Getting married in Poland as a foreigner is entirely possible, whether you’re planning to marry a Polish citizen or another foreign national. Civil marriages are performed at the Civil Registry Office (Urząd Stanu Cywilnego), and religious ceremonies can also have legal effect if they meet the requirements of Polish law. 

Who Can Get Married?
Foreign nationals can marry in Poland as long as they meet the legal requirements and provide the necessary documentation. The same rules generally apply whether you are marrying a Polish citizen or another foreigner.

Documents You’ll Need
In most cases, you will be asked to provide:
  • A valid passport or national ID card
  • A Certificate of No Impediment, confirming that you are legally free to marry. If your country does not issue this document, you may need to obtain an exemption from a Polish court.
  • A birth certificate (if requested by the Civil Registry Office)
  • Documents confirming the end of any previous marriage, if applicable (such as a divorce decree, annulment decision, or death certificate of a former spouse)
  • Sworn translations of all foreign-language documents
  • An apostille or legalization, where required for documents issued abroad
  • Proof of payment of the marriage fee (PLN 84 for issuing the marriage certificate)
If you do not speak Polish, a sworn interpreter must be present both when submitting the documents and during the wedding ceremony.
Since requirements can vary depending on your nationality and personal circumstances, it’s always a good idea to contact your chosen Civil Registry Office in advance to confirm exactly which documents you’ll need.

The Marriage Procedure
The process begins by submitting your documents to the Civil Registry Office where you plan to marry. Once everything has been verified, the registrar will schedule your wedding date.
In some cases, there may be a mandatory waiting period before the ceremony, although it can be shortened if there are justified reasons.
If either partner does not speak Polish, a sworn interpreter must attend the ceremony.

Marrying a Polish Citizen
Marrying a Polish citizen does not automatically give you:
  • the right to live in Poland,
  • permanent residence,
  • or Polish citizenship.
However, marriage can make it possible to apply for:
a temporary residence permit,
  • permanent residence (if all legal requirements are met),
  • or Polish citizenship through a separate application process.
  • Each case is considered individually by the relevant authorities.

Marriage Between Two Foreigners
Two foreign nationals can also legally marry in Poland. In addition to meeting Polish legal requirements, they may need to comply with the laws of their home countries, which can mean providing additional documents depending on their nationality.

Practical Tips
To make the process smoother:
Contact your Civil Registry Office well in advance to confirm the required documents.
Arrange sworn translations and any necessary legalization as early as possible.
Allow extra time if you need to obtain certificates or documents from abroad, as this can sometimes take several weeks.