Marriage to a foreign national is an increasingly common occurrence. Below, we walk through the process from selecting the place of registration to legalizing documents.
Can a Marriage with a Foreign National Be Registered in Russia?
Yes. Under the Russian Family Code, the conditions for entering into marriage are governed for each party by the law of their country of citizenship. Impediments to marriage include: an existing marriage, close family relation, legal incapacity recognized by a court.
Where to Register the Marriage
Three options, depending on the circumstances:
| Situation | Place of Registration |
|---|---|
| Both parties are in Russia | Civil Registry Office (ZAGS) at the place of residence of either party |
| A Russian citizen is abroad | Russian diplomatic mission or consulate |
| Both parties are foreign nationals in Russia | Their country’s embassy or consulate in Russia |
Required Documents
For registration at a Russian Civil Registry Office (ZAGS), the following are required:
- Identity documents for both parties
- Receipt confirming payment of the state duty (gosposhlina)
- Guardianship authority consent (for minors)
- A certificate confirming the absence of impediments to marriage from the competent authority of the foreign national’s country
- Documents confirming dissolution of any prior marriage (if applicable)
All foreign-language documents must be submitted with a notarized Russian translation.
Legalization of Foreign Documents
The procedure depends on the country of origin:
Apostille — for countries party to the Hague Convention of 1961 (most European countries, the United States, Australia, and others). The apostille is affixed by the competent authority of the country that issued the document.
Consular legalization — for countries that are not party to the Hague Convention. A multi-step procedure involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the source country and the Russian consulate.
Simplified procedure — for countries with which Russia has treaties on legal assistance (e.g., CIS member states): legalization is not required; a translation is sufficient.
Dissolution of Marriage with a Foreign National
Divorce may be formalized:
- In a Russian court — when minor children are involved or one spouse withholds consent
- Through a Russian Civil Registry Office (ZAGS) — by mutual consent and in the absence of minor children
- Through a foreign court — in the country where the other spouse resides; the decision is subject to recognition in Russia
A foreign court judgment dissolving a marriage is recognized in Russia when an applicable international treaty provides for mutual recognition. In the absence of such a treaty, recognition is obtained through a Russian court under the procedure for recognizing foreign judicial acts.
Planning to marry a foreign national, or in need of assistance with a dissolution of marriage? We will guide you through the entire process — from document verification to courtroom representation.