Consular Services
Marriage in Georgia
While religious marriages are quite common in Georgia, Georgian and U.S. authorities recognize only civil marriages as legally valid. Thus, while you may wish to have a religious ceremony and receive a religious marriage certificate in recognition of your marriage, you must obtain a civil marriage certificate from the Georgian government in order for your foreign-born spouse to immigrate to the United States.
Please note: As of July 11, 2009 according to amended order N1392 US citizens do not need to submit the affidavit of non-impediment.
A couple must go to the reional branch of the Civil Registration office to file an application for a civil marriage ceremony. The couple is responsible for providing two witnesses on the day of the civil marriage ceremony. The civil marriage certificate will be issued the same day as the ceremony. Working hours for Civil Registry locations are 10 am to 5 pm. Lunch time is between 1 and 2 pm.
The following paperwork must be presented:
· Notarized translation of the American citizen’s passport data page and Georgian visa;
· Georgian passport or ID and a copy of data page of beneficiary;
· Divorce certificates or death certificates (endorsed with Apostille) terminating prior marriages if applicable;
· Receipt of payment of the state fee 9 GEL (to be paid at a Civil Registry office)
· Additional paperwork, as requested.
All English language documents including
For information on registering the marriage please contact the Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry Justice at 67a A. Tsereteli Ave.; 0154 Tbilisi. Tel: 40-10-10 from 10 a.m. to 5p.m. Website: http://www.cra.gov.ge/
Civil marriage registration center:
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Wedding palace “Konka” |
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In order for the Georgian marriage certificate to be valid in the U.S., it has to be translated and authenticated. Please see the Notarial and Authentication information sheet for the process on doing this.