Marriage in Poland for foreigners: Is it possible and what does it require?

In recent years, we’ve increasingly been approached by foreign couples living in Poland who want us to organize a beautiful and swift wedding for them in Georgia. For many lovers, the attempt to register a marriage in Poland unexpectedly turns into a tricky puzzle. At first glance, the rules seem straightforward, but in practice, the local bureaucracy can confuse even those who are familiar with it. It’s no wonder, then, that more and more couples are looking for places where the process is simpler, faster, and more transparent. Today, we’ll take a closer look at why registering a marriage in Poland can be challenging and explain all the nuances and potential pitfalls you may encounter along the way.

Can foreigners legally marry in Poland?

Yes, foreign citizens can legally marry in Poland. However, it’s important to understand from the outset that, like in any country, the process has its own intricacies that should be considered in advance. According to Polish law, a marriage can be contracted either between a Polish citizen and a foreigner, or between two foreigners. One crucial point is that the marriage must be conducted exclusively at the Urząd Stanu Cywilnego (USC), the official Civil Registry Office. Other forms of official registration are not permitted.

Another detail many couples are unaware of is that a foreigner’s right to marry is also verified from the perspective of their home country. In other words, the Polish registry office will require confirmation that, under the laws of your country, you are legally allowed to marry. This may involve verifying your marital status, degree of kinship, age, and similar factors.

What documents are needed for two foreigners to register a marriage in Poland?

If you are a foreign couple planning to get officially married in Poland, be prepared for the fact that gathering the required documents will take time and careful attention. Below, we’ve listed the main categories of documents and the requirements for each.

General documents for each spouse

The bride and groom will need standard documents:

• Passport or identity card valid at the time of application.
• Receipt for the civil registry fee – for the preparation of the marriage certificate at the USC (approximately $20).
• A written statement, prepared on-site at the registry office, confirming that there are no legal obstacles to the marriage.

At first glance, it all seems simple, but this is where the first bureaucratic nuances appear, especially if one of the spouses is not an EU citizen.

Additional documents for foreigners

Polish registry offices require that each foreigner confirm their legal capacity to marry according to the laws of their home country:

• Birth certificate, translated into Polish by a certified translator.
• Certificate of no impediment to marriage (Zaświadczenie o braku przeszkód) – a key document confirming that you are legally allowed to marry. Important: not all countries issue this certificate. For example, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, India, Israel, Canada, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Singapore, the USA, and the United Arab Emirates do not provide it, in which case an additional application to a Polish court is required.
• Documents confirming the termination of any previous marriage, if applicable: an extract from the marriage certificate with divorce information, divorce certificate, or death certificate of a former spouse.

Special requirements for document preparation

Foreign documents must meet strict Polish requirements:

• Translations into Polish must be done by a certified translator or a Polish consul.
• Document legalization: for countries outside the EU, an apostille or consular legalization is often required. The cost of an apostille is usually around $15.
• Validity of certificates: most documents (except for the birth certificate) must be issued within 3–6 months of the intended wedding date.

As you can see, the process is formally accessible, but preparing the documents and complying with all formalities requires attention and time. Any mistake or missing document can delay the wedding by several weeks or even months.

How the marriage registration process works in Poland for foreign couples

The process of registering a marriage in Poland can be divided into several stages, and experience shows that it’s best to start preparing in advance to ensure you have enough time to meet all the requirements.

Step one: Preparation and the first visit to the USC

You must visit the local USC at least one month before your intended wedding date – this is a legal requirement. During the first visit, you submit all the documents: passports, certificates of legal capacity to marry, documents related to previous marriages (if applicable), and sign the declaration of your intention to marry. The declaration is valid for six months, so it’s best to plan the visit well in advance.

If either partner does not speak Polish, the participation of a certified translator is mandatory. At the initial consultation regarding documents, the translator does not need to be certified.

Step two: Document verification

The USC carefully verifies the authenticity and completeness of all documents. This process usually takes from one week to one month. If any documents are missing or there are doubts, the officer may request additional certificates. Once verification is successfully completed, a certificate of no impediment to marriage is issued, which is also valid for six months. This certificate is required to set the date of the ceremony.

Step three: Scheduling the ceremony

After receiving the certificate, you can choose a wedding date. The waiting time depends on the workload of the selected USC and usually ranges from one to three months. The ceremony can take place at any USC in Poland, regardless of where the documents were submitted.

Step four: The wedding ceremony

• Venue: The standard ceremony takes place at the USC. If you wish to hold the wedding outside the office, the cost is approximately $230.
• Participants: Both spouses and two witnesses. If any participant does not speak Polish, a certified translator is required ($45–$115). The translator does not act as a witness, and their participation must be arranged in advance.
• Ceremony procedure: Verification of participants’ identities, submission of marriage declarations, signing of the marriage certificate by the spouses, witnesses, and the head of the USC. Future surnames of the spouses and children are also recorded.
• After the ceremony: The couple receives one free short extract of the marriage certificate. Additional copies cost $5 each.

Concordat marriage

Foreigners can also enter into a concordat marriage, which is recognized both by the state and the church. For this, a certificate from the USC must be obtained first, and then both civil and religious documents must be provided: baptism certificate, confirmation certificate, and proof of completion of premarital courses. Depending on the church’s requirements, the bishop’s consent may also be needed.

The main difference between a concordat marriage and a civil marriage is that it combines legal and religious ceremonies, and the documents are verified according to both canonical and state standards. All foreign documents must be translated by a certified translator.

How quickly can foreigners get married in Poland?

If you hope to get married in Poland in just a couple of days, you will need to set aside such expectations. For a foreign couple, it is simply impossible to register a marriage within 24 hours or even two days. By law, at least one month must pass between submitting all necessary documents and the official registration of the marriage.

In practice, most couples face an even longer preparation period. Gathering all documents, obtaining certificates from your home country, translating them through a certified translator, and coordinating with the USC often takes several months. The more complex your situation (for example, if one spouse was previously married or the country of citizenship does not issue a certificate of no impediment), the longer the process may take.

In other words, a wedding in Poland for foreigners always requires advance planning. A “same-day” wedding is not feasible, and this must be taken into account during preparation.

The cost of a wedding in Poland for foreign couples

It’s important to understand that the wedding tourism industry in Poland is not as developed as, for example, in Georgia. For foreign couples, there are relatively few ready-made wedding packages, and the cost is largely determined individually, depending on your requests and preferences. According to one Polish wedding agency:

• Their basic package starts at $2,200.
• The “all-inclusive” package starts at $5,500.

For comparison, our offerings in Georgia are as follows:

• Starter package – from $450.
• “All-inclusive” package – from $2,990.

In other words, even a wedding in Poland with minimal professional support will likely be significantly more expensive than in Georgia. On top of this, additional costs for document translation, certificates, certified translator services, trips to the USC, and apostilles increase the overall budget. In short, Poland is neither a cheap nor a fast option for a foreign couple. One must account for bureaucracy, high expenses, and a limited selection of wedding services, whereas in Georgia, a wedding can be organized more quickly and at a lower cost.

Why it’s easier to register a marriage in Georgia than in Poland

As mentioned earlier, a wedding in Georgia is considerably cheaper than in Poland. But the financial factor is not the only advantage. The marriage registration process in Georgia is much simpler:

• Fewer document requirements: Foreigners don’t need to collect a long list of documents and certificates of no impediment – passports are sufficient.
• Liberal visa rules: Georgia is not part of the Schengen zone, and many citizens enjoy visa-free entry. This greatly simplifies trip planning and reduces bureaucracy.
• Well-developed wedding industry: There are many professional agencies ready to organize turnkey weddings, including outdoor ceremonies, vineyard celebrations, and scenic locations.
• Climate and nature: Mild weather and picturesque landscapes create ideal conditions for photo sessions and outdoor celebrations.

Comparison table: Poland vs. Georgia

As you can see, a wedding in Poland is possible but requires preparation, time, and effort. If you’re looking for an option where everything can be arranged quickly, at an affordable price, and while fully enjoying the emotions of the day, Georgia is a fail-safe choice for couples from around the world.

If you want to learn more about wedding opportunities in Georgia or receive a consultation on organizing your celebration, contact us. We’ll be happy to explain how to make your wedding day unforgettable and assist with every step of the preparation.