Marrying a Russian citizen as a foreigner involves navigating legal requirements and submitting the correct paperwork. Whether you plan to marry in Russia or abroad, proper documentation is essential to ensure the marriage is legally recognized. Below is a comprehensive guide to the required documents and procedures.
1. Where Can You Get Married?
Foreigners can marry a Russian citizen in:
- Russia (at a local civil registry office, ZAGS – Zapis Aktov Grazhdanskogo Sostoyaniya)
- The foreigner’s home country (if the Russian partner obtains the necessary documents)
- A third country (following local marriage laws)
This article focuses on the process of getting married in Russia, as it is the most common scenario.
2. Documents Required for a Foreigner to Marry in Russia
For the Foreign National:
- Valid Passport (with a Russian visa if required)
- Must be translated into Russian and notarized.
- Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (Single Status Affidavit)
- Proves you are legally free to marry (not currently married).
- Must be issued by your home country’s authorities (e.g., embassy, consulate, or local registry office).
- Must be apostilled (or legalized) and translated into Russian.
- Divorce or Death Certificate (if previously married)
- Required if you were married before; must be apostilled and translated.
- Migration Card & Registration
- Foreigners must have a valid Russian visa (if applicable) and be registered at their place of stay.
For the Russian Citizen:
- Internal Passport (Russian passport)
- Proof of Residence (if required by ZAGS)
- Divorce or Death Certificate (if previously married)
3. Additional Requirements
- Waiting Period: ZAGS offices impose a 1-month waiting period before the wedding.
- Interviews: In rare cases, authorities may interview the couple to confirm the marriage is genuine (especially if one partner is applying for a residency permit).
- Religious Marriages: If having a church wedding (e.g., Orthodox Christian), you must still register the marriage at ZAGS for legal recognition.
4. Steps to Get Married in Russia
- Gather and Legalize Documents
- Obtain an apostilled Certificate of No Impediment from your home country.
- Get all foreign documents translated into Russian by a certified translator.
- Submit Documents to ZAGS
- Both partners must apply in person at a ZAGS office.
- Pay the Marriage Fee
- The state fee is 350 rubles (as of 2025).
- Schedule the Wedding
- Some ZAGS offices allow immediate registration, while others require a waiting period.
- Attend the Ceremony
- A short civil ceremony is performed, and the marriage certificate is issued.
5. After the Wedding: Legal Implications
- Residency for the Foreign Spouse: A Russian marriage certificate can help in obtaining a temporary residency permit or spousal visa.
- Name Change: If desired, the foreign spouse can take the Russian partner’s surname (must be reflected in all legal documents).
- International Recognition: To use the Russian marriage certificate abroad, it may need to be apostilled.
Conclusion
Marrying a Russian citizen as a foreigner requires careful preparation of documents, including a notarized passport, Certificate of No Impediment, and proper translations. Since requirements may vary by region, it’s best to check with the local ZAGS office in advance.
Need assistance? Consider consulting a legal expert or wedding agency in Russia to ensure a smooth and legally valid marriage process.