Whether you plan on getting married in Spain or would like to register your partnership, this process should be an exciting one, not one filled with anxiety and confusion. At Lusa Legal, we are one of the top family lawyers in Spain, and we recognize that family law can be perplexing. We will be there for both you and your partner to provide the guidance that you both need for peace of mind.
Marriage or get married in Spain
While a marriage between two people is done out of love for one another, there are many benefits to marriage for foreigners in Spain. It can allow for the foreigner to obtain residence and work permits more easily, can make obtaining social assistance a simpler procedure and also offers many different tax advantages.
There are two main types of marriage in Spain; a civil marriage and a religious marriage. Civil weddings can take place at the Civil Registry Office (Registro Civil) or at the District Court (Juzgado). They can also be performed at the Town Hall, where the local mayor or delegated councillor will host the ceremony. There is no need for any religious component to these civil weddings. A religious marriage can take place under any recognized religion without the need for a civil ceremony. When choosing a religious wedding, the civil authorities must provide registration and the ceremony must be performed by a licensed marriage officer.
No matter which type of marriage that you choose, there are some standard pieces of identification and documentation that you must be able to provide, including:
- A copy of your entire passport.
- A certificate of single status or divorce decree.
- A copy of your birth certificate.
- Certificate of registration for all the countries that you and your partner have lived in the past two years.
- Consular registration.
- Proof that you are over 18 years of age.
A pre-marriage interview will also be required to determine that your marriage is one based on an emotional bond and not one that is being done solely out of convenience. During this interview, each partner will be interviewed separately and must answer basic information about each other and regarding the nature of your relationship.
Civil Partnership or “Pareja de Hecho” in Spain
Getting married in Spain is not the only option that couples have. Civil partnership in Barcelona and civil partnership in other Spanish regions is another excellent option that holds many of the same benefits of marriage but without many of the added hassle of arranging an official ceremony. A pareja de hecho in Spain, also known as a civil partnership, is a legal union between two people that share the same household and a domestic life together but are not legally married. You must be able to prove that you have lived together with your partner for an extended period of time that varies based on the region that you live in. Partnership registration can be obtained through a local notary or through the Registry of Unmarried Stable Partnerships (Registro de Parejas de Hecho).
Same-sex couples
In 2005, same-sex marriage was legalized in Spain. This means that same-sex couples have the same legal rights as all married couples in Spain and must go through the same legal proceedings as any other couple when it comes to marriage.
With a bit of preparation and all the proper documentation, getting married in Spain can be a smooth and straightforward process. The legal team at Lusa Legal has helped numerous couples strengthen their bond of love through the vows of marriage or legal partnership, and we can help you do the same. Contact us.
Service Price*
€ 900 – Marriage
€ 650 – Civil partnership registration
* Estimated service price, total amount will depend on the particular case and additional services required.
VAT is not included in the price.
