Register a marriage or birth that happened abroad in Spain

Ask the Registro Civil to enter your foreign certificate

A marriage, birth or divorce that happened abroad does not appear in the Spanish Registro Civil by itself. Registering it, called an inscripción, makes it count in Spain. Registries usually ask for the original foreign certificate with an apostille or legalisation and a Spanish translation, and many want you to phone or email first to confirm the procedure.

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How it works

Register a birth or marriage that took place abroad

Get a foreign birth, marriage or divorce recorded by the local authorities.

If you were born, married or divorced abroad, the authorities may need to record the event before your details are up to date, for example when you register your address or apply for a local document. You usually submit the original foreign certificate, often with a legalisation or apostille and a sworn translation. Requirements depend on the country that issued the document, so check them before paying for translations. Recording the event can take several weeks.

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register a foreign marriageforeign birth certificaterecognise a foreign marriageregister a foreign divorcetranscription of a foreign certificateapostille and translation

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Many registries want first contact before you visit

Where to register a marriage or birth from abroad

Some registries ask you to phone or email so they can explain the procedure, others have a dedicated appointment once your papers are in order. The original certificate, an apostille or legalisation and a Spanish translation are what most of them want to see.

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Other countries

The same task in other countries

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Where to next

Registries for events from abroad in Spain

Compare how registries deal with foreign marriages and births, including first contact and the papers to prepare.

Foreign marriage registration offices in Spain

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