How to Register a foreign marriage in Spain

Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi

Question

Since I’m from an Ibero-American country, I’ve applied for the Spanish nationality. My husband and I married in Turkey 5 years ago, so it counts as a foreign marriage in Spain. If I become a Spanish citizen, how do I go about registering the marriage here? Do I have to do it at the Spanish consulate in Turkey?

Answers

These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:

“According to the official Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, individuals looking to register a foreign marriage should consult the consular services for detailed procedures.”

“If both spouses reside in Spain, the registration must be requested at the Central Civil Registry in Madrid. This information can be useful for anyone in a similar situation, and a form with the requirements is available on the Ministry of Justice’s website.”

“Registration should be done at the civil registry of your residence. As you are likely registered in a municipality in Spain, this means through the Central Civil Registry in Madrid. This step is crucial for modifying your spouse’s permit or applying for Spanish nationality after a year of residence.”

“You cannot register the marriage before obtaining Spanish nationality. The documentation is sent to Madrid, and any necessary follow-ups, such as interviews, are conducted through your local civil registry based on your padrón.”

Conclusion

Registering a foreign marriage in Spain for newly Spanish citizens involves several key steps, primarily focusing on submitting the appropriate documentation to the Central Civil Registry in the city where you are registered.

This process is essential for spouses who wish to modify their residency permits or apply for Spanish nationality.

The information provided by Spainguru group members underscores the importance of consulting official resources and, if necessary, seeking professional from immigration experts to navigate the administrative requirements effectively.

Bruno Bianchi CEO & Spain Immigration Expert

Bruno Bianchi is the founder and CEO of Spainguru, Spain's largest expat immigration community with 150,000+ members. Since 2014 he has helped thousands of people relocate to Spain through expert guides, webinars and vetted professional services covering visas, residency, taxes and life in Spain.

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