International Marriage Certificate: Everything You Need to Know for a Valid Marriage Abroad
Are you dreaming of a romantic wedding abroad, or do you need to prove your marriage in another country? Then an internationally recognized marriage certificate is crucial. But what does it actually mean, and how do you ensure that your marriage certificate is valid internationally? This guide provides you with all the information you need.
What is an international marriage certificate?
An international marriage certificate is an official document that confirms that a marriage has been entered into and is valid even outside the country where the wedding took place. It is important to understand that the concept of an “international marriage certificate” can vary. In Sweden, a specific “international marriage certificate” is not issued in the same way as in some other countries. Instead, the standard Swedish marriage certificate, possibly together with other documents, is used to prove the marriage abroad.
Why do you need an internationally recognized marriage certificate?
There are many situations where you may need to prove your marriage in another country:
- Residency abroad: When you move to another country, you often need to register your marriage with the local authorities.
- Legal matters: In cases of inheritance, property purchases, or other legal matters abroad, you may need to prove your marital status.
- Visa applications: Some countries require proof of marriage when applying for a family visa.
- Name change: If you want to change your name after marriage in another country, an internationally recognized marriage certificate may be necessary.
Apostille and Legalization
For your Swedish marriage certificate to be valid abroad, it often needs to be legalized. This can be done in two ways:
- Apostille: For countries that have acceded to the Hague Convention, an Apostille stamp is sufficient. This stamp confirms that the document is genuine.
- Legalization via embassy: For countries that have not acceded to the Hague Convention, the marriage certificate must be legalized by the embassy of the country in question. In many cases, the document often needs to be notarized before legalization can be performed. Contact us for assistance.
Apostille24: Your Partner for International Document Handling
Apostille24 makes it easy for you to get your marriage certificate legalized. We offer:
- Fast and smooth service: We handle the entire process, from order to delivery of your Apostilled marriage certificate.
- Expertise: We have in-depth knowledge of Apostille and legalization processes to help you avoid pitfalls.
- Security: We handle your valuable documents with the utmost confidentiality and security.
How to get your marriage certificate Apostilled with Apostille24:
Option 1: Order online:
- Visit apostille24.se/en/
- Fill in the order form and upload a scan of your marriage certificate.
- Send the original document to us.
- We arrange the Apostille or legalization.
- Receive your processed marriage certificate delivered to you.
Option 2: Visit our office:
Address: Kungsgatan 37, 111 56 Stockholm
Phone: 0850235337
Email: info@apostille24.se
Opening hours: Drop-in Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Useful resouces
- Skatteverket – Information om äktenskap (Swedish Tax Agency – Information about marriage)
- Utrikesgruppen – Information om internationellt äktenskapsbevis (The Foreign Group – Information about international marriage certificates)
- Apostille vigselbevis – Information om Apostille på vigselbevis (Apostille marriage certificate – Information about Apostille on marriage certificates)
- Länsstyrelsen – Information om Notarius publicus (County Administrative Board – Information about Notarius Publicus)
Conclusion
With an internationally recognized marriage certificate, you can confidently prove your marriage abroad. Apostille24 makes the process simple and secure. Contact us today for assistance!
Common questions– FAQ
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a form of legalization of a document issued by an authority. It is an internationally recognized form of legalization used to verify that a document is valid in another country. An apostille is a special stamp or certificate issued by an authority or persons authorized by an authority in the country where the document was issued.
Why do I need an Apostille stamp?
You may need an apostille if you plan to use a document issued in Sweden in another country. This can include documents issued by authorities, such as birth certificates, extracts from the population register, diplomas, certificates of marital status, or other types of documents. An apostille confirms that the document is valid in the country where it was issued and makes it possible for it to be used in another country.
Whats the difference between an Apostille and legalization?
An apostille is a form of legalization, but there are also other forms of legalization that may be required depending on the country where the document 1 will be used. Legalization is a process where an authority or a person authorized by an authority verifies that a document has been issued by an authority and signed by a competent official. An apostille is a special form of legalization used to verify that a document is valid in another country. An Apostille is an internationally recognized form of legalization. 2
What countries use Apostille?
Many countries use apostilles to legalize documents that will be used in other countries. There are a number of countries that have signed the Hague Convention of 1961, which is an international agreement for the use of apostilles. Countries that have signed the convention include Sweden, Spain, Estonia, 1 USA, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and many more.
Where can I get an Apostille?
In Sweden, only lawyers who have a commission from the County Administrative Board as Notary Public have the right to issue Apostilles. A Notary Public does not work for the state but has received a so-called state commission through the County Administrative Board, which grants them the right to issue certain stamps and certificates.
What documents can be Apostilled?
Usually all types of public documents, such as birth and death certificates, certificates of no impediment to marriage and divorce decrees, diplomas, criminal record extracts, certified translations, and the like.
Do I need an Apostille on my documents if used international?
It depends on where you are going to use the document and which country it comes from, as well as the requirements set by those who requested the document. The Hague Convention applies to approximately 106 countries, and if both countries are members of the convention, an apostille is required.
How much does an Apostille cost?
It costs 998kr to get an Apostille on your document. Notarization is included in the price.