Marry Your Way To Belarusian Citizenship: A Guide

Marriage to a citizen of Belarus does not automatically grant citizenship to the non-citizen spouse. However, there are several ways to obtain citizenship in Belarus, and marriage to a citizen can expedite the process. Foreigners can apply for citizenship if they have continuously resided in the country for five years after receiving a permanent residence permit. This period is reduced from seven years. Marriage to a Belarusian citizen for at least three years and having a minor child who is a Belarusian citizen also allows foreigners to obtain citizenship on a preferential basis.

Marriage requirements

Marriage in Belarus with a foreign citizen is not uncommon. In 2018, there were more than five thousand marriages with foreign citizens. The procedure for marriage in Belarus is simple and accessible. The largest number of foreign citizens who married in Belarus are citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Germany, and Italy.

The importance of the institution of marriage is the recognition of the family by the state. In Belarus, such recognition can be carried out in two ways: by entering into marriage in the authorized bodies, as well as by recognizing marriages solemnized in foreign countries.

The bodies authorized to solemnize a marriage are:

• Register Offices (Bureaus of Acts of Civil Status) and Wedding Palaces of the Executive Committees – if one of the intending spouses has a residence permit in Belarus or citizenship of Belarus;
• Foreign Offices of Belarus – in case of a couple staying outside Belarus;
• Consulates, diplomatic offices of foreign states in Belarus solemnize marriages between two foreign citizens in Belarus.

The conditions of marriage are as follows:

• A man and a woman can marry (same-sex marriages are not allowed in Belarus);
• Intention to start a family (a fictitious marriage is invalid);
• Reaching the age of 18 years old (exception: 15 years old in case of emancipation, pregnancy, or childbirth);
• Absence of obstacles to marriage.

The following categories of people cannot marry:

• People who are already in another marriage;
• Relatives in the direct ascending and descending lines among themselves;
• Siblings and half-siblings among themselves;
• Adoptive parents with adopted children;
• Incapable people.

To marry a Belarusian citizen, a foreigner must collect several documents. First, they must obtain a certificate that they are not married in their country of citizenship or permanent residence. This certificate must be legalised and translated into Russian or Belarusian. If the foreigner was previously married, they may also need to provide a document confirming the termination of the previous marriage.

The foreigner must also provide a valid passport or another identification document. If they have a permanent residence in Belarus, they must submit a residence permit. If they are temporarily staying in Belarus, they must provide a national passport with a mark of registration at the place of actual residence. Refugees must provide a Certificate of Refugee status.

In addition, the foreigner must submit a joint application with their future spouse and pay a state duty. The marriage must take place within three days to three months after the application, unless there are exceptional circumstances such as pregnancy or a common child.

Upon receipt of the application, a representative of the Register Office will explain the conditions and procedures for the registration of marriage, as well as the rights and duties of the spouses. The representative will also ensure that the future spouses are aware of each other's health and marital status and determine the language of the registration. If a foreign citizen does not know the state language, an interpreter must be present.

On the day of the registration, the people entering into marriage must be present and provide an identity document, openly express consent to the marriage, announce their chosen surname(s), and read and sign a record of the marriage registration act.

Registration process

To obtain Belarusian citizenship by marriage, you must have been married to a Belarusian citizen for at least three years and have a minor child together who is a Belarusian citizen. This is one of the ways to obtain citizenship by registration.

The registration of marriage in Belarus is a straightforward process and can be done at the civil registry offices. Here is a step-by-step guide to registering your marriage:

• Documents: Gather the required documents. These include the application for registration of marriage, a valid foreign passport, and a residence permit in Belarus. If you have temporary residence, you will need to provide a valid foreign passport or another identification document registered with the law enforcement body of Belarus.
• Translation: Ensure that your foreign passport or identification document is translated into Russian or Belarusian. The accuracy of the translation must be certified by the consulate, embassy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or another competent body of the state or notary.
• Marriage Status: Provide a document confirming your marital status. This document must be issued by the competent state body or consulate/embassy of your country of citizenship, stating that you are not currently married to another person.
• Name and Surname: Your foreign passport or identification document must clearly indicate your full name, including surname and patronymic name (if applicable), exactly as it appears in the passport.
• Previous Marriage: If you have been married before, you must present a document confirming the termination of the previous marriage, such as a court decision on divorce or a death certificate of the spouse.
• Application Submission: Submit the completed application for registration of marriage to the civil registry office. Both parties must sign the application. If one of the marrying persons cannot be present due to remoteness, illness, or other valid reasons, the signature of the absent person can be certified by the chairperson of the civil registry office or an official of the local administrative body.
• Timing: The marriage registration date must be at least 15 days after submitting the application. This date is chosen by the marrying couple and can be postponed if needed.
• Witnesses: The marriage is typically registered publicly, and two adult witnesses may be present at the request of the marrying couple.
• Ceremony: The civil registry office can provide a proper ceremony for the registration of the marriage if requested.
• Validity: The application for marriage registration is valid for three months from the date of submission. If the couple does not appear for the registration within this period and does not inform the office about the reason for their absence, the application becomes invalid.

It is important to note that the marriage registration process may vary depending on the legislation of the respective state of the foreign citizen. Some states require a special permit from the competent body of the foreign citizen's state for the marriage to be recognized. Therefore, it is essential to consult the National Legal Internet Portal of the Republic of Belarus or seek legal advice for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information.

Citizenship eligibility

Firstly, it is important to note that foreigners can apply for Belarusian citizenship if they have continuously resided in the country for 5 years after receiving a permanent residence permit. This means that a foreigner who is married to a Belarusian citizen and lives in Belarus can apply for citizenship after fulfilling the residence requirement.

Additionally, according to the National Legal Internet Portal of the Republic of Belarus, foreigners permanently residing in Belarus who have been married to Belarusian citizens for at least 3 years and have a common minor child who is a citizen of Belarus will be able to obtain citizenship on a preferential basis. This suggests that marriage to a Belarusian citizen can expedite the citizenship process, especially when there is a child involved.

It is worth noting that the requirements for marriage registration in Belarus should also be considered. Both parties must be at least 18 years old, and there are certain restrictions, such as existing marriages, blood relations, and mental capacity, that may impact the eligibility for marriage and, consequently, citizenship.

Furthermore, the Belarusian government has introduced amendments to the Law "On Citizenship of the Republic of Belarus," simplifying the procedure for obtaining citizenship. These changes include reduced residence requirements and preferential treatment for certain groups, such as foreigners with higher education from Belarusian institutions or those who have made significant contributions to the country's development.

Required documents

To obtain Belarusian citizenship by marriage, you must have been married to a citizen of Belarus for at least 3 years and have a minor child together who is also a Belarusian citizen. In addition to meeting these requirements, you will need to provide several documents as part of your application.

Firstly, you will need to submit a valid foreign passport. If you have permanent residence in Belarus, you will need to provide a residence permit. If you only have temporary residence, you will need to present a valid foreign passport or another form of identification that is registered with the law enforcement body of the Republic of Belarus. Your passport or identification document must be translated into Russian or Belarusian, with the accuracy of the translation certified by the consulate, embassy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or another competent body of the state or notary.

You will also need to present a document confirming that you are not married to anyone else. This can be obtained from the competent body of the state of your citizenship and must be in the state language or have an attached translation. Again, the accuracy of the translation must be certified by the relevant authority. If you have been married before, you will need to provide a document confirming the termination of that marriage, such as a court decision on divorce or a death certificate.

If you are a male between the ages of 18 and 27, you may need to provide additional documentation related to your military service status, as this could impact your ability to obtain citizenship.

It is important to note that the requirements and documents needed to obtain Belarusian citizenship may change, and you should refer to official sources for the most up-to-date information.

Visa implications

The process of obtaining Belarusian citizenship by marriage is complex and requires careful consideration of the visa requirements and procedures. Here is an overview of the key visa-related considerations:

Marriage to a Belarusian Citizen: Marriage to a citizen of Belarus does not automatically grant foreign nationals Belarusian citizenship. However, it provides a basis for preferential treatment in the citizenship application process. Foreigners married to Belarusian citizens for at least three years and with a minor child who is a Belarusian citizen can apply for citizenship.

Residence Requirements: To be eligible for Belarusian citizenship, foreigners must have continuously resided in the country for a specified period. The current requirement is five years of permanent residence after receiving a permanent residence permit. Within the last five years before applying for citizenship, an applicant can leave Belarus for no more than 90 days in a calendar year to maintain continuous residence status.

Visa Requirements for Spouses: Foreign spouses of Belarusian citizens may need to obtain a visa to enter and reside in Belarus. The type of visa required depends on the specific circumstances and the duration of stay. It is essential to consult the Belarusian embassy or consulate in your country for specific visa requirements and procedures.

Documentation and Language Requirements: The citizenship application process typically involves submitting various documents, including marriage certificates, birth certificates, and proof of residence. These documents may need to be translated into Belarusian or Russian and legalised with an Apostille. Additionally, applicants for naturalisation must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of one of the state languages, either Belarusian or Russian.

Dual Citizenship: Belarus allows dual citizenship, but it is essential to understand the implications. Dual citizens must use their Belarusian passports when entering and exiting Belarus. Issues with expired or lost passports have been reported, leading to difficulties in departing the country. Additionally, male dual citizens of conscript age (18-27) may face challenges if they have not fulfilled their military service requirement.

When considering Belarusian citizenship by marriage, it is crucial to stay updated with the latest visa and immigration regulations. The requirements and procedures may change, and consulting official sources or seeking legal advice can ensure a comprehensive understanding of the process.

Frequently asked questions