Marriage Registration
Couples are advised to book an appointment with the Public Registry at least three (3) months before their wedding by visiting https://pubregbooking.identitymalta.com/, phoning (+356) 2590 4240, or emailing [email protected]. The email must include a phone number where the couple can be reached.
The Marriage Registrar should be notified of the following:
- The church where the marriage will be held;
- The date of marriage;
- The name and surname of the priest who will celebrate the marriage ceremony;
- The surname/s of the spouses after marriage and the family name being adopted.
The couple should also provide:
- Birth certificates full version (if the applicants’ birth is not registered with the Malta Public Registry) apostilled or legalised as necessary (unless from the European Union);
- Identification documents and copies thereof;
- A photocopy of the identification documents of the witnesses;
- Other documents as required.
Ten (10) days before their marriage, the couple must collect two (2) copies of the Act of Marriage and the Certificate of Banns, which should be submitted to the parish priest of the locality where the wedding ceremony will be held.
After the celebration of the nuptial mass, the couple, together with the witnesses and the wedding officiant who administers consent, must sign the Marriage Act. This certificate must be returned to the Public Registry Office by the parish priest for registration.
Maltese nationals planning on getting married to a foreigner or a person who has lived abroad for a period of time will be requested to present additional documentation in support of their application.
Those couples who are getting married in Gozo should apply for their marriage banns at the Marriage Registry in Victoria, Gozo.
Marriages can take place on board passenger ships registered in Malta and in such cases it is advisable to contact the Marriage Registry Section for guidance.
Article 15(1) of the Marriage Act (Cap 255 of the Laws of Malta) states that; ‘15.(1) A civil marriage shall be contracted in the presence of the Registrar, or of an officer of the Marriage Registry authorised by the Registrar to officiate at marriages, and of the witnesses required by this Act.’.
Rules on the registration of marriage and recognition of marriage
Last updated: 31/05/2022
What is the application procedure to be followed?
The Public Registry receives applications for the publication of Marriage Banns between 3 months and 6 weeks before the intended date of marriage. The couples are required to contact the Malta Public Registry, Marriage Registry Section, Marsa in the case of a marriage in Malta and the Gozo Public Registry, Victoria, Gozo if the marriage is to be held in Gozo. On applying, the couple needs to provide information on the date of marriage, place of marriage, rite to be followed, present the necessary documents and take the required oaths and affidavits. All original certificates are retained by the Public Registry for registration purposes.
Couples are advised to book an appointment with the Public Registry at least three (3) months before their wedding by visiting https://pubregbooking.identitymalta.com/, phoning (+356) 2590 4240, or emailing [email protected]. The email must include a phone number where the couple can be reached.
Couples who are Maltese citizens and reside in Malta must present original and copies of their identity cards and copies of the witnesses’ identity cards.
If the witnesses are not Maltese, but reside locally, they should present a copy of their Residence Cards, together with a copy of their passport. The couple must also provide the celebrant’s name if they are getting married in a church, as well as the spouses’ surname/s after marriage and the family name being adopted.
If either or both spouses have resided overseas for more than 12 calendar months, a third party declaration taken under oath that they are free to marry is required.
If either or both spouses have resided overseas for a longer period, a Free Status certificate is required from the country they were residing in. If at the age of 16 the spouse had more than one nationality they must present a free status certificate and 3rd party declaration depending on the case.
Couples who have been previously married or in a civil union must present a Marriage Certificate/Civil Union certificate, and a divorce, annulment or death certificate as applicable.
All certificates required must be in or translated into Maltese or English. Non-EU documents need to be apostilled or legalised. If an original certificate issued by an EU member state is not in Maltese or English, a multilingual standard form can be submitted as a translation aid.
The couple must complete the Request for the Publication of Banns for matrimony for the purposes of Article 7(4) of the Marriage Act (Cap. 255) and the Declaration under Article 7(5) of the Marriage Act (Cap. 255) with the Marriage Registry Officer. The Banns are publicly displayed for 8 working days, 4 weeks before the wedding date.
6 days after the period of Publication of Banns elapses, the Marriage Registry issues a Certificate of Banns and two Acts of Marriage. In case of a religious marriage, the spouses collect the Certificate of Banns and both Acts of Marriage and hand these to the Parish Priest. In the case of a civil wedding, the Act of Marriage is taken by the officiator on the day of the marriage.
Once the marriage is celebrated, the Act of Marriage is signed by the couple, the witnesses and the person officiating the ceremony and returned to the Marriage Registry for registration. In the case of a religious wedding, the second copy of the Act of Marriage is retained by the Parish Priest for parochial records.
In cases where the marriage takes place abroad, the couple may register their marriage through a Maltese mission or by submitting the marriage certificate issued by a competent authority to the Malta Public Registry, Marsa, Malta or the Gozo Public Registry, Victoria, Gozo. Other documents may be required on a case by case basis.
Contact Information
The competent authority responsible for the procedure is the:
- Malta Public Registry, Onda Building, Aldo Moro Road, Marsa, MRS 9065.
- E.mail [email protected] Tel: +356 2590 4200.
- Gozo Public Registry, By the Bastion Road, Victoria, Gozo VCT1335.
- Email [email protected] Tel: +356 2215 6383.
How do I prove my identity?
The accepted means of notification is the submission of appropriate identification documents and signatures. These are collected as electronic signatures in person at the Malta Public Registry, Marriage Registry Section Marsa, Malta or the Gozo Public Registry, Victoria, Gozo. Other documents, depending upon the civil status of the couple may require the submission of multi-lingual translations, or need to be apostilled or legalized. Affidavits or Oaths when required, are taken in accordance with the provisions of the Commissioner for Oaths Ordinance (Cap. 79).
In cases where the marriage took place abroad, a marriage certificate issued by a competent authority must be submitted.
What do I need to provide?
The couple seeking to get married must submit the Request for the Publication of Banns for Matrimony for the purposes of Article 7(4) of the Marriage Act (Cap. 255),the Declaration under Article 7(5) of the Marriage Act (Cap. 255), the Birth Certificate full version (unless this is already registered with the Malta Public Registry or the Gozo Public Registry) and Free Status Certificates. Original identification documents must also be submitted.
In cases where the marriage took place abroad, a marriage certificate issued by a competent authority must be submitted for registration.
To register a marriage that took place in an EU member state, the marriage certificate must be original. In cases where the certificate is not in the English language, a multilingual standard form can be submitted as a translation aid.
To register a marriage that took place in a non-EU member state, the applicant must submit an original marriage certificate which should either be fully legalised or apostilled. If these documents are not in Maltese or English an official translation must be submitted.
Once the documents are checked in order to confirm that the requirements are met, and any additional documents that may be required on a case by case basis are submitted, the marriage is registered.
What can I do in case there is a dispute?
Where for some reason, the Director of the Public Registry refuses to register any Act, or where a person claims that there is an erroneous indication of any particular in the Act of Marriage following the registration thereof, an application may be filed before the competent court in terms of the provisions of the Civil Code (Cap. 16 of the Laws of Malta), requesting that court to either order the registration of the Act or to order the correction of the particular in question.
As per Article 8 of the Marriage Act (Cap. 255 of the Laws of Malta), if the Registrar believes that he cannot proceed with the publication of banns or that he cannot issue a certificate of such publication, the applicants shall be notified accordingly. In any such case, either of the persons wishing to contract the Marriage may apply to the competent court for an order directing the Registrar to either publish the banns or else to issue a certificate of their publication as the case may be.
Are there any fees for this process?
The applicable fees are:
| Civil Marriage Fees | Marriage Registry | Outside Marriage Registry |
| Both spouses reside in Malta | €25.65 | €51.30 |
| One spouse resides abroad | €51.30 | €76.95 |
| Both spouses reside abroad | €76.95 | €102.60 |
|
||
| Both spouses reside in Malta | €25.65 | |
| One/Both spouse resides abroad | €51.30 | |
| Registration of Marriage | €2.60 |
How long does the process take and what are the applicable deadlines?
The couple must file the Request for the publication of banns for matrimony for the purposes of Article 7(4) of the Marriage Act (Cap. 255), the Declaration under Article 7(5) of the Marriage Act (Cap. 255) and the required documentation between 3 months and 6 weeks from the date of the marriage. The Marriage Registry will publish the banns 4 weeks before the date of marriage, these will displayed for 8 working days at the police stations of the respective towns of the spouses, and at the Public Registry. 6 days after the period of Publication of Banns elapses, the Marriage Registry issues a Certificate of Banns and two Acts of Marriage. In case of a religious marriage, once the 6 days elapse, the spouses can collect the Certificate of Banns and both Acts of Marriage before the marriage takes place. These are handed to the Parish Priest of the parish where the wedding is to be held.
What can I do if my Marriage remains unregistered?
In cases where for some reason, the Director refuses to register any Act, the user may file an application in terms of Article 253 of the Civil Code (Cap. 16), requesting the competent court to register the same.
The process can be performed in which languages?
The procedure can be carried out in Maltese and English. All documentation must be in Maltese and/or English.
What should I do if I have not heard from the Public Registry?
The Malta Public Registry supplies information regarding progress when this is requested by the couple. Information may be obtained by contacting the Marriage Registry on email [email protected] or Tel 2590 4240, or the Gozo Public Registry, email [email protected] or Tel: +356 2215 6383.
Relevant laws and regulations
Rules on registered partnerships and recognition of such partnerships
Last updated: 31/05/2022
What is the application procedure to be followed?
The Public Registry receives applications for the publication of Banns between 3 months and 6 weeks before the intended date of the civil union. The partners are required to contact the Malta Public Registry, Marriage Registry Section, Marsa in the case of a civil union in Malta, and the Gozo Public Registry, Victoria, Gozo if the civil union is to be held in Gozo.
Couples are advised to book an appointment with the Public Registry at least three (3) months before their civil union by visiting https://pubregbooking.identitymalta.com/, phoning (+356) 2590 4240, or emailing [email protected]. The email must include a phone number where the couple can be reached.
On applying, the partners need to provide information on the date of civil union, place the civil union will be held, present the necessary documents and take the required oaths and affidavits. All original certificates are retained by the Public Registry for registration purposes.
Partners who are Maltese citizens and reside in Malta must present original and copies of their identity cards and copies of the witnesses’ identity cards.
If the witnesses are not Maltese, but reside locally, they should present a copy of their Residence Cards, together with a copy of their passport. The partners must also provide surname/s after the civil union that are being adopted.
If either or both partners have resided overseas for more than 12 calendar months, a third party declaration taken under oath that they are free to enter a civil union is required.
If either or both partners have resided overseas for a longer period, a Free Status certificate is required from the country they were residing in. If at the age of 16 the partner had more than one nationality they must present a free status certificate and 3rd party declaration depending on the case.
Partners who have been previously married or in a civil union must present a Marriage Certificate/Civil Union certificate, and a divorce, annulment or death certificate as applicable.
All certificates required must be in or translated into Maltese or English. Non-EU documents need to be apostilled or legalised and if an original certificate issued by an EU member state is not in Maltese or English, a multilingual standard form can be submitted as a translation aid.
The partners must complete the Request for the Publication of Banns for civil union for the purposes of Article 7(4) of the Marriage Act (Cap.255) and the Declaration under Article 7(5) of the Marriage Act (Cap.255), both applicable by Article 4 of the Civil Unions Act (Cap, 530),with the Marriage Registry Officer. The Banns are publicly displayed for 8 working days, 4 weeks before the wedding date.
6 days after the period of Publication of Banns elapses, the Marriage Registry issues a Certificate of Banns. The Act of Civil Union is taken by the Marriage Registry Officer on the day of the civil union. Once the civil union is celebrated, the Act of Civil Union is signed by the couple, the witnesses and the person officiating the ceremony and returned to the Marriage Registry for registration.
In cases where the civil union takes place abroad, the partners may register their civil union through a Maltese mission or by submitting the civil union certificate issued by a competent foreign authority to the Malta Public Registry, Marsa, Malta or the Gozo Public Registry, Victoria, Gozo. Other documents may be required on a case by case basis.
Contact Information
The competent authority responsible for the procedure is the:
- Malta Public Registry, Marriage Registry Section, Onda Building, Aldo Moro Road, Marsa, MRS 9065.
Email [email protected] Tel: +356 2590 4200.
- Gozo Public Registry, By the Bastion Road, Victoria, Gozo VCT1335.
Email [email protected] Tel: +356 2215 6385.
How do I prove my identity?
The accepted means of notification is the submission of appropriate identification documents and signatures. These are collected as electronic signatures in person at the Malta Public Registry, Marriage Registry Section , Marsa or the Gozo Public Registry, Victoria, Gozo.
Other documents, depending upon the civil status of the partners may require the submission of multi-lingual translations, or the need to be apostilled or fully legalized. Affidavits or Oaths, when required, are taken in accordance with the provisions of the Commissioner for Oaths Ordinance (Cap. 79).
In cases where the civil union took place abroad, and this is being presented for registration purposes, a Civil Union certificate issued by a competent foreign authority must be submitted. This needs to be translated in Maltese or English. To register a civil union that took place in an EU member state, a multilingual standard form can be submitted as a translation aid.
What do I need to provide?
The partners seeking to be united in a civil union must submit, the Request for the Publication of Banns of Civil Union for the purposes of Article 7(4) of the Marriage Act (Cap.255) and the Declaration under Article 7(5) of the Marriage Act (Cap.255), both applicable by Article 4 of the Civil Unions Act (Cap, 530), the Birth Certificates full version (unless this is already registered with the Malta Public Registry or the Gozo Public Registry), and Free Status Certificates. Original identification documents must also be submitted.
In cases where the civil union took place abroad, a Civil Union certificate issued by a competent foreign authority must be submitted for registration.
To register a civil union that took place in an EU member state, the original Civil Union certificate must be presented. In cases where the certificate is not in the English language, a multilingual standard form can be submitted as a translation aid.
To register a civil union that took place in a non-EU member state, the applicant must submit an original Civil Union certificate which should either be fully legalised or apostilled. If these documents are not in Maltese or English an official translation must be submitted.
Once the documents are checked in order to confirm that the requirements are met, and any additional documents that may be required on a case by case basis are submitted, the civil union is registered.
What can I do in case there is a dispute?
Where for some reason, the Director of the Public Registry refuses to register any Act, or where a person claims that there is an erroneous indication of any particular in the Act of Civil Union following the registration thereof, an application may be filed before the competent court in terms of the provisions of the Civil Code (Cap. 16 of the Laws of Malta), requesting that court to either order the registration of the Act or to order the correction of the particular in question.
As per Article 8 of the Marriage Act (Cap. 255 of the Laws of Malta), if the Registrar believes that he cannot proceed with the publication of banns or that he cannot issue a certificate of such publication, the applicants shall be notified accordingly. In any such case, either of the persons wishing to contract the Civil Union may apply to the competent court for an order directing the Registrar to either publish the banns or else to issue a certificate of their publication as the case may be.
Are there any fees for this process?
The applicable fees are:
| Civil Union Fees | Marriage Registry | Outside Marriage Registry |
| Both partners reside in Malta | €25.65 | €51.30 |
| One partner resides abroad | €51.30 | €76.95 |
| Both partners reside abroad | €76.95 | €102.60 |
| Registration of civil union | €2.60 |
How long does the process take?
The partners must file the Request for the publication of banns for civil union for the purposes of Article 7(4) of the Marriage Act (Cap.255) and the Declaration under Article 7(5) of the Marriage Act (Cap.255), both applicable by Article 4 of the Civil Unions Act (Cap, 530),and the required documentation between 3 months and 6 weeks from the date of the civil union. The Marriage Registry will publish the banns 4 weeks before the date of the civil union, these will displayed for 8 working days at the police stations of the respective towns of the partners and at the Public Registry. 6 days after the period of Publication of Banns elapses, the Marriage Registry issues a Certificate of Banns. The Act of Civil Union is then taken by the Marriage Registry Officer on the day of the civil union. Following the ceremony, the Marriage Registry Officer returns the Act of Civil Union to the Public Registry for registration.
What can I do if my Civil Union/Partnership remains unregistered?
In cases where for some reason, the Director refuses to register any Act, the user may file an application in terms of Article 253 of the Civil Code (Cap. 16), requesting the competent court to register the same.
The process can be performed in which languages?
The procedure can be carried out in Maltese and English. All documentation must be in Maltese and/or English.
What should I do if I have not heard from the Public Registry?
The Malta Public Registry supplies information regarding progress when this is requested by the couple. Information may be obtained by contacting the Marriage Registry by email on [email protected] or by phone on +356 2590 4240, or the
Gozo Public Registry by email on [email protected] or by phone on +356 2215 6383.
Relevant laws and regulations
Rules on registration of cohabitations
Last updated: 01/04/2022
What is the application procedure to be followed?
The notification of cohabitation is received automatically and processed on receipt of the Note of Enrolment, public deed of cohabitation, and other documentation attached to the contract by the Public Registry. These documents are sent to the Public Registry either by the Public Registry (Searches Unit) or presented by the applicant.
Once this is completed, a Cohabitation Certificate can then be ordered from the Public Registry website www.certifikati.gov.mt
The competent Authority responsible for the procedure is the:
- Malta Public Registry, Onda Building, Aldo Moro Road, Marsa, MRS 9065.
Email [email protected] Tel: +356 2590 4200.
- Gozo Public Registry, By the Bastion Road, Victoria, Gozo VCT1335.
Email [email protected] Tel: +356 2215 6385.
How do I prove my identity?
The accepted means of notification is the submission of a Note of Enrolment, public deed of cohabitation and documents attached to it.
What do I need to provide?
The notification of a Cohabitation is completed by a Note of Enrolment confirming that this has been registered in the Public Registry (Searches Unit). The public deed of cohabitation and the documents attached to it must also be submitted.
What can I do in case there is a dispute?
According to Article 9 of the Cohabitation Act (Cap. 614 of the Laws of Malta), the cohabitants, after their cohabitation has been duly registered, may at any time amend or correct the public deed of cohabitation using a subsequent public deed with the authorization of the competent Court.
Are there any fees for this process?
No payment is required for this service.
How long does the process take?
The Director of the Public Registry shall issue a Cohabitation Certificate within twenty (20) days from the enrolment date of the public deed of cohabitation in the Public Registry (Searches Unit).
The process can be performed in which languages?
The procedure can be carried out in Maltese and English. All documentation fields, in the Cohabitation Certificate, are printed in Maltese with a translation into English.
What should I do if I have not heard from the Public Registry?
The Public Registry supplies information regarding the progress of notification and registration of the Note of Enrolment or the Certificate of Cohabitation when this is requested by the applicants.
Relevant laws and regulations
Rules on registration of separations
Last update: 01/04/2022
What is the application procedure to be followed?
The registration of a separation is processed upon an automatic receipt of a Note of Enrolment by the Public Registry.
The Public Registry is also notified to register a separation by automatic receipt of a final separation judgement issued by a competent Maltese Court.
The Note of Enrolment is sent to the Public Registry either by the Public Registry (Searches Unit) or presented by the applicant. The Note of Enrolment is then registered by the Public Registry.
Once this is completed, a Marriage or Civil Union Certificate can then be ordered from the Public Registry website www.certifikati.gov.mt
Contact Information
The competent Authority responsible for the procedure is the:
- Malta Public Registry, Onda Building, Aldo Moro Road, Marsa, MRS 9065.
Email [email protected] Tel: +356 2590 4200.
- Gozo Public Registry, By the Bastion Road, Victoria, Gozo VCT1335.
Email [email protected] Tel: +356 2215 6385.
How do I prove my identity?
The accepted means of registration of a Separation is the submission of a Note of Enrolment.
What do I need to provide?
The registration of a Separation is completed by a Note of Enrolment confirming that this has been registered at the Public Registry (Searches Unit).
What can I do in case there is a dispute?
The separated spouses whether by a judgement or by mutual consent, may at any time reunite, and thus put an end to the effects of separation. In such cases of reconciliation, the parties have the option to revert to the use of their surname after marriage. This fact has to be included in the respective note of enrolment for the Public Registry to take note of it accordingly.
Are there any fees for this process?
No payment is required for this service.
How long does the process take?
The estimated time for the completion of the registration of the Note of Enrolment is three (3) days.
The process can be performed in which languages?
The procedure can be carried out in Maltese and English. All documentation fields, in the ‘Certificate of Marriage’ or the ‘Certificate of Civil Union’ are printed in Maltese with a translation into English.
What should I do if I have not heard from the Public Registry?
The Public Registry supplies information regarding the progress of registration of the separation by means of the Note of Enrolment when this is requested by the applicants.
Furthermore, the certifikati.gov.mt website where the ‘Certificate of Marriage’ or ‘Certificate of Civil Union’ can be ordered online provides email feedback to the applicants ordering in case the Note of Enrolment is not yet registered.
Relevant laws and regulations
Rules on registration of divorces
Last updated: 01/04/2022
What is the application procedure to be followed?
The Public Registry is notified to register a divorce by an automatic receipt of a final divorce decree/judgement issued by the competent Maltese Court. The Public Registry may also be notified by any person who presents a legal copy of the final divorce decree/judgement.
The divorce decree/judgement is registered by the Public Registry and an annotation is made on the Act of Marriage. An annotation is also made on the Act of Marriage if, in the final divorce decree/judgement, there is indicated that one or both spouses have reverted to the surname at birth or the surname of the predeceased spouse.
The Public Registry also registers divorce registrations submitted by applicants whose divorce was obtained abroad. In such cases, the relevant documentation is submitted through the Maltese missions, by visiting the Public Registry, by post or through a representative of the applicant.
To register a divorce obtained in an EU member state, the applicant must submit an original or a true copy of the Court decree/Court judgement/Certificate of divorce and the original or a true copy of the D180 Certificate or Article 39. If these documents are not in Maltese or English, an official translation must be submitted. Certificates in the international format are also accepted. Divorce certificates or judgements are not required to be fully legalized or apostilled.
To register a divorce obtained from a non-EU member state, the applicant must submit an apostilled or fully legalized true copy of the Court decree/Court judgement/Certificate of divorce. If these documents are not in Maltese or English an official translation must be submitted, which must also be apostilled or fully legalized.
Once the documents are checked to confirm that the requirements are met, the Divorce is registered on the specified marriage act and the marriage certificate is updated with the appropriate annotation.
Once this is completed, a Marriage Certificate can then be ordered from the Public Registry website www.certifikati.gov.mt
Contact Information
The competent Authority responsible for the procedure is the:
- Malta Public Registry, Onda Building, Aldo Moro Road, Marsa, MRS 9065.
Email [email protected] Tel: +356 2590 4200.
- Gozo Public Registry, By the Bastion Road, Victoria, Gozo VCT1335.
Email [email protected] Tel: +356 2215 6385.
How do I prove my identity?
The accepted means of registration is the submission of a legal copy of the final divorce decree/judgement. Applicants from EU member states registering their divorce obtained from an EU member state need to also submit the D180 Certificate or Article 39.
What do I need to provide?
The registration of a Divorce is carried out when the Public Registry receives the final divorce decree/judgement. Applicants from EU member states registering their divorce obtained from an EU member state need to also submit the D180 Certificate or Article 39.
What can I do in case there is a dispute?
The Public Registry registers the final divorce decree/judgement, which would not be subject to an appeal.
Are there any fees for this process?
No payment is required for this service.
How long does the process take?
As per Article 66A(4) of the Civil Code (Cap. 16), the court shall, in the decree or judgement of divorce, order the Registrar of Courts to notify the parties’ divorce to the Director of Public Registry within the period allowed for this purpose by the same court, so that the same shall be registered in the Public Registry. The estimated time for the completion of the Divorce registration is three (3) days.
The process can be performed in which languages?
The procedure can be carried out in Maltese and English. All documentation fields, in the ‘Certificate of Marriage’ are printed in Maltese with a translation into English.
What should I do if I have not heard from the Public Registry?
The Public Registry supplies information regarding the progress of notification and registration of the Divorce judgement when this is requested by the applicants.
Furthermore, the certifikati.gov.mt website where the Certificate of Marriage can be ordered online provides email feedback to the applicants ordering in case the Divorce judgement is not yet registered.
Relevant laws and regulations
Comments and Feedback
Did this page help you? Let us know if this information is helpful or if there are ways that we can improve. Follow the link below.
I would like to leave feedback about this page
Report on obstacles encountered, in exercising
your internal market rights
Find assistance in this area
