Legal Requirements for getting married in Malta
Malta is a beautiful and popular destination for couples planning a wedding abroad. Not only does it offer a romantic Mediterranean setting, but the legal process is also straightforward, with no residency requirement and minimal bureaucracy.
Below we cover what you need to know about getting legally married in Malta, from required documents to the application process, so you can plan with clarity and confidence.
Please note: Legal requirements and required documentation can vary depending on your nationality. We recommend using a professional wedding planner in Malta to help navigate the process, coordinate with local authorities, and ensure all legalities are properly handled.
This guide is intended to serves as a starting point, and while we’ve made every effort to provide accurate information, we recommend verifying the latest details with the Maltese Embassy or Consulate in your home country to get the most accurate, up-to-date information for your situation.
Essential Facts About Marrying in Malta
Legalities of Marriage
- You may choose a civil ceremony at the Marriage Registry or at an approved venue.
- Religious ceremonies (typically Roman Catholic) are valid as long as all documentation is submitted to the Marriage Registry beforehand.
- Same-sex civil unions and marriages are legal and recognised under Maltese law.
Wedding Ceremonies in Malta
- Ceremonies are conducted in either English or Maltese, depending on the couple’s preference and the officiant, making it convenient for most international couples.
- Religious ceremonies, particularly Roman Catholic weddings, are typically conducted in Maltese, but can also be held in English depending on the priest and church.
- If either party doesn’t understand the language being used, a translator may be required.
Residency Requirements
- You do not need to be in the country for a specific length of time prior to the wedding as there is no official residency requirement for foreign nationals wishing to marry in Malta.
- That said, it is strongly recommended to arrive in Malta a few days before the wedding to attend the final appointment at the Marriage Registry and ensure all documents are correct.
Marriage Application Timing
- Your marriage application (Form RZ1) must be submitted no more than 3 months, and at least 6 weeks, before the intended wedding date.
- On your marriage application you need to state the date and the intended place of marriage.
- If you are having a religious wedding you will also need to state the name of your priest.
- You will need to state the surname(s) of both spouses after the marriage, including the family name that will be adopted.
- Final documents and identity checks must be completed in person at the Marriage Registry in Valletta or Gozo before the ceremony.
Steps to marry in Malta
The marriage process in Malta is simple but must be followed carefully to ensure everything is legally valid. Below are the essential steps to getting married in Malta:
Step 1 - Gather necessary documents
Each partner must collect and prepare the required original documents. Depending on your marital status and nationality, this typically includes: passport, birth certificate, and any other necessary papers (e.g., divorce or death certificates, Affidavit of Single Status, CNI etc.).
Step 2 - Legalise & Translate Documents
- Any documents not in English or Maltese must be officially translated.
- Documents must be authenticated (stamped and signed) by a Commissioner for Oaths, solicitor, or embassy official.
- Some documents may require apostilles to validate them.
Step 3 - Submit Marriage Application
- Submit Form RZ1, RZ2, and all required documents to the Marriage Registry in Valletta or Gozo.
- This must be done at least 6 weeks before your wedding date, and no earlier than 3 months before.
- If your venue or wedding details change, the registry must be notified at least 3 weeks in advance.
Step 4 - Visit the Marriage Registry in Malta
Upon arrival in Malta, both parties must attend a final appointment at the Marriage Registry to:
- Present passports
- Confirm all paperwork
- Finalise the ceremony location and time
- Submit witness details
Step 5 - Get Married
- The marriage ceremony (civil or religious) takes place on your scheduled date.
- Two witnesses aged 18 or over must be present.
- Valid ID or passport is required for the couple and witnesses.
Step 6 - Register & Collect Marriage Certificate
- Your marriage is registered on the day of the ceremony.
- You will receive an official Marriage Certificate (issued in English).
- Additional certified copies can be requested through the Public Registry – Identity Malta.
Documentation required for marrying in Malta
All documents must be originals and submitted in advance with the marriage application.
Standard Documents (for each partner):
- Form RZ1 – Request for the Publication of Banns – [Download Here]
- Form RZ2 – Declaration on Oath – [Download Here] The form must be signed in front of a Notary, Solicitor, or Commissioner for Oaths. The form must be signed, stamped, and dated by the authorised official.
- Passport – Photocopy for application, original required for the ceremony
- Long Form Birth Certificate – Must include both parents’ full names – apostilled or legalised as necessary (unless these are coming from the European Union).
If your full birth certificate does not include details of your parents, as is the case in some U.S. states, you will need to provide a Statutory Declaration. This must be completed by a relative or friend who personally knows your parents and can confirm the full current names of both parents, as well as the mother’s maiden name, in writing.
The declaration must be signed by both the relative/friend and a solicitor, on the solicitor’s official letterhead and/or bearing their official stamp or seal.
- Free Status Certificate / Certificate of No Impediment (or equivalent) – UK Nationals must provide a 3rd Party Declaration, as CNIs are not issued for marriages in Commonwealth countries. See Note Below
If Adopted:
- Adoption Certificate
If Divorced:
- Decree Absolute
- Previous marriage certificate
- Affidavit from a third party (sworn in presence of a solicitor) confirming you have not remarried since your divorce
If Widowed:
- Previous marriage certificate
- Death certificate of late spouse
- Affidavit from a third party confirming you have not remarried since your spouse’s death
If Under 18:
- Parental Consent – Legal parental approval must be provided
If Name Has Changed:
- Deed Poll – Notarised copy showing name change
If Marrying in Gozo:
- Details and photocopies of witnesses’ passports
- Witnesses’ place of birth, residence, and father’s name
Religious Weddings
Religious weddings typically involve more steps than civil ceremonies, including coordination with church authorities and submission of ecclesiastical documents. For more information on the additional documentation and steps required for a religious wedding in Malta [Click Here].
Important Notes:
- All documents not in English or Maltese must be translated and legally authenticated
- Documents (e.g. Free Status Certificate, RZ2) are valid for 3 months only
- Documents will not be returned, so keep personal copies
Note: UK Nationals:
The UK does not issue a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) for marriages taking place in Malta. Instead, you must submit an original Third Party Declaration (a sworn affidavit) from someone of good standing who knows you well (typically a friend or relative). This person must confirm that, to the best of their knowledge, there is no legal impediment to your marriage.
The affidavit must be signed in the presence of a UK notary, and the notary’s signature must be certified with an Apostille issued in the UK.
Important: The affidavit must not be signed more than three months before the date of your marriage.
Applicants residing in Scotland, Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Wight and Isle of Man are required to provide a Certificate of no Impediment.
Malta Marriage Licence Requirements & Application Process
Foreign nationals marrying in Malta must complete several formal steps to receive a marriage licence. These apply equally to civil and religious marriages.
Obtaining a Marriage licence
- Submit application using Form RZ1 (Banns publication request)
- Include Form RZ2, required documentation (i.e. birth certs etc.), and relevant supporting affidavits / Free Status Certificates (or equivalent)
- Submit between 6 weeks and 3 months prior to your wedding
These forms are submitted in advance, either by post or during an earlier appointment, before your final in-person visit.
Document Translation & Authentication
Documents (except passport) must be:
- Translated by a certified translator (if not in English or Maltese)
- If required, notarised by a recognised authority in the country of issue
- If required, authenticated / leaglised
Final Application at the Marriage Office
Attend final a appointment a couple of days prior to your wedding to provide originals, confirm witnesses, and secure the ceremony slot.
At the appointment:
- Present original passports/IDs
- Confirm all paperwork
- Finalise any ceremony specifics
- Confirm witness details
Note: Even if a wedding planner assists with earlier steps, the final marriage application itself must be made in person by both parties.
Fees & Other Considerations
Application & Documentation Fees
Fees vary depending on:
- Ceremony type (civil vs religious)
- Location (Registry vs approved external venue)
- Translation or legalisation services
- Notary/Commissioner for Oaths costs
- Wedding planner involvement
Appointment Requirements
- All documents and declarations must be finalised before arriving at the registry
- If using a wedding planner, they can often handle document preparation and book your registry appointment in advance
Use of Wedding Planners
- Wedding planners in Malta often offer a fixed-fee legal support service
- You are not obliged to use their services for the full wedding event
- They can assist with documentation, translations, and submission timelines
Malta Marriage Certificate
Obtaining your marriage certificate
- The Marriage Certificate is provided immediately after your ceremony, it’s issued in full or extract form
- You may request additional certified copies from the Public Registry – Identity Malta
Visit: https://identitymalta.com
International Validity of your Malta marriage certificate
- Certificates are issued in English, making them widely accepted internationally
- For use within EU member states, certificates comply with EU Regulation 2016/1191 and do not require an apostille; you can also request a multilingual standard form for added convenience
- For countries outside the EU, you may need to have your certificate apostilled or legalised by the Maltese Ministry for Foreign Affairs if required by the destination country
Additional Tips for getting married in Malta
Timing
- Begin preparations 3–4 months in advance
- Translations, affidavits, and embassy appointments can take time
Consult a wedding planner
- A local planner can ensure your paperwork is correct, timely, and compliant
- Many offer standalone document and registry services without full wedding packages
- If you choose to make an application for a wedding licence yourself, you will need to make provisions to ensure your documentation is correctly submitted and lodged on time.
Tip: Connect with a wedding planner in Malta [Click Here].
Ceremony
For more information on the types of wedding ceremonies available in Malta, and details on any additional documentation and steps to follow for a religious wedding, [Click Here].
Malta Planning Guide
Explore the Malta Wedding Guide for locations, costs, vendors, reviews & tips. [Click Here].
Further information
For official information on the legal requirements for getting married in Malta, contact the Maltese Embassy or Consulate in your home country, the Marriage Registry in Valletta or Gozo
Visit: https://identitymalta.com
Need more help navigating the legal process
Getting Married in Malta - Planning Essentials
Malta Planning Guide
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Malta Wedding Ceremony
Civil, Religious & Symbolic Wedding Ceremony Options in Malta Explained
Wedding Planning Tools
Downloadable wedding abroad tools to help you stay on track from the very beginning.
Planning Guide
An easy to follow guide covering every stage of the wedding planning process.
Requirements are subject to change in accordance with the laws of Malta. Information updated as at June 2025. Is there anything wrong with this page? Let us know here. We are grateful for you helping us to keep the information up to date.