What documents do foreigners need to marry in Tunisia?

Answer by the AvoConsulte editorial team

A foreigner marrying in Tunisia usually needs a valid passport, a recent birth certificate, a certificate of capacity to marry (or of no impediment) from their embassy, a premarital medical certificate, proof that any previous marriage has ended, and official translations. The exact list depends on your nationality and on the office that celebrates the marriage.

A marriage in Tunisia is concluded before a municipal civil-status officer or before two notaries (adl ichhad), in the presence of two witnesses, and a dowry must be set for the wife.

Documents usually asked of the foreign spouse

• Passport, valid on the day of the marriage.
• Recent birth certificate, apostilled or legalised and translated. Offices differ on how recent it must be, so check before ordering it.
• Certificate of capacity to marry or of no impediment (sometimes called a certificat de coutume), issued by your embassy or consulate. Each country has its own procedure and delays; French nationals, for example, need a CCAM from the French consulate.
• Premarital medical certificate, issued by a doctor.
• Proof that a previous marriage has ended: final divorce judgment or the former spouse's death certificate. A divorce granted abroad may first need to be recognised in Tunisia.

Documents for the Tunisian spouse

National identity card, recent birth certificate, premarital medical certificate and, if relevant, proof that a previous marriage has ended.

Practical tips

• Visit the municipality or notaries' office first and ask for their current list.
• Have documents in other languages officially translated into Arabic.
• Decide on the property regime: separation of property applies unless you choose community of property.
• Plan the registration of the marriage in your own country, often through your consulate.

For your own situation, consult a family lawyer; the AvoConsulte directory lists lawyers registered with the ONAT by city.

This answer was written by the AvoConsulte editorial team and gives general information only: it is not legal advice. For your own situation, consult a lawyer.

Sources

1. Tunisian Family Law British Embassy Tunis (GOV.UK)
2. Code du Statut Personnel – Livre premier. Du mariage Jurisite Tunisie
3. مجلة الأحوال الشخصية وزارة العدل – الجمهورية التونسية (طبعة المطبعة الرسمية)
4. Mariage Ambassade de France en Tunisie