Can I get married — what documents do I need?
Yes, from 18, with the documents and deadlines required at the civil-status office. Civil marriage can take place if the future spouses have reached 18. For Romanian citizens you need: the birth certificates (original + copy), the ID cards (original + copy) and prenuptial medical certificates, issued on a standard form, attesting that the person can marry. The medical certificate is valid for a limited time (usually 14–30 days from issue, per local rules). The file is filed at the town hall (civil status) at least 10 and at most 14 days before the desired date, and the marriage can be held between the 11th and the 30th day from filing. In short: over 18, with the ID, birth certificates and medical certificates, file the documents in good time and wait for the legal period for the ceremony.
📋 The rules
- Minimum age: 18 reached
- Documents: birth certificate + ID (original + copy)
- Prenuptial medical certificate on a standard form
- File filed 10–14 days before the desired date
- Ceremony between the 11th and the 30th day from filing
🔓 Exceptions
- A 16-year-old minor: can marry only with special approvals (exception)
- Foreign citizens: extra documents (civil-status proof, translations)
- Medical certificate: limited validity, check the local term
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Civil marriage involves no "sanctions" but conditions and deadlines which, if not met, can delay or block the ceremony. For example, an expired medical certificate, missing documents or filing the file too late can lead to rescheduling. For everything to go smoothly: prepare in advance the ID cards, birth certificates and prenuptial medical certificates, file the documents at least 10 days (ideally 2 weeks) ahead, and check the medical certificate's validity up to the wedding date. If one of the future spouses is a foreign citizen, ask the civil-status office what extra documents (civil-status proof, legalised translations) are needed, to avoid surprises.
📎 Official sources
- Civil Code · conclusion of marriage →
- Directorate for Population Records (DEPABD) →
- Ministry of Internal Affairs · civil status →
❓ Frequently asked
From what age can I get married?
Civil marriage can take place from 18 reached. By way of exception, a 16-year-old minor can marry only with special approvals, under the conditions set by law. For most couples, the rule is age 18, the age of majority, from which you can marry freely.
What documents do I need for civil marriage?
For Romanian citizens: the birth certificates (original and copy), the ID cards (original and copy) and the prenuptial medical certificates, issued on a standard form, attesting that the person can marry. For foreign citizens, extra documents are needed, such as civil-status proof and legalised translations.
How long ahead must the file be filed?
The file is filed at the town hall (civil status) at least 10 and at most 14 days before the desired date. The marriage can be held between the 11th and the 30th day from filing. It's advisable to file the documents at least two weeks ahead, to avoid last-minute problems.
How long is the medical certificate valid?
The prenuptial medical certificate is issued on a standard form and has a limited validity — usually between 14 and 30 days from issue, depending on local rules. It must contain the express statement that the person can marry. Check the validity term so it's still valid up to the wedding date.
What happens if documents or deadlines are missing?
If documents are missing, the medical certificate has expired or the file is filed too late, the marriage ceremony can be delayed or rescheduled. So prepare all documents in advance and observe the filing deadlines, and for situations with foreign citizens, ask the civil-status office what extra documents are needed.
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