Marriage is a significant milestone in life, and if you are an expat living in Azerbaijan, you may be wondering if you can legally marry in the country. The good news is that Azerbaijan allows foreigners to get married, but there are certain legal steps you need to follow. In this blog, we will explain the requirements and process in simple terms.
Legal Requirements for Expats to Marry in Azerbaijan
Expats who wish to marry in Azerbaijan must meet the following conditions:
- Legal Age: The minimum legal age for marriage in Azerbaijan is 18 years. In special cases, a court may allow marriage at 17.
- Single Status: Both individuals must be legally single. If previously married, a divorce or death certificate of the former spouse must be provided.
- Consent: Both parties must willingly agree to the marriage.
Documents Required for Marriage Registration
To register a marriage in Azerbaijan, expats need to provide the following documents:
- Valid passports of both individuals
- Residency permit (if applicable)
- Birth certificates
- Proof of single status (certificate of no impediment)
- Divorce certificate (if previously married)
- Officially translated and notarized copies of foreign documents
These documents must be submitted to the Azerbaijan State Registry Office, which is responsible for marriage registrations.
Marriage Registration Process
The marriage registration process in Azerbaijan follows these steps:
- Submit Documents: Both individuals must apply at the local ZAGS office with the required documents.
- Waiting Period: After submission, there is a standard waiting period of one month. However, in special cases, this can be shortened.
- Marriage Ceremony: Once the waiting period is over, the couple must appear at ZAGS for the official marriage ceremony and signing of the marriage certificate.
- Receive Marriage Certificate: The couple will receive an official marriage certificate, which is legally recognized in Azerbaijan and internationally if legalized.
Special Cases: Marrying an Azerbaijani Citizen
If an expat is marrying an Azerbaijani citizen, additional documents may be required, such as proof of citizenship and a letter of intent. Additionally, after marriage, the foreign spouse may apply for a residence permit in Azerbaijan based on family reunification.
Can Same-Sex Couples Marry in Azerbaijan?
Same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in Azerbaijan. Only opposite-sex couples can register their marriage under Azerbaijani law.
Recognizing Azerbaijani Marriage Abroad
If you plan to use your Azerbaijani marriage certificate in another country, you may need to apostille or legalize it, depending on the destination country’s regulations.
Conclusion
Expats can legally marry in Azerbaijan by following the required steps and providing the necessary documents. It is advisable to check with local authorities or consult a legal expert to ensure all paperwork is correct. If you need assistance with marriage registration or legalizing your marriage documents, our team is here to help.
For more details or legal assistance, Contact us today.
Related services:
- Apostille Services in Azerbaijan – https://apostille.az/azerbaijan-apostille-services/
- Archive Services in Azerbaijan – https://apostille.az/archive-services/
- Legalization Services in Azerbaijan – https://apostille.az/legalisation-services/
- Recovering Lost and Damaged Documents – https://apostille.az/recovering-documents/
