Marrying a foreigner in Georgia – many advantages, but also what should you watch out for?
An increasing number of Bulgarian citizens are choosing to get married in Georgia. The main reason is that in Georgia, two foreign nationals who are neither citizens of the country nor permanent residents there can also get married. In some cases, getting married in Georgia is also considerably easier and quicker than in Bulgaria or in the foreign citizen’s country of origin. What are the reasons Bulgarians choose Georgia to get married, what are the main advantages, and what should you bear in mind before taking this step?
In Georgia, two foreigners can get married even if neither of them is a Georgian citizen or has long-term or permanent residence in the country!
An increasing number of marriages between Bulgarians and foreign women from countries outside the EU
For better or worse, an increasing number of Bulgarian citizens are marrying foreigners. This trend has been growing in recent years. According to our observations, more and more Bulgarian men are starting families with women from other countries. In many cases, their partners are nationals of countries outside the European Union. Most commonly, these are women from Ukraine, Russia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and elsewhere. It is precisely these marriages that often create a number of problems for the newlyweds, particularly when the foreign national requires a visa for Bulgaria (Schengen). And in most cases, this is indeed the case.
Marriage in Bulgaria
Firstly, as we have written on numerous occasions, Bulgarian legislation does not provide for the possibility of obtaining a ‘fiancé’ visa. In practice, this means that, in order to get married in Bulgaria, a foreign national must first obtain a Bulgarian C visa. They must then travel to Bulgaria and marry the Bulgarian citizen. After the marriage has taken place, the foreign spouse must leave the country to apply for a visa D. Only after obtaining the D visa can the foreign national return to Bulgaria and apply for a long-term residence permit. If the application for visa D is refused, the decision must be appealed through the courts, which often means a long separation for the newlyweds.
Marriage in the country of the foreigner
The other option is for the Bulgarian citizen to travel to the country of the foreign national, where the marriage can take place. However, this too can present serious difficulties. Often, the Bulgarian citizen will need a tourist visa, for example to Russia, which can be a major obstacle.
Even where there are no visa restrictions, getting married in certain countries – particularly those with more restrictive legislation – is also not advisable.
Advantages of getting married in Georgia
Getting married in Georgia is easy and relatively quick. The undoubted advantage of this destination is that two foreign nationals can enter into a civil marriage in Georgia without needing to be Georgian citizens or permanent residents of the country. This is particularly convenient for Bulgarian citizens who wish to marry partners from third countries. In this way, they can avoid the need for their future spouses to first apply for a Bulgarian tourist visa (type C) in order to travel to Bulgaria and get married there.
Recognition of marriage in Bulgaria
A marriage concluded in Georgia is recognised in Bulgaria, subject to compliance with the legal requirements. Usually, the newlyweds receive a certificate of civil marriage in Georgian and English, bearing an apostille. The document must then be translated in Bulgaria by an authorised translator and duly certified. The next step is to register the marriage in Bulgaria. After that, it is possible to proceed with applying for a visa D for the spouse of the Bulgarian citizen.
Visa-free travel to Georgia
Georgia has an exceptionally liberal visa regime. Bulgarian citizens may stay in the country without a visa for up to one year – something which (to the best of our knowledge) no other country offers, apart from the EU countries. This makes Georgia a particularly convenient destination for entering into a civil marriage with a foreign national. Citizens of many countries, including Russia, Turkey, Thailand, South Africa and China, can also enter Georgia without a visa, with the permitted length of stay depending on their nationality. All of this makes it easier to organise a wedding in Georgia. In many cases, neither of the future spouses will need a Georgian visa to enter into a civil marriage. This can be extremely convenient in cases where the foreign national whom the Bulgarian citizen intends to marry requires a Bulgarian visa to visit Bulgaria.
A particularly suitable solution for marriage to Russian citizens
Getting married in Georgia is a particularly convenient option for Bulgarians who want to marry Russian citizens. Russian citizens do not need a visa to enter Georgia, travelling to the country is easy and inexpensive, and Russian is widely spoken. All of this makes the process of entering into a civil marriage considerably easier.
It should be borne in mind that obtaining a Bulgarian Type C visa for the purpose of getting married in Bulgaria can be extremely difficult for Russians. Getting married in Russia also presents serious difficulties for Bulgarians. Georgia is therefore a convenient alternative for couples wishing to get married abroad.
Combine your wedding with an unforgettable holiday
Getting married in Georgia is not only easy and convenient, but also a wonderful opportunity for an enjoyable trip. The country offers beautiful natural scenery, impressive mountains, charming towns and a rich history. Newlyweds can combine their wedding ceremony with a romantic holiday and unforgettable experiences.
Georgia is renowned for its excellent wine, traditional cuisine and the hospitality of the local people. A trip to the country can be an unforgettable experience, combining a civil wedding with a pleasant holiday, an opportunity to discover the local culture and beautiful natural sights.
Disadvantages of getting married in Georgia
The advantages of getting married in Georgia, especially when the foreigner needs a visa C to enter Bulgaria, far outweigh the disadvantages.
Risks involved in getting married in Georgia – how to choose a reliable company?
One of the main risks when getting married in Georgia is choosing an untrustworthy local company. Georgian companies usually provide professional assistance to foreign nationals in preparing the necessary documents and completing the administrative formalities. However, it is possible that you may come across an unscrupulous intermediary who may mislead you or provide you with marriage documents of questionable authenticity.
This could have serious legal consequences. When registering a marriage in Bulgaria, the use of false or invalid documents may cause problems. There is even a risk of facing criminal liability in Bulgaria for using false documents from Georgia.
It is therefore extremely important to choose a reputable company to arrange the marriage and to carefully check the documents you receive.
How can we help?
We can provide you with full assistance in organising your wedding in Georgia. We can also simply verify the reliability of the company you have chosen to assist you with the wedding. And, of course, we can take care of the entire process afterwards – registering the marriage in Bulgaria, obtaining a D visa and a long-term residence permit.
If you have any questions, please contact our offices.