Registering a marriage performed abroad for Filipino citizens or a Filipino citizen and a foreigner can be a straightforward process when approached with the right information and guidance. While marriages performed within the Philippines typically involve the officiating pastor or minister handling the Certificate of Marriage registration, those conducted overseas require a few additional steps. This guide outlines the essential steps involved in registering a foreign marriage for foreign couples.
As outlined on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) website, Filipino citizens who have married abroad must register their union at the Philippine Foreign Service Post (embassy or consulate) in the country where they were married. To facilitate this process, couples should adhere to the following guidelines and prepare the necessary documents.
Required Documents:
- Report of Marriage Form: Submit three copies of the duly accomplished Report of Marriage form. Download the form and print it on legal sized bond paper, ensuring clear and accurate completion of all required information. For the Report of Marriage form, the bride should maintain her maiden name.
- Authenticated Marriage Certificate: Attach an authenticated copy of the Marriage Certificate issued by the local authorities in the country where the marriage took place. Note that abstract copies will not be accepted; the Marriage Certificate must be attested or authenticated.
- Authenticated Supporting Documents: All documents submitted to the Consular Section of the embassy must also be authenticated.
- Birth Certificates and Passports: Provide original and photocopies of the birth certificates of both the bride and groom. Additionally, submit original and photocopies of the personal data and amendment pages of their passports.
- Passport-sized Photos: Provide four colored passport-sized photos of the contracting parties.
- Marriage Requirement Fees: Pay the applicable fees for the Report of Marriage.
Be advised that the embassy may require additional documents as they see fit.
Completion and Follow-up Procedures for Marriage Registration
Upon successful completion of all requirements and payment of the corresponding fees, the embassy will transmit the Report of Marriage to the DFA who will then forward the documents to the Office of the Civil Registrar General of the Philippines for registration and recording. The processing time for the Report of Marriage may take up to six months. Following this period, couples can inquire with the PSA regarding the availability of their PSA marriage certificate.
It is advisable to track the progress of the marriage registration process by contacting the embassy or consulate periodically. Once the PSA marriage certificate is available, couples can use it for various purposes, such as updating their civil status records and obtaining other official documents.
Additional Notes:
- Specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on the Philippine Embassy or Consulate handling the registration. It is advisable to check with the relevant embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information and any additional requirements.
- The processing time for marriage registration may vary depending on the workload of the embassy or consulate.
By following these guidelines and preparing the required documents, Filipino couples who have married abroad can streamline the marriage registration process at Philippine Embassies or Consulates and obtain the necessary documentation for legal recognition in the Philippines.
