Getting Married in France

Legal Assistance for International Couples

Planning to get married in France?

Whether you are a French citizen, a foreign national, or an international couple living abroad, getting married in France involves specific legal and administrative requirements. The documents required, the applicable procedures and the legal consequences of the marriage depend on your nationality, your place of residence and your personal circumstances.

Our law firm provides legal assistance to international couples throughout the entire marriage process. We help you prepare your marriage application, verify your documents and guide you through every stage of the procedure with the French authorities.


Why Choose a Lawyer?

International marriages often involve more than simply submitting documents to the local town hall.

Depending on your situation, you may need:

  • Foreign birth certificates;
  • A Certificate of Custom;
  • An Affidavit of Single Status;
  • Certified translations;
  • Apostilles or legalization;
  • Documents issued by several different countries;
  • Advice on French immigration law after the marriage.

Each municipality may request additional documents or apply specific administrative requirements.

Receiving legal advice before submitting your application helps prevent delays, incomplete files and unnecessary complications.


Our Legal Services

We assist clients before, during and after their marriage in France.

Initial Legal Assessment

Every situation is unique.

We analyse:

  • your nationality;
  • your place of residence;
  • your immigration status;
  • previous marriages;
  • children from previous relationships;
  • documents already available;
  • the applicable legal requirements.

Following this assessment, you receive a personalised list of documents and a clear explanation of the procedure.


Preparing Your Marriage File

A complete application is essential.

We assist with:

  • document review;
  • preparation of the marriage application;
  • verification of foreign civil status documents;
  • communication with the town hall where appropriate.

Our objective is to minimise the risk of delays or requests for additional documents.


Certificate of Custom

Many foreign nationals are required to provide a Certificate of Custom.

This document explains the marriage law applicable in your country of nationality and confirms your legal capacity to marry.

Our law firm regularly prepares or assists with Certificates of Custom for international clients.


Apostille and Legalisation

Foreign public documents often require authentication before they can be accepted in France.

Depending on the country that issued the document, this may involve:

  • an Apostille;
  • consular legalisation;
  • additional certification.

We advise you on the procedure applicable to your country.


Certified Translations

Many foreign documents must be translated into French by a certified translator.

We cooperate with experienced sworn translators for numerous languages and can coordinate the translation process as part of your legal assistance.


Communication with French Authorities

If additional explanations or documents are requested, we can assist with communications involving:

  • the local town hall;
  • French administrative authorities;
  • legal questions relating to your marriage application.

After Your Marriage

Marriage is often only the beginning of your legal journey in France.

Depending on your circumstances, we also assist with:

  • residence permits;
  • spouse of a French citizen applications;
  • residence rights for spouses of EU citizens;
  • French nationality applications;
  • family law matters;
  • international private law issues.

Why Choose Our Law Firm?

Our practice focuses on assisting international clients with French legal matters.

We offer:

✔ Legal advice tailored to international couples

✔ Assistance throughout France

✔ Remote consultations by video conference

✔ Services in French, English and Russian

✔ Experience with cross-border legal matters

Our objective is to provide practical legal solutions while making the process as straightforward as possible.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners get married in France?

Yes. French law allows marriages between French and foreign nationals, as well as between two foreign nationals, provided the legal conditions are met.


Do I need a Certificate of Custom?

In many cases, yes. Whether it is required depends on your nationality and the practice of the local town hall.


Do my foreign documents need to be translated?

Most foreign civil status documents submitted in France must be accompanied by a certified French translation.


How long does the process take?

The timeframe varies depending on your personal circumstances, the municipality involved and the country issuing your documents.


Can I apply for a residence permit after marriage?

Marriage may provide access to certain residence rights, but the applicable procedure depends on your individual situation. Legal advice is strongly recommended before taking any immigration steps.


Contact Us

Planning to get married in France?

Our law firm assists international couples at every stage of the process—from reviewing your documents to advising on your legal rights after the marriage.

Contact us today to discuss your situation and receive personalised legal advice.

AVOCAT NBA

57 avenue de Valescure, 83700 Saint-Raphaël 

Tél: 04 22 47 00 26

WhatsApp/Telegram: +33626055409

nadezda@avocat-nba.com