Can foreigners get married in Malta?
Yes, foreigners can get married in Malta, and the process is open to couples of all nationalities, including those getting married in Malta from the UK. Malta has straightforward legal requirements, making it one of the easier Mediterranean countries for organising a wedding abroad.
Many couples are also drawn to Malta as a wedding destination for the setting itself: 300 days of sunshine a year, crystal-clear seas, historic venues in Valletta, and charming coastal villages. It’s a chance to have a romantic Mediterranean backdrop without the overwhelming bureaucracy of getting married in Italy or Spain.
For many couples, getting married in Malta strikes the right balance of affordability, accessibility, and stunning wedding settings.
Types of marriage in Malta
As a foreigner getting married in Malta, you have the same options as locals. You can choose between the different types of marriage, depending on your preferences.
1. Civil marriage
A civil wedding in Malta is performed by a Registrar from the Public Registry. This option is popular among couples looking for a straightforward ceremony that’s legally recognised worldwide. Civil ceremonies can take place in the Registry Office or at approved venues like hotels, gardens, or historic sites. Many foreigners choose this route because it’s simple and flexible.
2. Religious marriage
Malta recognises marriages conducted by the Catholic Church and other licensed religious denominations. A Catholic marriage in Malta is automatically registered with the Public Registry, meaning you don’t need a separate civil ceremony. Other faiths require both a religious and a civil registration to make the wedding in Malta legally binding.
Legal requirements for a marriage in Malta
Malta’s marriage laws are fairly straightforward for foreigners. Here are the main marriage requirements in Malta:
1. Notice of marriage: Couples must submit a “Request for the Publication of Banns” at least six weeks before the wedding date. This is sent to the Public Registry in Valletta or Gozo. If you’re getting married in Malta from the UK or another country, you can send the forms by post.
2. Required documents: Both partners will need to provide all the legal documents for the marriage application, including birth certificates, passports, etc, and certified translations of documents not in English or Maltese.
3. Civil vs Religious ceremony: You can choose between a civil marriage, conducted by a registrar, or a religious wedding (Catholic or other recognised denomination). Both are legally binding.
4. Minimum age: The legal age to get married in Malta is 18. Younger couples may marry with parental consent at 16 - 17.
5. Residency requirement: There’s no minimum residency requirement, which makes getting married in Malta for foreigners much easier compared to some countries. You don’t need to live in Malta before your wedding.
6. Marriage certificate: After the ceremony, your marriage is registered with the Public Registry, and you’ll receive an official Maltese marriage certificate, which is recognised internationally.
Required documents for getting married in Malta as a foreigner
The Maltese Public Registry requires several documents to make your marriage in Malta legal and valid internationally. Here’s what you’ll need:
Note: You don’t need to be in Malta to submit these documents. You can send your documents by post to the Maltese Public Registry ahead of your wedding date. The process is pretty straightforward regardless of your country of origin.
Recommended Reading
How to Get a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) in the UK
Document translation & Legalisation process
As part of your marriage application in Malta, you’ll likely need to prepare official documents such as your birth certificate or certificate of no impediment. These must meet Maltese legal standards before they can be accepted.
Certified translations
Any documents that are not in English or Maltese must be translated by a professional translator and include a certification of translation accuracy. To avoid delays or rejection, it’s best to use a certified translation service that guarantees accuracy and acceptance.
Apostille & Legalisation
Depending on where your documents are issued, you may also need an apostille or consular legalisation. This proves that the signature and stamp on your original document are genuine. For example, UK-issued documents need to be apostilled by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) before being sent to Malta.
If you're confused on which one you need, here's a simple explanation to remember;
- Apostille: If your country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention (such as the UK), your documents only need an apostille stamp from your national authority. For example, British documents can be apostilled by the FCDO before being used in Malta.
- Legalisation: If your country is not part of the Apostille Convention, your documents need to be legalised instead. This usually means verification by your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then the Maltese Embassy or Consulate.
Step-by-step process of getting married in Malta
Planning a wedding in Malta as a foreigner is straightforward once you know the process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
Step 1. Decide on the type of marriage
Choose whether you want a civil or religious marriage in Malta. This decision will shape the paperwork and arrangements you need to make.
Step 2. Select your venue
For civil weddings, you can marry at the Registry Office or an approved venue such as a hotel, beach, or historic site. Religious ceremonies must be held in a licensed place of worship.
Step 3. Submit a request to the Public Registry
You must do so at least six weeks before the wedding and notify the Maltese Public Registry of your intent to marry.
Step 4. Prepare and submit your documents
Foreigners must submit documents like passports, birth certificates, and certificates of no impediment. These may need to be officially translated into English if not already in English.
Step 5. Collect your marriage licence
Once your documents are approved, the Registry issues your marriage licence, which allows your ceremony to go ahead.
Step 6. Hold the ceremony
Whether civil or religious, your marriage in Malta for foreigners is legally binding once the ceremony is completed.
Step 7. Register your marriage
After the wedding, the Registrar or priest ensures the marriage is recorded with the Maltese Public Registry. You’ll then receive your official marriage certificate.
How much does it cost to get married in Malta as a foreigner
Official Registry fees
The Maltese Public Registry lists civil marriage fees as follows:
- If one spouse resides abroad, the fee at the Registry is €51.30.
- If you choose to have the ceremony outside the Registry (in a venue), the fee is higher.
- For religious ceremonies, corresponding fees apply depending on the venue and whether one or both spouses are non-residents.
- Getting copies or extracts of your marriage certificate has its own cost: €2.33 for a formal extract and €9.32 for a full copy.
- Getting certified translations of your documents costs about $31.75 from Translayte.
Venue, guests & reception costs
Once you move beyond the legal paperwork, costs depend heavily on your wedding choices:
- A wedding with 80–100 guests can cost over €15,000, especially if you opt for a premium venue, catering, decor, etc.
- For smaller weddings (say 20–60 people), estimates range from €1,000 to €7,000 for venue + reception components, again depending on the level of luxury.
How Translayte can help
With Translayte, you get access to certified translators recognised by Maltese authorities and trusted worldwide.
Our service is simple to order, fast to deliver, and comes with a 100% acceptance guarantee for use in Malta. From birth certificates and certificates of no impediment to divorce papers and name change documents, we make sure everything is translated and formatted correctly the first time.
We also support you through the apostille and legalisation process, so your documents meet the exact standards required by Maltese registrars, embassies, and religious institutions.
Get your marriage documents translated quickly, wherever you are. Request a free quote today and let us help your marriage in Malta go smoothly.
