have civil effects in Poland (so-called concordat marriage – if such a form is possible and recognized in the given country).

Marriage with a foreigner in Poland – required documents

Marrying a citizen of another country in Poland also requires gathering appropriate documentation. A foreigner intending to marry in Poland usually must present:

• Copy of birth certificate: Along with its certified translation into Polish.
• Certificate of legal capacity to marry: A document issued by the appropriate authority in the foreigner's country of origin, stating that according to that country's law, they can marry. This document also requires certified translation into Polish. If obtaining such a certificate is impossible or encounters difficult-to-overcome obstacles, the Polish court may exempt the foreigner from the obligation to present it.
• Identity document: Valid passport or, in the case of EU citizens, another document confirming identity and citizenship.
• In the case of divorced or widowed persons – appropriate documents confirming the termination or annulment of the previous marriage (e.g., divorce judgment, death certificate of spouse), along with their certified translations into Polish.

The Polish citizen presents standard documents required by USC (including abbreviated copy of birth certificate, identity card). If the foreigner doesn't speak Polish to a degree enabling understanding of the declarations made, the presence of a sworn translator during the marriage ceremony at USC is necessary.

Marriage impediments (in the context of canon law)

In the case of a church marriage (e.g., in the Catholic Church), in addition to civil requirements, canon law provisions also apply, which define so-called diriment marriage impediments. These prevent the valid conclusion of the sacrament. The most important include:

• Too young age (in the Catholic Church: 16 years for men, 14 years for women – although episcopal conferences may set higher limits).
• Existing marriage bond (being in a validly contracted marriage with another person).
• Sexual impotence (impotence) that is prior and permanent.
• Priestly ordination or perpetual public vow of chastity in a religious institute.
• Abduction or detention of a person for the purpose of marrying them.
• Spouse murder (causing the death of one's own or another's spouse in order to contract a new marriage).
• Consanguinity in the direct line (e.g., father-daughter) and in the collateral line to a specified degree.
• Affinity in the direct line.
• Public propriety.
• Legal relationship (resulting from adoption) within a specified scope.
• Disparity of cult (marriage of a Catholic with an unbaptized person) – a dispensation can be obtained from this impediment.

In the case of some impediments, it's possible to obtain a dispensation from the appropriate church authority.

Why certified translation of marriage documents is so important?

Documents presented to civil registry offices, consulates, or church institutions must be fully understandable and credible. Certified translation, performed by a person of public trust, which is a sworn translator, guarantees:

• Translation fidelity: The translator accurately renders the content of the original document, taking into account the specifics of legal and official terminology.
• Official force: Translation bearing the seal and signature of a sworn translator is recognized as an official document.
• Avoiding formal problems: Professional translation minimizes the risk of application rejection or delays in procedures due to language errors or inaccuracies.

Where to professionally translate marriage documents online?

Organizing a wedding, especially with an international element, is a time full of emotions but also numerous formalities. To make this process easier, it's worth using modern solutions, such as ordering certified translations online.

The Sworny.com platform is a place where you can quickly, conveniently, and securely order certified translation of all documents needed for marrying abroad or with a foreigner in Poland. We work with experienced sworn translators of many languages.