Getting married in Czechia as a foreign national

What the registry office asks for when one or both partners are foreign, and why the document list depends on your country.

What this actually is

Marriages are arranged and recorded by a registry office (matriční úřad, usually just called the matrika) — the municipal department that keeps records of births, marriages and deaths. You apply to the matrika covering the place where you want to marry. A foreign partner normally has to prove that they are legally free to marry, using a certificate of no impediment to marriage (in Czech: vysvědčení o právní způsobilosti k uzavření manželství) issued by their own country. Foreign documents usually need an official Czech translation, and depending on the issuing country either an apostille or full consular legalisation (superlegalizace).

Who it applies to

Couples marrying in Czechia where at least one partner is not a Czech citizen.

When it's required

Start several months ahead. Obtaining, legalising and translating foreign documents is normally the slowest part.

Step by step

1
Find the right matrika
The registry office covering the place where the ceremony will be held. Prague districts each have their own.
2
Ask them for your document list in writing
Requirements differ by the foreign partner's country and by personal circumstances (previous marriage, widowhood, children). Ask before collecting anything.
3
Obtain the certificate of no impediment to marriage
Issued by the foreign partner's home authorities or, in some countries, their embassy. It usually has a limited validity — often around six months — so do not obtain it too early.
4
Get documents legalised and translated
Apostille or superlegalisation as the matrika directs, then translation by a court-appointed translator (soudní tlumočník) in Czechia.
5
File the questionnaire and book the date
You complete a marriage questionnaire (dotazník k uzavření manželství) with the matrika and agree the date and place.
6
Arrange an interpreter if needed
If either partner does not understand Czech, a court-appointed interpreter must be present at the ceremony. This is a legal requirement, not a courtesy.
7
Collect the marriage certificate
The matrika issues the oddací list after the ceremony. You will need it for name changes, residence and insurance matters.

Documents to bring

Valid passports or identity documents for both partners
Birth certificatesForeign ones normally need translation and, depending on the country, an apostille or legalisation
Certificate of no impediment to marriage for the foreign partnerValidity is limited; check how long yours lasts
Proof of residence status or a confirmation of legal stay for the foreign partnerCommonly requested, issued shortly before the wedding
Divorce decree or death certificate of a former spouse, if applicable
Marriage questionnaire completed with the matrika

Who decides

Registry office (matriční úřad) of the municipality or Prague district where the marriage takes place

Worth knowing

Marrying a Czech citizen or a resident does not by itself give you the right to live here — it opens a family-based residence route that still has to be applied for. See the residence procedures linked above.
We deliberately do not list per-country document requirements. They vary too much, and only the matrika handling your case can confirm them.
Some countries do not issue a certificate of no impediment at all; in that case the matrika can accept a substitute or the requirement can be waived by a court. Raise it early.

Official information

Ministry of the Interior of the Czech RepublicOfficial source
Czech public administration portal (gov.cz)Official source
Information Portal for Foreigners (MV ČR)Official source

Last checked: 11 September 2026

Document, legalisation and translation requirements vary by country and by personal situation. Confirm your exact list with the matrika before spending money on documents.