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Marriage Certificate Translation: What It Is and Why You Need It
Just got married? Congrats!!! Planning to travel, relocate, or need to interact with the administration of a foreign state? You may need some marriage certificate translations. Why? Because almost all states worldwide do not recognize papers in your mother tongue and always demand legalized duplicates in their language, you must make an accurate translation. As part of our post-wedding tips, let us explain when and who requires having it translated and how you can easily get it done!
Why Do You Need a Marriage Certificate Translation?
There are lots of situations when you may need a marriage certificate translation. We’ve put together a few typical examples from real-life cases of couples we’ve worked with in the past, covering their weddings:
For Visa or Immigration Applications
You need a translated marriage certificate if you’re married and want to move to another country. Countries like Germany, Spain, or the UK will ask for it. It proves that you are legally married.
For example, if you’re going to Germany for work and applying for a family visa, you must show your marriage certificate in German. For more information, read this.
To Apply for Citizenship
If you’re applying for citizenship in another country through marriage, you must submit a translated version of your marriage certificate. It helps prove your family relationship.
Example: You married a French citizen and now want to apply for French citizenship. Translating your marriage certificate is a necessary step in that process.
Watch this to learn more about what it takes to apply for French citizenship:
To Register a Marriage Abroad
If you’re planning to get married in another country, you’ll need to translate the documents to show proof of a previous marriage or divorce.
For example, if you were married before and now want to remarry in Italy, you’ll need a translated version of your previous marriage certificate to proceed with the new registration.
For Inheritance Matters
Sometimes, you must prove your legal relationship to claim an inheritance abroad. A marriage certificate translation helps establish your family ties.
So, you’re inheriting property in Spain and must prove you were legally married to the deceased. A translated marriage certificate will be a key document in that process.
How to Order a Marriage Certificate Translation?
Ordering a marriage certificate translation online is super easy! On sites like Rapid Translate, for example, you just need to follow a few simple steps, and they handle the rest.
- Visit their website: Go to the dedicated page for marriage certificate translation.
- Select your document type: Choose “Marriage Certificate.”
- Send your document: Take a clear photo or upload a PDF. Make sure they can see everything.
- Choose a language: Tell them what language you need — English, German, French, or Italian.
- Pay: Use your card or PayPal. Super easy!
- Receive your translation: Once the translation is complete, they’ll email you the certified version. You can also request a printed copy if needed.
Turnaround time is usually 1–2 days, but if you’re in a hurry, they also offer express translation, ready in just a few hours!
Who Needs a Marriage Certificate Translation?
Many people may need the Translation of marriage certificates in different cases. Here are some of the standard samples of it:
- People Relocating Overseas: If you’re married and planning to move to another country, either permanently or for work, you will most definitely need to have your marriage certificate translated. It is commonly required while applying for a visa or a residency permit.
- Getting married outside the country: Local authorities will require a document to register the ceremony.
- Prospective applicants for citizenship: If you’re applying for citizenship in another country because you’re married, you’ll need to show a translated marriage certificate. It proves your marriage is real and legal — and most countries ask for it.
What Is a Notarized Translation, and When Do You Need It?
Sometimes, just a regular translation isn’t enough. The embassy or other official office may ask for a notarized translation. What does that mean? It means that a regular translation is not enough. They simply won’t accept it. They need a translation that has a notary’s stamp confirming that the translation matches the original document.
When a notarized translation might be necessary:
- Sending papers to government offices or embassies? They may ask for a notarized translation. That means a notary checks and stamps it to show it’s real.
- Are you applying for a visa or a passport? Countries like France, Germany, or Italy often want a notarized translation of your marriage certificate. This helps ensure that your papers are accepted without problems.
- Inheritance procedures: If you’re pursuing inheritance affairs in another nation and must demonstrate your family relationship, a notarized marriage certificate translation can be required to certify the document overseas.
You can have it translated into the target language, certified, or notarized.
Marriage certificate translation doesn’t seem that important — until you need it. And if, because of a poor translation, your paperwork gets delayed or your application is rejected, you’ll have to start all over again. My tip: trust the professionals who have translated and certified thousands of these documents.
