Marriage & Registered Partnership in the Czech Republic for Foreigners
Planning a marriage or registered partnership in the Czech Republic as a foreigner might sound complicated, especially if you don’t speak Czech. The good news? It’s absolutely doable! With the right documents and a bit of preparation, many foreigners successfully get married or register a partnership in the Czech Republic every year.
This guide walks you through where to start, required documents, fees, and important tips, all in one place.
Where to Start-Visit the Matrika (Registry Office)
Your first and most important step is to visit a Matrika (Registry Office) in the Czech Republic.
The Matrika will:
- Review the documents you already have
- Tell you which documents are still missing
- Explain the full marriage or partnership process
Good to know: You can visit any Matrika in Prague—you are not limited to the district where you live.
Language tip: Bring a translator or Czech-speaking friend. Not all registry office staff speak English, and it’s important to understand every requirement correctly.
Documents Required for Marriage or Registered Partnership
Preparing the correct documents is the most important part of getting married in the Czech Republic as a foreigner.
Main Required Documents
You will typically need:
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate from your home country
- Possibly with an apostille
- Officially translated into Czech
- Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage from your home country
- Must be no older than 6 months
- Possibly with an apostille
- Official Czech translation required
- For non-EU citizens:
- Basic confirmation from the Foreign Police proving legal stay in the Czech Republic (for example, visa-free stay)
- Special Foreign Police confirmation for marriage (non-EU citizens only)
- Confirms legal stay specifically for the wedding
- Must be issued no more than 7 working days before the ceremony
- Completed application forms
- Provided directly by the Matrika
If You Were Previously Married
You must also provide:
- Divorce decree
- In case of death then death certificate of your previous spouse
These documents must also be officially translated into Czech and may require an apostille.
Witnesses for Your Wedding or Partnership
You must have two witnesses present at the ceremony.
- Each witness must bring a valid ID
- Witnesses will sign the marriage certificate
Setting the Wedding or Partnership Date
Once the Matrika confirms that all documents are correct, they will offer you an available ceremony date.
Translator requirement:
If you do not speak Czech, a certified translator is mandatory during the ceremony.
Marriage & Partnership Fees in the Czech Republic
Here’s a clear overview of official marriage and registered partnership fees:
- 0 CZK – Both partners have permanent residence in the Czech Republic, and the ceremony takes place at the official time and location
- 5,000 CZK – Neither partner has permanent residence in the Czech Republic
- 3,000 CZK – Only one partner has permanent residence
- 3,000 CZK – Permission to marry or register a partnership outside the official time or ceremony room
- 1,000 CZK – Registrar attends a ceremony outside their registry area (if neither partner has permanent residence there)
(Not charged if the 3,000 CZK special permission fee was already paid) - 500 CZK – Certificate required for a church wedding
- 500 CZK – Certificate proving legal capacity to marry (for weddings abroad)
- 100 CZK – Issuance of a multilingual standard form
Final Tips for Foreigners Getting Married in the Czech Republic
- Start preparing documents early—apostilles and translations take time
- Always bring original documents to the Matrika
- Double-check document validity dates
- Book your translator well in advance
Getting married or registering a partnership in the Czech Republic as a foreigner may involve paperwork, but with the right guidance, it’s a smooth and rewarding process.
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