Registration of marriage in Azerbaijan
- Emil Khudiyev (Lawyer)
- One Comment
“A good deed is not called marriage,” says the famous quote. Indeed, although the quote is not so positive, marriage creates a new unit of society, and this is a very positive phenomenon both for persons entering into marriage and for the whole society.
Therefore, we consider the marriage procedure exclusively as a bright and happy moment for spouses.
So, how to register a marriage in Azerbaijan and what should be taken into account?
Marriage registration procedure
The application process is quite simple:
1. Applying with a written application to the Registry Office (ASAN service, consular office/representative office of the executive branch). The application is considered within 1 month (with the exception of the cases indicated below in the “FAQ” section) and then the date of marriage registration is set.
2. Registration of marriage and obtaining a marriage certificate.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In the event of one of the persons wishing to marry could not appear at the registry office due to a serious illness, marriage can be registered at home, in a medical clinic with the participation of both persons, who wish to marry and subject to the conditions of this Procedure. In this case, an appropriate supporting medical certificate must be submitted.
Required documents
Persons wishing to get married must submit the following documents to the registry office (or the ASAN service, a consular office or a representative office of the executive branch):
1) Written applications and ID cards of the spouses;
2) Certificate of medical examination (in accordance with Article 13 of the Family Code of Azerbaijan);
3) Check for payment of state duty;
4) If the persons entering into marriage are under 18, then permission to reduce the marriageable age is required, received from the district Executive Power;
5) Certificate of divorce (if one of the spouses was previously married);
6) A document confirming the right for temporary / permanent residence abroad (if the marriage is concluded abroad);
7) Certificate of marital status (if foreigners do not have marital status in their passport or other document confirming their identity). Such certificate must be duly legalized / apostilled and valid for 6 months).
FAQ
Is it possible to get married earlier than a month?
Yes. The period of 1 month may be reduced in the following cases:
1) urgent assignment on a long business trip;
2) moving to a permanent place of residence in another place;
3) common children;
4) pregnancy of a woman who wants to marry;
5) serious illness of one of the spouses or their close relatives;
6) military service;
7) other circumstances.
These circumstances must be confirmed by relevant documents (medical certificate, travel document, birth certificate, etc.). In such cases, marriage can be concluded even on the day of application.
In what cases can marriage registration be refused?
Registration between the following persons is not allowed:
1) close relatives (parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, biological and half-brothers and sisters);
2) adoptive parents and adopted children;
3) one or both persons wishing to enter into marriage are already married to another person;
4) one or both persons wishing to enter into marriage have been recognized by the court as incapable due to mental illness or incapacity.
Is it possible to get married by proxy (POA)?
No. You can only apply through a trustee. When registering a marriage, the physical presence of the parties is required.
How many witnesses can be present?
The number of witnesses present at the registration ceremony is generally unlimited. The number of witnesses signing the record of the marriage act must be no more than 2.
Can people under the age of 18 get married?
According to Art. 10 of the Family Code of Azerbaijan, the general age for marriage is 18 (for a man and a woman).
However, if there are reasons, the district Executive Power has the right to reduce the age of marriage by no more than 1 year at the request of the parties.
What if I do not appear at the appointed time for marriage registration?
If the persons wishing to enter a marriage do not appear at the specified time and the reason for the absence is not recognized as respectful, the application for registration of marriage will be cancelled. You will need to re-apply again.
Are same-sex marriages possible in Azerbaijan?
No, according to Art. 2 of the Family Code of Azerbaijan, marriage is a voluntary union of a man and a woman, registered with the relevant executive authority for the purpose of creating a family.
How EMZE can help you?
Competently planning and organizing the legal side of family life is an important basis for a harmonious future life of spouses. Of course, the help of a lawyer is a must have.
Other legal services in the field of family law, you can find in “My Services” section.
Need a Lawyer in Azerbaijan? Just Call Emil!
#marriage #ASAN #EMZE #Law
Hope you we will help us