How to Get Your Kazakhistan Marriage/Fiancé Visa

In recent years, marriages between citizens of Kazakhstan and foreigners have become increasingly popular. This trend is largely due to the relatively free movement in and out of Kazakhstan, as well as the active communication between our citizens and foreigners in both business and personal spheres. The development of migration has also played a key role in this change. These factors have contributed to a noticeable increase in the number of marriages between Kazakh citizens and foreigners. One common question that arises is whether it is possible to legally register such marriages in Kazakhstan, what is needed for the application, and what requirements must be met.

According to Article 14 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On the Legal Position of Foreigners", foreign nationals have the right to register their marriage and divorce with a Kazakh citizen within the territory of Kazakhstan. In addition, under Kazakhstan's laws and international agreements, foreigners have the same rights and obligations in marital and family relations as Kazakh citizens.

Kazakh law sets out the procedures, forms, and conditions for marriage registration for each intending spouse. Both parties must adhere to the restrictions and requirements outlined by Kazakh legislation, including restrictions based on age, marital status, mental capacity, and more.

Marriage between a Kazakh citizen and a foreigner is regulated by the general rules and is conducted by the Department of Justice (Civil Registry Office) or through the diplomatic mission or consular institution of the foreigner's home country.

Procedure for Marriage Registration Application:

To register a marriage, the couple must first submit a written application to the Civil Registry Office. A foreigner must also provide a marriage permit issued by the competent authority of their home country. In some cases, failure to provide this permit may result in the marriage being declared invalid in the foreigner's country. However, if the applicants still wish to proceed without the permit, the marriage will be registered in Kazakhstan regardless.

Additionally, the following documents are required:

• Identity documents:
  • For a Kazakh citizen residing in Kazakhstan: National ID card or passport.
  • For a Kazakh citizen residing abroad: Passport with a consular mark confirming their permanent residence abroad.
  • For a foreigner permanently residing in Kazakhstan: Residence permit.
  • For a foreigner temporarily residing in Kazakhstan: Document issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan granting temporary residence.
  • For a stateless person residing in Kazakhstan: Stateless identity document with a registration mark from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
  • For a stateless person temporarily staying in Kazakhstan: Document issued by the relevant authority of their country, registered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan.
• A certificate of no registered marriage or a marriage permission document issued by the competent authority of the foreigner's home country.
• Proof of necessity to reduce the prescribed marriage age (if applicable).
• Information about previous marriages (if applicable).
• Information about children (if applicable).
• Receipt confirming awareness of each other’s health and financial status and that there are no impediments to the marriage.
• Notarized translations of all identity documents into Kazakh and Russian.

As a rule, the marriage registration will take place 15 calendar days after the application is submitted, and both parties must be present during the registration. The procedure is carried out according to the established rules for the state registration of civil status acts.

International Recognition of Marriages:

If a marriage between a Kazakh citizen and a foreigner is registered outside Kazakhstan, and the marriage complies with the laws of the country where it took place, the marriage is also recognized as valid in Kazakhstan.

Prohibited Marriages:

Kazakh law prohibits the registration of marriages between:

• Persons of the same sex.
• Persons who are already married to someone else.
• Close relatives.
• Adoptive parents and adopted children, or children of adoptive parents and their adopted children.
• Individuals who have been declared legally incapable due to mental illness or dementia by a court decision.

If your marriage application is refused for reasons not listed above, the refusal can be appealed in court.

By following these steps and ensuring you meet all necessary requirements, foreigners and Kazakh citizens can successfully register their marriage in Kazakhstan.