Getting married in Georgia (the country) as a foreigner
What two foreigners need to marry in Georgia, which documents must be apostilled, how long it takes, and whether the marriage will be recognised back home.
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Georgia has become a popular place for foreigners to marry, for a straightforward reason: neither party needs to be a citizen or a resident, and the process is quick.
This is particularly relevant for binational couples whose own countries make marriage administratively difficult, and for couples who want the process finished in days rather than months.
What you need
Both parties will generally need:
- A valid passport
- Proof of legal capacity to marry — a certificate showing you are not currently married, issued by your home country
- Evidence of the dissolution of any previous marriage — a divorce decree or death certificate
- Apostille on the foreign documents, and certified Georgian translation
The apostille requirement is the part that catches people out. It has to be done in the country that issued the document, so it needs to happen before you travel. Arriving with un-apostilled paperwork means going home to fix it.
Where it happens
Marriages are registered through the Public Service Hall system, which handles civil registration across Georgia. Ceremonies can be held at a Public Service Hall or, in many cases, at an approved external venue — which is how the wedding-in-Georgia industry has grown up around the process.
How long it takes
The administrative part is fast. With documents in order, registration can often be completed within a day or two of applying, and same-day service is available at higher fees in some locations.
Realistically, plan around:
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Obtaining documents at home | 1-4 weeks |
| Apostille | Days to weeks, by country |
| Certified translation in Georgia | 1-2 days |
| Registration and ceremony | 1-2 days |
The Georgian end is measured in days. Your home country's end is measured in weeks.
Recognition back home
A marriage validly performed in Georgia is generally recognised internationally, but recognition runs on your country's rules, not Georgia's. In practice you will usually need:
- The Georgian marriage certificate
- An apostille on that certificate, obtained in Georgia
- A certified translation into your own language
Some countries additionally require registration with their consulate or a domestic authority. Check your specific requirements before you travel rather than after — this is the step people discover late.
Practical notes
- Bring more documentation than you think you need. Requirements are interpreted by the office in front of you.
- Use a translator or agency if you do not read Georgian. The cost is small relative to a wasted trip.
- Check both countries if you are a binational couple. Each may have its own recognition requirements.
- Marriage does not automatically confer residency. It can open a family reunification route under Article 15(c), and a spouse of a Georgian citizen has a route toward permanent residence under Article 15(g) — but these are separate applications with their own requirements. See the residence permit guide.
A caveat
Civil registration requirements change, and what a particular office asks for can vary. Confirm the current document list with the Public Service Hall, or with a local agency, before booking flights around a date.
Frequently asked questions
Can two foreigners marry in Georgia?
Yes. Neither party needs to be a Georgian citizen or resident, which is a large part of why Georgia has become a popular place to marry.
How long does it take?
Once your documents are in order, the ceremony itself can often be arranged within a day or two. The preparation — obtaining and apostilling documents at home — is what takes time.
Do we need to be resident in Georgia?
No. Entry on the visa-free regime is sufficient for most nationalities, which is why couples commonly fly in, marry, and fly out within a week.
Will the marriage be recognised in our home countries?
A marriage validly performed in Georgia is generally recognised elsewhere, but recognition is governed by your own country's rules and usually requires the Georgian certificate to be apostilled and translated. Confirm your specific country's requirements before you travel.