Before a couple officially starts a happily married life, they will have to face a few bureaucratic hurdles. Below we have listed the most important information for standard cases; different laws might apply to individual situations, so be sure to request additional information well in advance, especially when planning a marriage across citizenships. Marriage laws differ significantly between states, and getting hold of all the necessary documents can be a time consuming task.

Registration

The registration ("Notice of Intended Marriage") can be made, at the earliest, six months before the planned date of marriage.

Please plan well in advance in order to avoid unpleasant surprises!

Determination of capacity to contract marriage

The capacity to contract marriage (also referred to as publication of the banns) is determined first. This process is mandatory and must be initiated at the register office of the residence of one of the prospective spouses. The marriage itself can be planned at any register office.

Documents Required

• Certified copy of the register of births (not older than 6 months, available at the birth register office)
• For foreign-born applicants: Extract from the register of births or international birth certificate (not older than 6 months)
• Proof of citizenship or passport for foreigners
• Official identification document
• Confirmation of residence (only if not in Austria)
• Where applicable, proof of academic title
• Where applicable, birth certificate of joint children
• In case of prior relationships: marriage certificate(s) and proof of dissolution (final divorce decree, death certificate, etc.)
• In the case of foreign spouses: proof of capacity to contract marriage or proof of civil status, etc. (not older than 6 months)

Foreign documents must be issued internationally or translated, and may require diplomatic or consular legislation or authentication (including apostille). within one week.