The legal requirements for getting married in Croatia are relatively straightforward.
The necessary documentation and the process to be followed in respect of the legal requirements for getting married in Croatia are outlined below. Please keep in mind that it 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.
Please Note: Required documentation and the legal process may vary from nationality to nationality.
Essential Facts
- Civil and Religious ceremonies are legally binding in Croatia
- Civil ceremonies can take place in almost any location, provided it has approval from the Registry Office
- There is no minimum residency period
- A court-appointed translator must be present if either of the couple does not speak Croatian
- If you wish to have a religious ceremony you must take additional steps which are set out below
Legality of Marriage
Marriages performed in Croatia are internationally recognised and legally binding.
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
All documentation is required to be original or certified copies and translated into Croatian by the relevant authorities.
Your Certificate of No Impediment / Certificate of Freedom to Marry and Full Birth Certificates must not be older than 3 months (90 days).
All documentation must be submitted to the Registrar at the Town Hall 30 to 45 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 organising your own wedding you will need to make provisions to ensure your documentation is correctly submitted and lodged on time.
The following documentation for both the bride and groom is required to be presented when applying for a marriage licence in Croatia.
- Certificate of No Impediment / Certificate of Freedom to Marry bearing the stamp apostille (can be exchanged for a CNI issued in Croatian by your home country’s embassy or consulate in Croatia).
- Certificate of Custom and Law /Certificate de Coutume (depending on your nationality and country of residence) bearing the stamp apostille (obtained by your home country’s embassy or consulate in Croatia)
- Full passport with minimum validity of twelve months.
- Photocopies of the picture page of the passports of the bride and the groom
- Photocopies of the picture page of the passports for your two witnesses, listing their name, address and occupation.
- Full Birth Certificate (showing mother and fathers names), bearing the stamp apostille. , issued no more than 90 days prior to your wedding.
- If you are divorced – Decree Absolute and previous Marriage Certificate.
- If you are a widower – Death Certificate of previous spouse and previous Marriage Certificate.
- Name Change Deed Poll Certificate – if applicable.
- Adoption Certificate – if applicable.
Religious Wedding Requirements
Foreigners who whish to marry in a religious ceremony, are required to contact the nearest local Register Office in Croatia where the wedding is to take place and officially notify them of the intended marriage. They will issue a Certificate affirming the requirements for marriage in religious form, which is valid for three months. The Registrar will issue the couple with a civil Marriage Certificate, on the basis of the Marriage Certificate issued by the church.
Certificate of Marriage
If you are resident in the UK, Ireland, Australia, USA or Canada,your marriage licence and all paperwork will be issued in English and will be valid in your home country.
Additional Details
For more information on the type of wedding ceremony you may have in Croatia click here.
For information in respect of same-sex marriages in Croatia click here.
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Further Information
For further information on the legal requirements for getting married in Croatia please contact the Croatian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
A full listing of Croatian Diplomatic Missions and Consular Offices can be found on the following link: Croatian Embassy or Diplomatic Mission in your country
In addition, contact your country’s Embassy in Croatia:
| British Embassy in Croatia Tel: +385 (1) 600 9100 |
Irish Embassy in Croatia Tel: +385 (1) 631 0025 |
| Australian Embassy in Croatia Tel: +385 (1) 4891 200 |
New Zealand Embassy in Croatia (Italy accredited) Tel:+39 (06) 853 7501 |
| American Embassy in Croatia Tel: +385 (1) 661 2200 |
Canadian Embassy in Croatia Tel: +385 (1) 488 1200 |
| South African Embassy in Croatia (Hungary accredited) Tel: +36 (1) 392 0999 |
Getting Married in Croatia – First Steps
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Requirements are subject to change in accordance with the laws of Croatia. Information updated as at October 2023