Marriage in Slovakia and Georgia: Differences, Required Documents, and Legalization of the Certificate

Many couples choose Georgia for marriage registration for a reason, as the process here is as simple and straightforward as possible. Legal formalities take minimal time, and the absence of excessive bureaucracy makes the country particularly attractive to foreigners. An additional advantage is the natural beauty of the Caucasus, which turns the wedding ceremony into an unforgettable event. A wide selection of scenic venues, traditional Caucasian cuisine with wine, and famous Georgian hospitality create a festive atmosphere already appreciated by couples from all over the world.

Within the European Union, foreign marriages are recognized to ensure freedom of movement and the rights of spouses, although each country may have its own nuances. Outside the Eurozone, marriage recognition is governed by local laws and even cultural norms, which can lead to differences in the legal status of couples. Nevertheless, a common principle applies. The Court of Justice of the EU has obliged all EU member states to recognize marriages concluded in other member states, including same-sex marriages, in order to guarantee equal rights for everyone.

It is important to note that this judicial obligation does not mean automatic legalization, as each country has its own rules. For example, Romania, Hungary, and Poland do not recognize same-sex marriages.

An undeniable advantage is the simplicity and speed of the process, minimal bureaucratic barriers, and international recognition of documents. Unlike many countries where dozens of certificates are required and long waiting periods are common, everything in Georgia is significantly easier. Passports are sufficient, along with divorce certificates or birth certificates of children if applicable.

Compared to other countries, Georgia stands out due to the following factors:

• Speed of registration – marriage registration can take as little as one day, which is especially convenient for foreign couples who do not want to spend months preparing.
• International recognition – a marriage certificate issued in Georgia can be easily apostilled and is recognized within the European Union.
• Affordability and transparency – the average cost of services is around USD 500.
• Flexible ceremony format – couples can choose a traditional civil registry ceremony or an off-site ceremony at any desired location.

The procedure combines European formality with practicality while remaining relatively accessible to non-residents. Marriage can be concluded between two foreign nationals. There are also no significant barriers when one partner is a foreigner and the other is a Slovak citizen. The procedure is carried out at local registry offices. Couples must provide passports and an official certificate of no impediment to marriage, which must be translated into Slovak and apostilled. This document confirms that there are no legal restrictions on marriage in the applicant’s country of origin.

A distinctive feature of the Slovak system is that bureaucratic barriers are lower than in many other European countries. The process is faster and free from unnecessary delays. Slovakia strictly follows international standards, meaning all documents must be properly оформed and translations notarized. For foreigners, an important benefit is that a marriage certificate issued here is recognized worldwide. This makes Slovakia an attractive option for couples who want to formalize their relationship within the European Union but seek a simpler and more affordable procedure.

Marriage registration in Slovakia combines European legal legitimacy with convenience. It requires careful document preparation but avoids excessive bureaucracy, allowing couples to quickly formalize their union within the Eurozone. Getting married in Georgia is easier, but additional legalization is required for use within the EU.

Citizenship, Residence Permit, and Visa Status

In Slovakia, the path to citizenship and residence permits is stricter and longer, but it provides access to all EU rights. In Georgia, the rules are simpler and procedures faster, but the resulting status does not grant access to the European Union.

Certificate of Marital Status

A certificate of marital status is a document confirming that a person is not currently married. It is required when registering a marriage abroad so that local authorities can verify the absence of legal obstacles. In Slovakia, this document is mandatory. It must be obtained in the applicant’s country of citizenship, translated into Slovak, and apostilled. In Georgia, the procedure is simpler: passports are sufficient. However, if one of the spouses has been previously married, a divorce certificate or death certificate of the former spouse may be required.

An apostille is an international method of certifying the authenticity of documents, including marriage certificates. It is a stamp or sticker placed on the original document or a notarized copy. The apostille certifies the signature of the issuing official and the seal of the authority that issued the document, eliminating the need for more complex consular legalization in the future.

The main advantage of an apostille is that it is valid in all countries that are parties to the 1961 Hague Convention. If a marriage is registered in Georgia or Slovakia, it is sufficient to apostille the marriage certificate. This remains the fastest tool for international document recognition.

Recognition of a marriage concluded in Georgia for immigration purposes depends on the country to which the couple plans to relocate. For example, when moving to Slovakia, several nuances apply.

How recognition works:

• Slovakia is a party to the Hague Convention, so the Georgian marriage certificate must be apostilled; without this, the document has no legal force.
• After apostillation, the document must be translated into Slovak and notarized; only this version is accepted by migration authorities.
• Marriage to a Slovak citizen grants the right to apply for a temporary residence permit on family grounds. The Georgian marriage certificate must be submitted along with the application, passport, proof of income, and confirmation of housing ownership.
• Authorities may additionally request a certificate of marital status from the foreign spouse’s country of citizenship.
• After submission, Slovak authorities register the foreign marriage certificate in the national registry, making it legally valid for all immigration procedures.

A marriage officially concluded in Georgia can serve as grounds for family reunification in other countries, including Slovakia, provided that the documents are properly prepared. A Georgian marriage certificate is recognized in all EU member states, including Slovakia, if it is apostilled. For submitting an application for a residence permit based on family reunification, the certificate must be translated into Slovak and notarized. If one spouse is a Slovak citizen, the other may apply for a temporary residence permit on family grounds, with the Georgian marriage certificate serving as the key document.

Important to know: Slovak authorities may request a certificate of marital status from the foreign spouse’s country of citizenship to confirm the absence of legal impediments to marriage.

In Georgia, the procedure itself is simple, and most mistakes are related to the legalization of the marriage outside the country. Foreign couples sometimes forget to apostille the marriage certificate or obtain a notarized translation, which can result in refusal. Many newlyweds turn to unverified agencies that do not always prepare documents correctly. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to consult professionals in advance and clarify how document processing is handled.