Marrying Abroad: Legal Recognition In Bolivia

If you're wondering how to make a marriage that took place in a foreign country legal in Bolivia, there are a few important steps you need to follow. Firstly, it's essential to understand that only civil marriages are recognised as legal in Bolivia. These civil marriages are performed by a civil registry official and must be registered at the Consulate of Bolivia. This process involves presenting specific documents, including birth certificates, marriage capacity records, valid passports, and witnesses with valid identity documents. Additionally, there are requirements regarding residency and mental health that must be met. The procedure also varies depending on the nationalities of the spouses, with additional steps for foreigners. The fees associated with the process range from $30 to $100. It is important to note that marriages between close blood relatives and bigamy are prohibited in Bolivia.

Get an uso determinado visa, not a tourist visa

If you are planning to get married in Bolivia, it is important to understand the requirements and procedures beforehand to ensure that your marriage is legally recognised. While marriage laws and visa procedures can be complex, here is a detailed guide specifically focused on obtaining the correct visa for your situation.

Understanding the Uso Determinado Visa

The Uso Determinado Visa, also known as the Given Object Visa or Determined Object Visa, is a type of visa specifically designed for individuals who wish to travel to Bolivia for purposes other than tourism. This visa is typically granted to foreign citizens intending to conduct business, pursue education, engage in paid work, or perform any other legal activity, including marriage, according to Bolivian laws. It is important to note that this visa is distinct from a tourist visa and offers a more comprehensive scope of permitted activities.

Why You Need an Uso Determinado Visa for Marriage

Marriage in Bolivia requires specific documentation and legal procedures. By obtaining the Uso Determinado Visa, you will be able to legally marry in the country. This visa demonstrates to the Bolivian authorities that you are entering the country with the specific intention of getting married, which is in accordance with their requirements. It is essential to understand that a tourist visa will not suffice for this purpose, as it does not cover marriage as a permitted activity.

Applying for the Uso Determinado Visa

The application process for the Uso Determinado Visa can be completed at the Consulate of Bolivia or a Bolivian Embassy, depending on your country of residence. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process:

• Complete the visa application form: You can typically find the application form on the official website of the Bolivian Consulate or Embassy in your region. Fill out the form with accurate and up-to-date information.
• Provide a valid passport: Ensure that your passport has a validity of at least six months beyond your intended stay in Bolivia.
• Submit photographs: You will need to provide recent photographs, typically two passport-sized (2" x 2") or (3 x 3 cm) photographs, with a plain background.
• Pay the visa fee: The cost of the Uso Determinado Visa is generally around $85 or €85, depending on the region.
• Letter of introduction: Prepare a letter of introduction that clearly states the purpose of your trip, the dates of your stay, and the institution or company covering your expenses during your stay and return trip.
• Additional documents: Depending on your specific situation, you may need to provide additional documents. For marriage, you will likely need to include documents such as birth certificates, proof of termination of previous marriages (if applicable), and proof of residency in Bolivia for a certain period. It is recommended to check with the Bolivian Consulate or Embassy for a detailed list of requirements.
• Processing time: It is advisable to allow for a processing time of at least 2-3 weeks before your intended departure date. The standard processing time for the visa is around 10 business days, so planning ahead is crucial.

By following these steps and obtaining the Uso Determinado Visa, you will be well on your way to ensuring that your marriage in Bolivia is legally recognised and compliant with the country's requirements. Remember to carefully review the requirements and procedures, as they may vary slightly depending on your country of origin and specific circumstances.

Prove your freedom to marry

To prove your freedom to marry in Bolivia, several documents must be presented. Here is a detailed breakdown of the requirements:

Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry

Bolivia requires an affidavit as proof of legal capacity to enter into a marriage contract. However, no such government-issued document exists in the United States. Instead, Bolivia will accept a statement from you regarding your ability to marry, provided that your signature on the affidavit has been notarized by a U.S. consular officer. This service is available at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz and the Consular Agency in Santa Cruz for a fee of $50 or 350 Bolivianos.

Valid Passport

A valid United States passport is required for the marriage process in Bolivia.

Birth Certificate

You must provide a certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate, apostilled by the U.S. Department of State Authentications Office. Additionally, a Spanish translation of the birth certificate is necessary, which can be apostilled in the United States or notarized at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz or the Consular Agency in Santa Cruz.

Proof of Singleness or Equivalent Document

You must provide proof of your freedom to marry. For foreigners, this typically involves presenting a certification of singleness or an equivalent document from your country of origin. This document must be duly apostilled and translated. If you were previously married, proof of the termination of the previous marriage is required, such as death or dissolution certificates duly legalized, apostilled, and translated.

Two Witnesses

You will need to arrange for two witnesses to be present with their current identity documents. These witnesses do not have to be familiar with you and do not necessarily need to be Bolivian citizens.

By presenting these documents and fulfilling the requirements, you can prove your freedom to marry and proceed with the marriage process in Bolivia.

Have a civil ceremony

To have a civil ceremony in Bolivia, you must meet several requirements and present specific documents. Here is a detailed guide to help you understand the process:

Understanding the Process:

Firstly, it is important to know that only civil marriages are legally recognised in Bolivia. This means that a civil ceremony, performed by a civil registry official, is a mandatory step for any marriage to be considered legal. The civil ceremony can take place either before or after a religious ceremony.

Requirements and Documents:

Now, let's go over the requirements and documents you will need to present to the civil registry official:

• Valid passports: Both parties must provide valid passports. If you are a U.S. citizen, you will also need to present a certified copy of your birth certificate, apostilled by the U.S. Department of State Authentications Office, along with a Spanish translation of the same.
• Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry: Bolivia requires an affidavit as proof of your legal capacity to enter into a marriage contract. Since there is no such government-issued document in the U.S., you will need to provide a statement regarding your ability to marry. This statement must be notarised by a U.S. consular officer at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz or the Consular Agency in Santa Cruz. You will need to make an appointment for this service, and the fee is $50 or 350 Bs.
• Proof of residence: You will need to provide proof of three months of continuous residence in Bolivia. However, this requirement can be waived at the discretion of the local official.
• Certificate of manifestation of the will to marry (Marital Edict): This document records your intention to marry and must be requested at the Consulate General in the physical presence of both parties, with valid identity documents and witnesses, at least 15 days before the marriage celebration.
• Birth certificate: You will need to present a birth certificate, which should be apostilled if you are a foreigner.
• Marriage capacity: For Bolivians, this involves certification of non-existence of departure issued by the Consulate General. For foreigners, you must provide certification of singleness or an equivalent document from your country of origin, duly apostilled and translated. If you were previously married, you must provide proof of the termination of that marriage with death or dissolution certificates, duly legalised or apostilled and translated.
• Valid identity documents: Both parties will need to present valid identity documents or valid identity cards if they are Bolivian.
• Witnesses: You will need two witnesses with their current identity documents. They do not have to be familiar with you or Bolivian.

Fees and Timing:

There are fees associated with the marriage process in Bolivia. The cost of marriage when one of the parties is a foreigner is $100. There are also fees for the marriage certificate legalisation ($15) and birth certificate legalisation for foreigners ($50).

Once you have completed the necessary steps and presented the required documents, a date will be assigned for the celebration of the wedding. This usually takes place 15 days after the initial procedure.

Recognition of Foreign Marriage in Bolivia:

If you are a foreign national who has been married outside of Bolivia and wishes to have your marriage recognised in the country, you will need to follow certain steps. Please note that the information provided here is specifically for U.S. citizens, and the process may vary for other nationalities.

To have your foreign marriage recognised in Bolivia, you will need to ensure that your marriage certificate is legalised by the appropriate authorities in your home country and then apostilled by the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This will give your marriage legal validity in Bolivia.

Additionally, if you are a U.S. citizen, please be aware that the U.S. Embassy or Consulate cannot attest to your marital status. However, Bolivia will accept a statement from you regarding your ability to marry, provided that your signature on the affidavit has been notarised by a U.S. consular officer.

In conclusion, having a civil ceremony in Bolivia involves several steps and requirements. It is important to ensure that you have all the necessary documents and meet the eligibility criteria. By following the process outlined above, you can ensure that your marriage is legally recognised in Bolivia.

Register the marriage at the Bolivian Consulate

To register a foreign marriage at the Bolivian Consulate, you must follow these steps:

• Obtain a marriage certificate from the country where the marriage was performed. This certificate must be legalised by the Secretary of State where it was issued and authenticated by the Department of State of the United States of America.
• Translate the marriage certificate into Spanish. This can be done by the Bolivian Consulate in Washington DC or by an external translator.
• Legalise and translate any other relevant documents, such as birth certificates and passports, following the same process as for the marriage certificate. Please note that simple copies of birth certificates will not be accepted.
• Provide proof of identity for both spouses, such as a Bolivian passport or identity card or a valid foreign passport.
• Present two witnesses with valid identity documents. The witnesses do not need to be Bolivian.
• Provide proof of residence for both spouses, such as a basic services invoice or rental agreement.
• Pay the relevant fees. The cost of registering a marriage in the Bolivian Consulate varies depending on the nationality of the spouses. Please check with the Consulate for the most up-to-date information.

Please note that both parties must be present during the registration process. If one spouse is unable to attend, they must present a Special Power legalised by the Bolivian Consulate or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Plurinational State of Bolivia.

Get documents legalised and translated

To make a marriage performed in a foreign country legal in Bolivia, you must have your marriage certificate legalised and translated. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Get your marriage certificate legalised

The first step is to legalise your marriage certificate. This can be done by obtaining an apostille from the relevant authority in the country where the marriage took place. For example, for a marriage certificate issued in the United States, you would need to get it apostilled by the US Department of State Authentications Office.

Step 2: Get your marriage certificate translated

Once your marriage certificate has been legalised, you need to have it translated into Spanish. This can be done by a sworn translator or by the Consulate General of Bolivia in Washington, DC. The translation must be certified by the Consulate.

Step 3: Register your marriage at the Consulate of Bolivia

After your marriage certificate has been legalised and translated, you need to register your marriage at the Consulate of Bolivia. You will need to present the following documents:

• Legalised and translated marriage certificate
• Birth certificate of the husband, apostilled if he is a foreigner
• Proof of identity for both spouses (current passport or identity card)
• Proof of residence
• Two witnesses with valid identity documents

Both spouses must be present during the registration process. If one spouse cannot be present, they must present a Special Power, duly legalised at the appropriate authority.

There is a fee for registering a marriage at the Consulate of Bolivia. The cost is $100 if one or both spouses are foreigners.

By following these steps, you can legalise and translate your marriage documents and register your foreign marriage in Bolivia.

Frequently asked questions