Registration for marriage and validity of a marriage concluded outside of Austria
Individuals planning to marry overseas should consider several factors beforehand. For the validity of a marriage abroad, the Austrian international private law must be observed.
A marriage concluded abroad is at least valid if it was concluded according to the local form in this country. The formal requirements to be met can be found at the marriage authority abroad or at the foreign representative authority (BMEIA) in Austria.
You can save yourself a lot of red tape abroad issuing civil status certificates with a translation aid. These are available from the relevant registry office.
In many countries, a certificate of fitness to marry is required. The certificate of fitness to marry is certified by the responsible registry office in Austria that the fiancées listed therein can enter into marriage and there are no impediments to marriage.
Registry offices can also issue a partial extract in accordance with section 58 PStG confirming existence of a marriage or a registered partnership. The partial extract can be used to confirm eligibility to marry.
Registry offices can also issue a partial extract in accordance with Section 58 of the Civil Status Act (PStG) confirming the existence of a marriage or registered partnership. The partial extract in accordance with Section 58 PStG can be used to confirm eligibility to marry.
Tip
Before the planned marriage abroad, you should contact the responsible registry office in Austria in order to clarify the name usage in marriage. For Austrians, Austrian law always applies when using a name.
Austrian citizens are legally obliged to inform changes in their civil status that occur abroad. This ensures complete management of the Central Civil Status Register (ZPR) . Either there is a direct notification to an Austrian civil registry by the individual concerned or their legal representative, or the notification to the domestic authorities is carried out by the individuals through the Austrian representative authority abroad.
Foreign documents in foreign languages must be submitted with a translation. These must also be apostilled or certified. Further information is available from the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA)/Office for Consular Certifications (0501150-4425; beglaubigungen@bmeia.gv.at).
