International marriage procedures in France

Getting married is an important moment in a couple’s life, but when one of the future spouses is a foreign national, the process can become more complex. Indeed, binational marriages involve respecting both French law and, in some cases, the legislation of the foreign spouse’s country of origin. This article will guide you through the main steps to take to organise a wedding in France when one of the future spouses is a foreign national.

1. Creating the marriage file

As with any civil marriage in France, a marriage file must be created and filed at the town hall of the place of residence of one of the future spouses. However, when one of the spouses is a foreigner, additional documents may be requested. The following main documents are required for marriage of a binational couple:

    • Identification of both future spouses: Identity card for the French citizen, passport for the foreign spouse.

    • Proof of address or residence for each of the future spouses.

    • Birth certificate of both future spouses:

        ◦ For the French spouse, a birth certificate issued in the last three months (or in the last six months if the certificate was issued by a consulate abroad).

        ◦ For the foreign spouse, a birth certificate issued in the last six months. If the document is written in a language other than French, a sworn translation into French is required. This translation must be carried out by a translator accredited by the Court of Appeal to guarantee the validity of the document with the French authorities.

    • Certificate of celibacy or matrimonial capacity for the future foreign spouse: This document, issued by the authorities of the country of origin, attests that the foreign spouse is free to marry. Sworn translation may also be required, depending on the language of the document.

    • Certificate of custom: It is a document drawn up by the consular authorities of the country of origin of the foreign spouse, specifying the laws and customs relating to marriage in that country. This certificate allows the French authorities to verify that the marriage complies with foreign laws.

2. The publication of banns

As with any marriage in France, the publication of banns is a mandatory step. This involves posting the marriage announcement in the town hall of the place of residence of the two future spouses. If one of the spouses resides abroad, this publication will also be made at the French embassy or consulate in the foreign country.

The purpose of publishing banns is to allow anyone to oppose marriage if there is a legal reason to do so. In France, banns must be published for 10 consecutive days before the wedding can take place. If the future spouse resides abroad, it is advisable to allow for additional time.

3. Formalities related to foreign nationality

When one of the spouses is a foreigner, several specific administrative procedures can be added to the traditional formalities of marriage:

    • Verification of legal status: The French authorities can check the legal status of the future spouse, in particular to ensure that he or she is not already married in his or her country of origin. Additional documents, such as a certificate of non-remarriage, may be required, and must always include a sworn translation if they are not in French.

    • Visa or residence permit: If the foreign spouse already resides in France, they must prove they legally reside in France. This may include presenting a long-stay visa or residence permit. However, if the foreign spouse is in breach of the regulations, the marriage does not automatically legalise their situation. After marriage, it is possible to apply for a residence permit as a spouse of a French national.

4. Marriage Celebration

Civil marriage in France must be performed by a registrar, usually at the town hall. Future spouses, including the foreign spouse, must be present. The marriage may be celebrated in the municipality where one of the spouses resides or in the municipality where one of the parents of the future spouses resides.

In most cases, the solemnisation of the marriage does not require an interpreter (oral translator) to be present. However, if the presence of an interpreter is required, a list of sworn interpreters is available from the Court of Appeal.

5. Recognition of the marriage in the country of origin

After the celebration of the marriage in France, the foreign spouse may have to have the marriage recognised in his or her country of origin. Each country has its own rules regarding the recognition of marriages celebrated abroad, and it is often necessary to register the French marriage certificate with the consular authorities of the foreign spouse’s country of origin. Once again, a sworn translation of the marriage certificate may be required for the document to be accepted by foreign authorities.

6. Nationality and marriage

It is important to note that marriage to a French citizen does not automatically give the foreign spouse French nationality. To obtain French nationality by marriage, the foreign spouse must generally meet several conditions. Some of them include:

    • The marriage must have been celebrated for at least 4 years.

    • The foreign spouse must have a good command of the French language.

    • The foreign spouse must prove a regular and continuous residence in France.

An application for naturalisation by marriage can then be filed, but it is neither automatic nor immediate.

7. Conclusion

Marriage with a spouse of foreign nationality involves a set of specific administrative procedures, ranging from creating the marriage file to recognising the marriage in the foreign spouse’s country of origin. Documents such as birth certificates, certificates of celibacy or certificates of custom may require a sworn translation to be valid in France. Planning in advance for these formalities and the time it takes to translate documents is essential if you are to organise a hassle-free bi-national wedding. The assistance of a notary or specialist lawyer can also be useful in ensuring that all the formalities are completed in accordance with the legislation of the two countries concerned.

8. How to obtain a sworn translation quote?

At ACS Traduction, we can handle your certified translation requests (also known as sworn translation in France). Our founder, Anke SEYBERTH, has been a sworn translator with the Nîmes Court of Appeal since 1999, and we collaborate with sworn translators in about twenty languages. Do not hesitate to contact us and request a personalised quote.