Countries that do not require legalization of a marriage certificate issued in Georgia

What is marriage legalization and why is it needed?

Legalization is the procedure for validating a marriage certificate so that it meets the legal requirements of a foreign country and is recognized by its government bodies.

Many couples today choose to get married abroad for a variety of reasons, such as lower costs, faster processing time, and a generally simpler experience, even when accounting for travel expenses. However, to ensure that spouses can fully enjoy their rights as a married couple in their home country — concerning inheritance, parental rights, medical care, and more — the legalization of their marriage certificate may be necessary.

Georgia is one of those countries where the process of marriage for foreigners is simple and convenient. More than this, citizens from several countries do not need to legalize their Georgian marriage certificates at all. Let’s explore which countries these are and why.

Due to international agreements that facilitate document recognition, many countries accept documents issued in Georgia without the need for additional legalization. For instance, there is an agreement that streamlines the legalization and recognition of official documents. The countries that benefit from this include Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. For these nations, a notarized translation of the marriage certificate suffices.

Although you can obtain a translation in your home country, we highly recommend arranging it directly in Georgia. Finding a Georgian-speaking translator abroad can be challenging, and issues often arise with transliteration. We typically handle this process ourselves, ensuring both accuracy and timely completion of the translation.

Additionally, the Hague Convention of 1961 eliminates the need for legalizing foreign official documents. Countries that have joined this convention only require an apostille — a special stamp that certifies the document's authenticity. This significantly simplifies and speeds up the process. Currently, over a hundred countries have signed on to the Hague Convention, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, the USA, Canada, and many others. Some Asian countries, such as Japan, South Korea, India, and the Philippines, also accept Georgian marriage certificates with an apostille.

We understand that our clients value their time and peace of mind. Our specialists will guide you on the specific legal requirements for a Georgian marriage certificate in your situation, ensuring accurate and correct completion of all necessary steps.

By reaching out to us, you can avoid the stress, routine tasks, and legal complexities associated with the process. We will assist in planning and organizing your wedding celebration while ensuring your documents are executed properly. 

For consultations or to book dates for a wedding ceremony in Georgia, as well as to obtain a notarized translation or an apostille for a Georgian marriage certificate, please contact us at +995 591 09 54 34.