Legalization of a Marriage Certificate in Kenya

Legalization of a Marriage Certificate in Kenya

Legalization is a process that verifies the authenticity of documents, making them legally recognized for use in a foreign country. For example, if a person is relocating to another country for work and would like the spouse to join them in that country.  For individuals who require their Kenyan marriage certificate to be accepted abroad, legalization ensures that the document is validated and attested through official channels.

What is Legalization?

Legalization involves certifying the authenticity of a document, in this case, a marriage certificate, for use outside Kenya. It is essential to prove that the document is genuine and acceptable for legal or official purposes in another country.

Important to note: Kenya is not a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention, which abolishes the requirement of legalization for foreign public documents. Therefore, Kenyan documents, including marriage certificates, still require full legalization for use abroad.

The Legalization Process of a Marriage Certificate in Kenya

Here is a step by step breakdown of the process to legalize a marriage certificate in Kenya:

1. Certification by the Registrar of Marriages
   The first step is to have the marriage certificate certified by the Registrar of Marriages in Kenya. This certification confirms that the marriage certificate is genuine and properly registered. You can initiate this process online through the eCitizen platform, where you will submit the required documents and pay the applicable fees.

2. Authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
   After obtaining a certified copy of the marriage certificate, the next step is to have it authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Kenya. The MFA will verify the certification from the Registrar of Marriages and confirm that the document is legitimate for international use.

3. Embassy Legalization
   The final step is to present the authenticated marriage certificate to the embassy of the country where the document will be used. For example, embassies such as the UAE, Oman, Italy, Ukraine, Costa Rica, and Belgium, among others, are available in Kenya for this service. The embassy will perform the final legalization, which ensures the document is officially recognized in that country. Costs and timelines for this process vary by embassy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to travel to have my marriage certificate legalized?
No, you do not need to travel to Kenya to have your marriage certificate legalized. You can engage a legal services provider to handle the process on your behalf. At Silvana & Associates Advocates, we offer marriage certificate legalization services. Simply email your marriage certificate to info@swkadvocates.com, and we will apply for a certified copy and handle the legalization for you.

What if I don’t have a copy of my marriage certificate?
If you do not have a copy of your marriage certificate, we recommend contacting the church or venue where the marriage took place. You will need to provide as many details as possible, including names, dates, and locations, to facilitate the retrieval of the certificate.

How long does the legalization process take?
While the standard timeline is 10 working days, this may vary depending on how quickly the document can be traced and processed. Any delays will be communicated promptly to ensure transparency.

Where is your office located?
Our office is located at Royal Offices, Mogotio Road, Westlands, off Chiromo Lane, 1st Floor, Suite No. 17, Nairobi, Kenya.

Why Legalizing Your Marriage Certificate Matters

Legalizing your marriage certificate is essential when you need to use it for various legal purposes abroad, including visa applications, residency permits, or international legal procedures. Failing to legalize this document can result in delays or rejection of your application.

For assistance in legalizing your marriage certificate in Kenya, contact Silvana & Associates Advocates Advocates at info@swkadvocates.com or reach us via WhatsApp at +254726328555.