A Marriage Processing Guide in Buenos Aires
Last updated: Monday, February 5th 2024
Introduction
As the Valentine’s Day is approaching, consider getting married in Buenos Aires! Not only will this be a memorable celebration of your love, but can also get you Argentine citizenship through the support of your life partner. This can mean navigating legal procedures and getting married in the Paris of Latin America. The typical two-year waiting period which is required for most applicants, is waived in this procedure! This is true for all marriages, including same-sex marriages, which have been legally recognized in Argentina since 2010. To be eligible for the Argentine Citizenship Application, please ensure you meet the basic marriage requirements, such as age and proper documentation, and choose a captivating venue. Navigate the legal formalities at the Civil Registry. Here, you can schedule an appointment to request a marriage registration at the Civil Registry. This process may be a 10-day waiting period leading to potential Argentina citizenship. Following a beautiful ceremony, register your marriage promptly and, if applicable, familiarize yourself with the process of applying for citizenship. Language assistance and professional guidance can prove invaluable in ensuring a seamless and joyous transition into marital life in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. If neither of you speaks Spanish, you might need an interpreter’s assistance.
Essential Requirements
Before you dive into the thrilling journey of marriage in Argentina, it’s crucial to make sure you meet the essential requirements. This fundamental step ensures that the process goes smoothly, allowing you to fully enjoy this special moment. In this section, we will explore in detail the necessary documentation and other compulsory requirements, providing you with key information to start your journey towards marital commitment in an informed and successful manner.
1. In case one individual of the married couple is an Argentinian citizen, with their National Identity Document (DNI) in hand, then the DNI must include Argentinian Domicilio (Address). For example, if the DNI was issued by a consulate in any other country, and the address is not Argentinian, then the Applicant is required to change it to the local address and then submit for the marriage. Of course, we also understand this is quite troublesome and extra, but in the end, it is worth it for your loved one.
2. Certificate of civil status, with annotations of divorce or death if applicable.
3. Certificate of residence or, proof of address for foreigners. Below we will explain how to get it in detail.
4. The minimum age for marriage is 18 years; however, if otherwise, consent from parents, legal guardians, or the court will be required.
Now, let’s elaborate on each point:
1. DNI Requirements: At least one partner MUST have a DNI (National Identity Document) with a Buenos Aires address in which you are an Argentinian citizen. If you have a DNI, issued from the embassy of another country, you can change your address to an address in Buenos Aires, by getting an appointment to Renaper on your MiArgentina app. Typically, the Repaner at Paseo Colón 1P on Humberto Primo 243 has greater availability. As for the Second partner, they may have a certificate of where you are domiciled (can be a hotel), which you can get as a tourist.
Here is how you may get proof of local residence address if you stay in a hotel: Visit an “Escribania” (similar to a notary public) to get your “Acta de constatacion,” a document confirming your temporary residence in Buenos Aires, which is a legal requirement. The “Escribania” will arrange a visit to your hotel (or wherever you’re staying) to interview the staff and confirm your stay. Plan for 1-2 days for this procedure. As another option, you can visit the local police office and request a “Certificado de Domicilio”. They will likely ask for a document confirming your residency within their jurisdiction. You may need to provide a rental contract, agreement, or any official document verifying your stay at that address. A police officer will then visit your place, confirm your residence with the concierge, and, if verified, leave the certificate with them. In today’s digital era, obtaining a certificado de domicilio can also be accomplished remotely. We will discuss about it in the section below.
2. International Marriages: Those previously married and divorced abroad need to complete an ‘Authorization to Concrete Marriage or Cohabitation Union‘ in Buenos Aires.
3. Foreign Nationals: Residence Certificate issued by the corresponding immigration authority. This official document verifies your residency status in the country. You can obtain it through the relevant immigration authority, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements to be in Argentina. If your Argentine DNI has expired, present an electronic certificate of precarious residence from the National Directorate of Migration. You must have legal status in Argentina to be able to apply for a marriage. As an option, you can exit and reenter Argentina to renew your visa status in the country.
4. Witnesses: You must have two witnesses of legal age and competent mental health with a valid Argentine ID that reside within the country.
Note: If both parties of the couple are foreigners, they can still get married in Argentina! However, you will not be able to obtain Argentine citizenship or residency. We will talk about this case later below.
Foreigners Getting Married in Transit
In the context of marriage procedures in Argentina, a crucial difference arises based on the nationality of the couples. When at least one of the spouses is an Argentine citizen, they must adhere to the standard procedures mentioned earlier.
However, the dynamics change significantly when both individuals are tourists. In these cases Foreigners Getting Married in Transit, the process is streamlined as part of a strategy to promote matrimonial tourism in the country.
The specialized procedure for temporary foreigners allows them to marry within a brief period of five days from the request at the Civil Registry. To initiate this process, tourists must have a valid passport and complete a declaration through a form provided by the Civil Registry when scheduling an appointment. This measure, supported by RESOLUTION 99/2012 from the Subsecretariat of Justice, aims to encourage diversity and enhance tourist attraction, expediting the procedures for visiting couples.
It is crucial to note that, in these instances, providing a temporary address is required when making the request, adding a practical element to this simplified process.
Special Cases - Authorization for Marriages of Married and Divorced Foreign Citizens
For those who have already experienced the bond of marriage in other countries, special authorization is required to hold the ceremony in Buenos Aires. This is done through the Trámites a Distancia (TAD) platform and may involve the submission of marriage certificates with divorce registration and a judicial resolution, duly authenticated or apostilled, translated, and again authenticated in the corresponding authorities, as detailed in the article Authorization for Marriage or Cohabitation Union in Buenos Aires for Citizens Married and Divorced Abroad.
Procedure Steps
1. Book an appointment: Once the required documents are all ready, it’s time to book the appointment for your unique lifetime ceremony. Reserve your slot via the city’s Shift Agenda. If unavailable, try again after 24 hours.
Buenos Aires offers a variety of magical places to seal your commitment:
– Iconic venues: Whether in gardens, museums, libraries, cultural centers, parks, gazebos, football stadiums, or theaters, choose a location that feels part of your history. Civil Marriage transforms from a formal act into a celebration itself. Imagine your wedding amid history, in an environment that reflects your unique love!
– Private residences.
– Central or communal venues.
2. Documentation Submission: Submit your documentation within 48 hours after the confirmation of the appointment. You will receive confirmation and a link to upload the documentation via email. On the day of the ceremony, be sure to bring all original and photocopy documents, and if you speak another language, consider having an interpreter.
3. Day of the Ceremony: Attend the chosen venue with all original documents and take copies with you just in case. If you don’t speak Spanish, you must have an interpreter with you.
4. Live Ceremony Broadcast: To live stream your wedding in high definition at no cost, exclusively from the marriage chambers of the Central Registry Headquarters, click here.
Live Streaming and Procedure Costs
- Do you want the world to share your special moment? If so, you can stream your ceremony live from the marriage rooms of the Central Headquarters of the Civil Registry for free. Although the procedure itself is free, consider additional fees for options such as extra witnesses. This is a chapter of your story that deserves to be told with all the details.
Locations for the Procedure
– Central Civil Registry and various communal headquarters across Buenos Aires, each with specific operating hours.
– Central Civil Registry :Uruguay 753
– Community Headquarters 1 :Humberto 1° 250
– Communal Sub-Headquarters 2 :Vicente López 2050
– Communal Sub-Headquarters 3 :Moreno 2301
– Communal Sub-Headquarters 4 :Av. Don Pedro de Mendoza 501
– Commune 5 :Carlos Calvo 3325
– Commune 6 :Av. Patricias Argentinas 277
– Communal 7 :Rivadavia 7202
– Commune 8 :Av. Roca 5252
– Communal Sub-Headquarters 11 :Ricardo Gutiérrez 3254
– Commune 12 :Holmberg 2548
– Commune 13 :Av. Cabildo 3067
– Commune 14 :Beruti 3325
– Commune 15 :Bonpland 1271
Special Considerations and Additional Options
Widowed Spouse:
– Submit the original marriage and death certificates.
Marriages Abroad:
– Two people already married in another country cannot marry again in Argentina. However, they have the option to register their existing marriage in Argentina, which requires the court’s order.
Important Note: On the day of the ceremony, bring all original documents (ID/passport, certificates, marriage agreement, property, and statistical regime form) that were uploaded during the appointment request.
Conclusion: A New Beginning with Legal Rights in Argentina
Congratulations on your marriage! This joyous milestone not only heralds a new chapter in your personal life but also opens the gateway to significant legal opportunities in Argentina. With your marriage certificate, you can now embark on the journey towards Argentine citizenship and permanent residency. This document serves as a pivotal foundation for your applications, symbolizing your legal and social ties to the country. For a clearer understanding, refer to our detailed roadmap, which outlines each step of the process. Should you require further guidance or have any queries, feel free to reach out to us for a paid consultation. We are here to assist you in navigating this exciting new phase of your life, ensuring a smooth transition into your future in Argentina.
– Witnesses must be adults, capable, with a valid Argentine National Identity Document (DNI), and have a residence within Argentina.
– All documents attached to the procedure.