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To register a marriage with a foreigner at a Ukrainian civil registry (RATsS), the foreign partner needs three documents: a passport, a certificate of marital status (capacity to marry), and a record ending any prior marriage. Each must carry an apostille or consular legalization from the issuing country, plus a Ukrainian notarized translation. For countries with a legal-assistance treaty (Poland, Czechia, Moldova, CIS), no apostille is required — a notarized translation is enough.
Which foreigner's documents the registry needs
The foreign partner's basic package for filing a marriage application in Ukraine has three items. First, the foreign passport with a Ukrainian notarized translation. Second, a certificate of marital status (capacity to marry, no impediments) confirming the person is not currently married. Third, a document ending any previous marriage, if applicable: a divorce certificate or a death certificate of the former spouse.
The marital-status certificate usually has a limited validity (often up to 6 months), so order it close to your filing date. Confirm the exact list with the specific civil registry office where you will register the marriage.
Apostille, legalization, or neither
The form of authentication depends on the country that issued the document. If the country is a party to the Hague Convention, the document needs an apostille (Canada joined the Hague on 11.01.2024, mainland China since 2023). If the country is outside the Convention, consular legalization is required: the issuing authority → its foreign ministry → the consulate.
A separate case is countries with a legal-assistance treaty: Poland, Czechia, Moldova, and CIS states. Documents from there need no apostille or legalization at all — only a Ukrainian notarized translation. This cuts time and cost significantly.
Why a Ukrainian notarized translation is required
Ukraine has no institution of sworn translators: a sworn (court) translation is made in the destination country — Poland's tłumacz przysięgły, Germany's vereidigter, Czechia's soudní. For filing documents inside Ukraine, the registry accepts a Ukrainian notarized translation. The notary certifies the authenticity of the translator's signature, not the content of the text.
Surnames and given names are transliterated under Cabinet Resolution No. 55 (зг→zgh; at the start of a word Є→Ye, Ї→Yi, Й→Y, Ю→Yu, Я→Ya; the soft sign and apostrophe are not rendered). One accounting page of translation equals 1,800 characters with spaces.
How it works remotely with Etalon
You don't have to come in person. You send scans or originals via Nova Poshta, we produce the Ukrainian notarized translation and, if needed, arrange filing in Kyiv by power of attorney. We return the finished package to you in a convenient way.
If the document is not yet apostilled in the issuing country, we'll explain the steps for your specific country. Prices are quoted as "from" only; government fees (apostille, notary) are paid separately at the relevant authorities' rates, and we do not guarantee third-party institutions' decisions — only a quality translation and support.
Order a notarized translation of foreign documents for marriage registration in Ukraine — fast and fully remote.
Frequently asked questions
Do documents from Poland need an apostille for marriage in Ukraine?
No. A legal-assistance treaty applies with Poland, so neither apostille nor legalization is required — a Ukrainian notarized translation is enough. The same is true for Czechia, Moldova, and CIS countries.
What documents does a foreigner need to marry in Ukraine?
A passport, a certificate of marital status (capacity to marry), and, if applicable, a document ending a previous marriage. Foreign-issued documents need an apostille or legalization plus a Ukrainian notarized translation.
Will a sworn translation made abroad be accepted?
For filing in Ukraine, the registry usually requires a Ukrainian notarized translation. A sworn translation is needed in the destination country; for Ukraine it generally has to be redone.
How long is a certificate of marital status valid?
Validity is limited and is often up to 6 months from the date of issue. Confirm the exact term and document list with your civil registry office in advance.
Prepare the foreigner's three documents with proper authentication and a Ukrainian notarized translation, and your marriage application will go through without delays.
