Getting married in Spain between a foreigner and a Spanish citizen is a legal process that requires prior authorization from the Civil Registry. This procedure ensures that the marriage is genuine and complies with Spanish law.
The process begins with submitting a marriage file (expediente matrimonial), which is mandatory to confirm that both parties are entering into the marriage freely and that it is not a marriage of convenience.
Once approved by a judge, the couple can proceed with a civil marriage in Spain, which grants full legal recognition. After the marriage, the foreign partner is considered a family member of a Spanish citizen, opening the door to residency in Spain under the EU regime and, in some cases, future Spanish nationality.
All foreign documents must be properly legalized or include the Hague Apostille to be valid in Spain. In addition, if the documents are not in Spanish, they must be translated by an official sworn translator to ensure they are accepted by the authorities.
Furthermore, Spanish law does not allow marriage in certain cases, such as when one of the parties is already married and the previous marriage has not been legally dissolved, when there is a close blood relationship between the parties, or when one of the individuals is a minor without legal emancipation.
Once all documents are prepared, the couple must submit their file to the Civil Registry in Spain.
Submission of the marriage file
Personal interview (hearing) with both parties
Verification of the relationship authenticity
Approval by the Civil Registry
During the hearing, questions may be asked about:
Witnesses are often required to support the authenticity of the relationship.
Processing time typically ranges between 50 and 75 days. Once approved:
In some situations, additional legal considerations may apply:
A marriage may be denied if authorities suspect a marriage of convenience, especially when:
Marriage procedures in Spain involve legal checks, documentation, and administrative steps that must be handled carefully. Errors or inconsistencies can lead to delays or even rejection.
At Relocation for Expats, we assist couples throughout the entire process — from preparing documentation to guiding them through the Civil Registry procedure and residency application.
Tell us about your case and our team will help you complete your marriage process in Spain smoothly and legally.
