legal requirements for
getting married in croatia
The legal requirements for getting married in Croatia are relatively straightforward.
The following information is intended to be a starting point and guideline only.
Although much care and effort has been taken to ensure the information provided is correct please do not take it as legal advice. I strongly advise you to consult the Croatian Embassy or Consulate for first hand information on the legal requirements for getting married in Croatia.
The marriage of UK and Irish citizens conducted in Croatia is legally binding under UK and Irish law. You will need to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment / Certificate of Freedom to Marry which is the document required by the Croatian Authorities for the marriage to take place. This can be obtained as follows:
UK Citizens - Certificate of No Impediment
- Obtain a Certificate of No Impediment. This is done by Giving Notice (publishing the Banns) at your local registry office no more than six months before your wedding date. 23 days after you have given notice the registry office will release a Certificate of No Impediment. This document has to bear the "stamp apostile", which is a court stamp, to validate the document.
Irish Citizens - Certificate of Freedom to Marry
- Complete a statutory declaration called a "Certificate de coutume". This document has to bear the "stamp apostile", which is a court stamp, to validate the document.
- Complete an MP2A form and have it signed by authorised signatory. This document has to bear the "stamp apostile", which is a court stamp, to validate the document.
For further information about how to apply for the above certificates click here.
Residency Requirements
There are no minimum residency requirements, although you will be required to meet with the Registrar at the Town Hall a couple of days before your wedding takes place. The Registrar will discuss your paperwork and run through the required procedure with you.
If you are using a Wedding Planner they should schedule this meeting for you however, if you are organising your own wedding you must ensure you make this appointment to see the Registrar before your wedding.
Required Documentation
In order to make a marriage application you must present the following documentation:
- Certificate of No Impediment (UK Citizens only), bearing the stamp apostile
- Certificate de coutume & MP2A form (Irish Citizens only), bearing the stamp apostile
- Original long Birth Certificate which include the names of both your parents, bearing the stamp apostile
- Passport
- Photocopies of the picture page of the passports for your two witnesses, listing their name, address and occupation.
- Photocopies of the picture page of the passports of the bride and the groom
- If you are divorced - a Decree Absolute & previous marriage certificates
- If you have changed your name - Deed Poll
All documentation must be original or certified copies and your Certificate of No Impediment / Certificate of Freedom to Marry must not be older than 3 months.
All documentation must be submitted to the Registrar at the Town Hall 30 days prior to your wedding taking place.
If you are using a Wedding Planner they will organise this on your behalf. However, if you are not using a Wedding Planner you will need to make provisions to ensure your documentation is correctly submitted and lodged on time.
Certificate of Marriage
Your marriage licence and all paperwork will be issued in English and will be valid in your home country.
If you are a UK citizen upon your return home your marriage can be lodged with the Registry of Births, Marriages and Deaths and you can order extra copies in the normal way. For further information click here.
Further Information
For further information on the legal requirements for getting married in Croatia please contact the Croatian Embassy or Consulate.
United Kingdom
21 Conway Street
London W1P 5HL
Tel: 020 7387 2022
Fax: 0207 387 0310
Ireland
Adelaide Chambers
Peter Street
Dublin 8
Tel. 00353 1 4767 181, 4767 182
Fax 00353 1 4767 183
Law Library Building
158-9 Church Street
Dublin 7
Tel. 00353 1 8175 038
Fax 00353 1 8175 186
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