This information is chiefly for couples who hold UK passports or are foreign nationals. The first thing to remember is the process of getting legally married in Cyprus will depend on whether you will be in the North (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. TRNC.) or South (The Republic of Cyprus. ROC).
The laws differ between the two parts of the island. Therefore it is important to decide which part of the island you want to get legally married. For the most part when you follow these guidelines the process is straightforward.
Getting Legally Married in Republic of Cyprus: ROC
Legal Requirements for UK Couples
South Cyprus (ROC) has become a progressively attractive destination for UK couples searching to get married in Cyprus due to its stunning scenery and pleasant climate. However, understanding the legal process for getting married in the ROC is crucial for making sure that your marriage ceremony runs smoothly. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate through all of the conditions and regulations.
Types of Marriage Licenses
Express Marriage License:
- Processing Time: This license demands a minimum residency duration of three consecutive days of work, excluding the day of admission and weekends. This implies that if you visit on Monday, the latest that you can get the license completed is Thursday.
- Ideal For: This sort of wedding is suitable for couples who want to be married quickly. It’s especially useful for individuals who have unexpected alterations in their plans or prefer a quick and simple process.
Standard Marriage License
- Processing Time: The usual processing time for this marriage license ranges from 15 days to three months after the original application. This prolonged time frame allows for greater flexibility while reducing urgency, which makes it outstanding for individuals with a prolonged preparation period.
- Suited For: Couples with ample leisure time to plan their wedding might consider this license more appropriate. It offers a convenient opportunity to make the required plans without feeling pressured. This is particularly helpful for those couples who want to make certain that each aspect of their wedding and reception is carefully prepared.
- Special Cases
- Minors: If any of the parties is below the age of eighteen years, consent in writing from the parent or guardian, bearing a stamp and a signature from a solicitor is necessary.Catholic Weddings: Catholic couples must first have a civil wedding and both of them should have a baptismal certificate.Anglican Weddings: In most instances, one of the persons should be baptized.
- Original Documents: All documents submitted must be originals as photocopies are not allowed.Document Verification: To get married in Cyprus, couples should email copies to their wedding planner four to six weeks before the wedding to make sure and rectify if there are any problems.Carry Documents: As a measure of precaution, ensure you keep all your original documents when traveling to Cyprus so as not to lose them during your wedding travels.
In conclusion.
Getting legally married in the Republic of Cyprus – It will be a joyous and fulfilling occasion for couples hailing from the UK as long the legal formalities are followed. Following all these instructions and planning, you are guaranteed a smooth wedding process in this picturesque Mediterranean region. You can employ a lawyer to help you in the ROC (South) but this can sometimes prove costly.
Getting Legally Married in North Cyprus. TRNC
Some Crucial Documents for Turkish Cypriot Citizens
Turkish Cypriot citizens planning a marriage in the TRNC, will need to provide the following records:
- Identification Card: The national identity card.
- Parents’ Identification Card Copies: Scanned images of your parents’ ID cards.
- No Impediment to Marriage Certificate: This is an official certificate with an affidavit stating that there are no legal obstacles to marriage.
- Divorce Certificate: If you are divorced, you will need to submit your original divorce certificate.
- Title Deed Copy: If you own immoveable property, a copy of the title deed is needed.
- Health Report: A medical report certifies you are fit to be married.
Note: If you are a UK citizen, there is a variation in the process, which has been elaborated below. Because laws are subject to change, consult the relevant authorities or local lawyers for the latest information.
Required Documents for Foreign Nationals in North Cyprus.
Citizens of foreign nations who are legally resident in the TRNC are eligible to get married on condition that they meet the following criteria.
Firstly – Couples are required to present themselves to the district offices with their paperwork. If you or your spouse are a foreign national, these are the documents you will need:
- Passport: A valid passport.
- Muhtar’s Certificate: To confirm your address
- Residents certificate
- Birth Certificate: A copy of your birth certificate.
- No Impediment to Marriage Certificate: A document certifying that there are no legal barriers to your marriage within the laws of your home country. This must be verified by the necessary government officials in your home country.
- Health Report: A medical report certifies you are fit to be married.
If neither you nor your spouse have previously been married you may not need to submit the certificate of no impediment.
Alternatively, a local law firm will prepare a comparable document for your application – it is relatively inexpensive compared to most other countries.
All paperwork needs to be translated into Turkish and verified or apostilled by the Turkish Embassy or the Turkish Cypriot Representative Office for all legal marriages in Cyprus. (TRNC)
Please read my BLOG – Getting married in North Cyprus for the latest information. http://www.cypruscelebrant.com
Firstly – Check your eligibility.
Secondly – Follow the necessary process
Thirdly – Afterwards have a fantastic wedding and celebration in North Cyprus.
Other options. Keep it simple. The most popular way.
Many couples are looking for a less stressful way of getting married abroad. Therefore they legally marry in their home country before coming to Cyprus. They later have a celebrant led wedding ceremony in Cyprus which is obviously less complicated and unquestionably less expensive. This gives you more flexibility as to time, location and venue for your ceremony and reception because you are in control.
At this time , and a point often overlooked is that same sex marriages are not legally possible in North Cyprus. This is a point that is often misunderstood by couples coming from abroad. In light of this, I suggest same sex couples complete their legal marriage in their home country, following that, have a celebrant led meaningful romantic symbolic ceremony or blessing in Cyprus.
Quick legal marriages in the UK and then a blessing or symbolic ceremony in Cyprus
This is undoubtedly the most popular option for couples coming from overseas.
Firstly – couples visit their local registry office in the UK.
Secondly – Arrange a date for an inexpensive 2+2 ceremony in order to complete the legal side which is done quickly and easily. (Sometimes they don’t even tell their families). This is normal in most European countries and certainly a comparatively in-expensive process.
Thirdly – In effect by the time they come to Cyprus they can by and large have their wedding ceremony at any location. This is undeniably a good option for couples on a budget as it will significantly reduce costs.
In conclusion..
As long as the legal formalities are completed you will have an amazing wedding here in Cyprus. For the most part the process is straightforward for legal marriages in Cyprus.
However anyone can have a celebrant led ceremony in Cyprus for a wedding, blessing, symbolic ceremony, hand- fasting or vow renewal. It is by far the most popular way couples from overseas choose to have their weddings.
