Do you have a Mexican partner? Are you curious about getting married in Mexico, and how it affects residency? In this article, we outline the procedure to marry a Mexican in Mexico. Whether you are already a resident or wish to get residency in Mexico, in a heterosexual or same-sex partnership, this information is for you. Please note, we provide examples from Playa del Carmen for reference; however, requirements can vary from state to state.
Getting Married in Mexico – Requirements for Both Parties
Both couples must complete and sign a marriage request form (solicitud de matrimonio).
The legal age to marry in Mexico is 18. If either party is younger, one must obtain parental consent or judicial authorization to marry.
Legal marriage in Mexico is performed in a civil ceremony at a local Civil Registry Office (Registro Civil). It is common for couples to complement their civil ceremony with a religious or spiritual ceremony, such as a Maya blessing. However, these ceremonies do not have legal standing.
Declaration of single status: This document can be obtained at the local consulate of the foreigner’s home country or their local registry office. We include this template for Playa del Carmen for reference.
Other requirements such as medical records/declarations may be necessary, depending on the state in which you apply. Visit your local registry office before applying to acquire their full list of requirements.
Basic Documentation for Foreigners
Foreigners should present the following documents at their local registry office – most will require the original and copies. Some documents may also need to be apostilled/legalized. Official documents in a foreign language must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (perito traductor) after apostillization/legalization. Other documents may also be required.
Valid Passport
Tourist Visa or Residency Card: The foreigner must be in Mexico legally, as a tourist, resident, or under another authorized visa.
Birth Certificate: A certified copy of the foreigner’s birth certificate, apostilled or legalized by the foreigner’s home country.
Divorce or Death Certificate (if applicable): If the foreigner has been married before, they must provide the original divorce or death certificate of the former spouse. These documents should be translated into Spanish and may need to be apostilled.
Documentation for the Mexican Citizen
Mexican citizens must provide the following documents:
Valid Official ID: A Mexican national must present an official government-issued identification such as a passport, voter ID (INE – credencial para votar), or another form of official identification.
Birth Certificate: The Mexican spouse must provide an original or certified copy of their birth certificate, which is usually required to have been issued within the last six months.
Witnesses
The couple should have four witnesses present at the ceremony, ideally two for each party. The witnesses should also present official identification (passports, voter IDs, or other valid identification). The Civil Registry may provide witnesses in case of need.
Marriage Procedure
Upon presentation of the required documents for which an appointment may be required, the couple should also book the ceremony at the Civil Registry office. The ceremony is usually short, and after the marriage, the couple will receive a marriage certificate in Spanish, proving their legal union.
Residency Considerations
If the foreign spouse’s status was non-resident (tourist/visitor) before getting married in Mexico, they are now eligible to apply for temporary Mexican residency for family unity. After two years of temporary residency, they will be eligible for permanent residency.
This is an additional immigration procedure. Learn more about the temporary residency procedure on our extensive blog.
Playa del Carmen clients can avail of our assistance for this procedure, including communication with the local registro civil on your behalf. We will further assist you with your residency application following matrimony. Contact us at info@immigrationtomexico.mx for further information.