Afət Ziyadqızı
Marriage in the Republic of Azerbaijan is a legal process governed by the Family Code. The state recognizes only marriages registered with the relevant executive authority; a religious marriage ceremony has no legal effect (Articles 1.4 and 1.5 of the Family Code). To register a marriage, both parties must give written consent, undergo medical examinations and have reached the legal age for marriage (Article 11.1). The minimum marriage age in Azerbaijan is 18 (Article 10.1). For valid reasons, the local executive authority may authorize a reduction of no more than one year (Article 10.2).
Required documents and procedures
According to the Ministry of Justice’s official guidance, the following are required to register a marriage:
- A joint written application from the people wishing to marry.
- An identity document for each party (national identity card).
- A certificate confirming that the parties have undergone medical examinations. It is now issued electronically and sent directly from the medical institution to the registration office; if this is not possible, a paper copy must be attached to the application.
- For anyone who has previously been married, a document confirming that the previous marriage was dissolved, that the former spouse has died or that the marriage was declared invalid.
- Proof of payment of the state fee (10 manats).
Both parties must attend the marriage registration in person. Applications may be submitted to any registration office, including registration offices at ASAN service centers.
Why the medical examination is required
Medical examinations for people wishing to marry are a mandatory procedure under Articles 11.1 and 13 of the Family Code; a marriage cannot be registered if the parties have not undergone the examinations (Article 12.0.3-1). The examinations cover diseases specified by the Cabinet of Ministers and are conducted at state or municipal medical institutions in the place of residence, funded by the state or local budget or compulsory health insurance (Article 13.2). The certificate confirms only that the examinations took place; the results are confidential medical information, and the registration office may not request them (Articles 13.3, 13.4 and 13.6).
State fee and application procedure
The state fee for marriage registration is 10 manats (Article 12.1 of the Law on State Duty; the amount has been in effect since 2022). As a rule, the marriage is registered in the presence of both parties one month after the application is filed (Article 9.1 of the Family Code). For valid reasons, this period may be shortened or extended by no more than one month (Article 9.2). In cases such as pregnancy, the birth of a child and other special circumstances, the marriage may be registered on the day the application is filed (Article 9.3). The Ministry of Justice lists having children together, both parties being over 50 and the woman’s pregnancy among such circumstances.
| Issue | Rule | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum marriage age | 18 (may be reduced by no more than one year for valid reasons) | Family Code, Article 10 |
| State fee | 10 manats | Law on State Duty, Article 12.1 |
| Period from application to registration | One month (may be shortened or extended by no more than one month) | Family Code, Articles 9.1–9.2 |
| Same-day registration | Pregnancy, the birth of a child and other special circumstances | Family Code, Article 9.3 |
| Medical examination | Mandatory, at public expense | Family Code, Article 13 |
Marriage to foreign nationals
The form and procedure for marriages registered in Azerbaijan are determined by Azerbaijani law. The conditions for a foreign national to marry are determined by the law of that person’s country, subject to the impediments set out in Article 12 of the Family Code (Articles 146.1 and 146.2). A marriage cannot be registered if one party is a foreign national or stateless person who is in Azerbaijan unlawfully (Article 12.0.3-2). According to the Ministry of Justice, the foreign party must also submit a document confirming their lawful presence or residence in Azerbaijan and, if their identity document does not indicate their marital status, a certificate of marital status. Applicants should check with the registration office in advance for specific requirements on the certification of foreign documents, including apostille, legalization and translation.
Example: the marriage registration process
Suppose a couple decides to marry. First, they prepare their identity cards and undergo medical examinations at a medical institution in their place of residence; the certificate is sent electronically to the registration office. They then pay the 10-manat state fee and submit a joint application to a registration office or one located at an ASAN service center. If no special circumstances apply, the marriage is registered one month after the application, with both parties present, and a marriage certificate is issued.
Reviewed: October 14, 2026.
