Marriage Certificate for Aliyah: Complete

Requirements Guide

If you're married and making aliyah, your marriage certificate is a critical document that proves your marital status and establishes your spouse's right to immigrate with you. Understanding what type of certificate you need, how to obtain it, and how to authenticate it properly can prevent delays in your aliyah process.

Who Needs a Marriage Certificate?

You Need to Submit a Marriage Certificate If:

Currently Married:

ï           You and your spouse are making aliyah together

ï           Required even if both of you qualify independently for aliyah

ï           Proves legal marriage relationship

ï           Establishes spousal rights under Law of Return

Spouse Making Aliyah Based on Your Eligibility:

ï           You qualify for aliyah (Jewish or through ancestry)

ï           Your spouse is making aliyah as your spouse

ï           Certificate proves the spousal connection

ï           Critical for spouse's eligibility

Name Changed Through Marriage:

ï           Your current name differs from birth certificate

ï           Need to show connection between names

ï           Marriage certificate proves the name change

ï           Required even if making aliyah as single parent (if name changed through previous marriage)

You Do NOT Need a Marriage Certificate If:

Never Been Married:

ï           Single applicants with no marriage history

ï           No previous marriages

However, You May Need Divorce Certificate(s) If:

ï           Previously married but now divorced

ï           Widowed (need death certificate of deceased spouse instead)

What Type of Marriage Certificate You Need

Civil Marriage Certificate

The Standard Requirement:

ï           Official government-issued marriage certificate

ï           From the country/state where you were legally married

ï           Shows both spouses' full legal names

ï           Shows date of marriage

ï           Shows place of marriage

ï           Official government seal or stamp

ï           Issued by vital records office, registry office, or civil authority

This is Usually Called:

ï           Marriage certificate

ï           Certificate of marriage

ï           Marriage license (different in some jurisdictions - see below)

ï           Marriage registration

ï           Civil marriage certificate

Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate

Important Distinction:

Marriage License:

ï           Permission to GET married

ï           Issued BEFORE the wedding

ï           Not proof that marriage occurred

ï           NOT sufficient for aliyah

Marriage Certificate:

ï           Proof that marriage OCCURRED

ï           Issued AFTER the wedding

ï           Shows marriage was registered

ï           THIS is what you need

In Some Places:

ï           The completed and filed marriage license becomes the certificate

ï           Once officiant signs and files it, it serves as the certificate

ï           Check your jurisdiction's system

Religious Marriage Documents

If You Had Religious Ceremony:

Many couples have religious weddings in addition to or instead of civil registration:

Jewish Wedding - Ketubah:

ï           Traditional Jewish marriage contract

ï           Signed by witnesses

ï           Beautiful document often framed

ï           Important for Israeli Rabbinate recognition

ï           BUT: Usually not sufficient alone for aliyah application

Christian Wedding Certificate:

ï           Church-issued certificate

ï           Shows religious ceremony occurred

ï           Usually not sufficient alone

Other Religious Certificates:

ï           Muslim nikah certificate

ï           Hindu wedding certificate

ï           Any other religious documentation

The Issue with Religious-Only Certificates:

For aliyah application purposes:

ï           Need GOVERNMENT-ISSUED certificate

ï           Religious certificate alone usually not enough

ï           Some countries don't legally recognize religious-only marriages

ï           Israeli government wants civil legal proof

However:

If you married in a country that ONLY recognizes religious marriages (like Israel itself), the religious certificate may be the legal document. Consult with Jewish Agency about your specific situation.

Ketubah for Aliyah Purposes

Jewish Marriage Contract (Ketubah):

What It Is:

ï           Traditional contract signed at Jewish wedding

ï           In Hebrew and/or English

ï           Signed by bride, groom, two witnesses

ï           Often beautifully decorated

Value for Aliyah:

ï           Proves Jewish wedding occurred

ï           Important for proof of Judaism

ï           Can help establish Jewish identity

ï           Recognized by Israeli Rabbinate for marriage purposes in Israel

Important Clarification:

For Immigration/Citizenship (Aliyah Application):

ï           Usually need BOTH ketubah AND civil certificate

ï           Ministry of Interior wants government documentation

ï           Ketubah alone usually not sufficient for citizenship

For Marriage Recognition by Israeli Rabbinate:

ï           Ketubah is very important

ï           Rabbinate may require it for future marriage-related matters

ï           Keep original ketubah forever

Best Practice:

ï           Submit civil marriage certificate for aliyah application

ï           Bring original ketubah when making aliyah

ï           Keep ketubah safe for future needs in Israel

Obtaining Your Marriage Certificate

Where to Get It

United States:

State Vital Records Office:

ï           Each state maintains marriage records

ï           Must order from state where marriage occurred

ï           Cannot order from state where you currently live (if different)

County Clerk's Office:

ï           In many states, county where marriage license issued also has records

ï           May be faster than state office

ï           Some states only keep records at county level

How to Order:

ï           Online through VitalChek or state website

ï           By mail with application form

ï           In person at vital records office

ï           Processing time: 2-6 weeks typically

**Cost: **$15-50 per copy depending on state

Canada:

Provincial Vital Statistics Office:

ï           Order from province where married

ï           Online, by mail, or in person

ï           2-6 weeks processing

ï           $30-50 CAD per copy

United Kingdom:

General Register Office (GRO):

ï           Centralized for England and Wales

ï           Scotland and Northern Ireland separate

ï           Online ordering available

ï           £11-35 depending on service level

Other Countries:

Civil Registry Office:

ï           Called different names in different countries

ï           Registro Civil (Spanish-speaking countries)

ï           Standesamt (Germany)

ï           État Civil (France)

ï           May need to contact directly or use embassy services

If You Married Abroad

Common Situation:

ï           American couple married in Israel

ï           British couple married in Italy

ï           Canadian couple married in Mexico

ï           Any marriage outside your country of citizenship

What You Need:

ï           Marriage certificate from the COUNTRY WHERE YOU MARRIED

ï           Not from your home country

ï           Must be from the place where wedding occurred

How to Obtain:

Option 1: Direct from Country:

ï           Contact civil registry in country of marriage

ï           May need local agent or attorney

ï           Can be complicated if you don't speak language

Option 2: Through Embassy:

ï           Some embassies can help obtain copies

ï           Your embassy in that country

ï           May have procedures for this

Important:

ï           Document will be in foreign language

ï           Will need certified translation

ï           Will need apostille from that country

U.S. Citizens Married Abroad:

ï           State Department does NOT issue marriage certificates for marriages abroad

ï           Must get certificate from country where married

ï           Consular Report of Marriage available but may not be sufficient

ï           Check with Jewish Agency about your specific case

If You Don't Have Your Certificate

Lost or Misplaced:

ï           Order a new certified copy

ï           Don't need the "original" from your wedding day

ï           Certified copy has same legal standing

ï           Order from vital records office

Married Long Ago:

ï           Records should still exist

ï           Older marriages sometimes on microfilm

ï           May take longer to process

ï           Some very old records may require special research

Records Destroyed:

ï           Wars, natural disasters, poor record-keeping

ï           Some countries have lost records

ï           May need alternative documentation

ï           Consult with Israeli consulate and Jewish Agency

ï           May require affidavits or other proof

Information That Must Appear on Certificate

Required Information:

Both Spouses:

ï           Full legal names (at time of marriage)

ï           May show maiden name for spouse who changed name

Marriage Details:

ï           Date of marriage

ï           Place of marriage (city, state/province, country)

ï           Type of ceremony (civil, religious, etc.) - if noted

Official Elements:

ï           Official seal or stamp

ï           Registration number or file number

ï           Signature of official/registrar

ï           Issuing authority name

Why This Information Matters:

ï           Proves legal marriage occurred

ï           Establishes date (important for spousal benefits)

ï           Shows location and jurisdiction

ï           Verifies authenticity

If Information Is Missing

Some older certificates may not include all information:

ï           Usually still acceptable if official

ï           As long as names, date, and seal present

ï           Explain any limitations in cover letter

Apostille Requirements

Critical: Your marriage certificate needs an apostille for aliyah.

What Is an Apostille?

International Certification:

ï           Authenticates document for international use

ï           Proves document is genuine

ï           Required under Hague Convention

ï           Israel recognizes apostilles from signatory countries

How to Get Apostille on Marriage Certificate

United States: Process:

1.        Order certified marriage certificate from state
2.        Send certificate to Secretary of State in the state that issued it
3.        Pay apostille fee ($5-25 typically)
4.        Receive apostilled certificate

Important:

ï           Must be apostilled by SAME state that issued certificate

ï           New York marriage = New York Secretary of State apostille

ï           Cannot get apostille in different state

ï           Each state has own procedures

Methods:

ï           By mail (2-4 weeks typically)

ï           In person (same day to few days)

ï           Apostille service company ($50-200)

Canada:

ï           As of January 2024: Government of Canada issues apostilles centrally

ï           Previously provincial system

ï           Check current procedures

UK:

ï           FCDO handles apostilles

ï           Online application available

ï           Expedited services available

Other Countries:

ï           Check with competent authority

ï           Usually foreign ministry

ï           Procedures vary widely

Apostille on Foreign Marriage Certificate

If You Married in Another Country:

The apostille must come from THAT country:

ï           Italian marriage = Italian apostille

ï           Mexican marriage = Mexican apostille

ï           Cannot get apostille from your home country

This Can Be Challenging:

ï           May need to use services in that country

ï           May need attorney or agency

ï           Can be expensive

ï           Can take significant time

Plan Ahead:

ï           Start this process early (6+ months before aliyah)

ï           Budget for international services

ï           Allow extra time for foreign bureaucracy

Translation Requirements

When Translation Is Needed

If Your Marriage Certificate Is NOT in English, Hebrew, French, or Russian:

ï           Must be professionally translated

ï           Both original and translation submitted

ï           Translator must be certified

Even Some of These Languages May Require Translation:

ï           Depending on length and complexity

ï           Archaic or regional language variations

ï           Jewish Agency may request translation even of generally-accepted languages

How to Get Translation

Certified Translator:

ï           Must be professional certified translator

ï           Translation notarized

ï           Translator's credentials included

ï           Both original certificate and translation submitted together

Cost:

ï           $25-100+ depending on length and complexity

ï           Language rarity affects price

ï           Notarization additional

What Translator Provides:

ï           Translated document

ï           Certification that translation is accurate

ï           Translator's signature and seal

ï           Notarization

Special Situations

Second (or Subsequent) Marriages

If Previously Married:

You Need:

ï           Current marriage certificate (with apostille)

ï           Divorce certificate from previous marriage (with apostille)

ï           OR death certificate of deceased spouse (with apostille)

Why:

ï           Proves previous marriage ended legally

ï           Shows you were free to remarry

ï           Establishes legal status

For Each Previous Marriage:

ï           If married 3 times, need documentation of all 3

ï           Must show each marriage ended properly

ï           Divorce certificates or death certificates for each

Married in Israel

If You Married in Israel:

Rabbinical Marriage:

ï           Certificate from Israeli Rabbinate

ï           Already recognized in Israel

ï           May not need apostille (already Israeli document)

ï           Bring original when making aliyah

Civil Marriage in Israel:

ï           Israel doesn't perform civil marriages for Jews

ï           If you had civil ceremony, it was through special arrangement

ï           Documentation should be clear

Married Abroad But Registered in Israel:

ï           Some people marry abroad and register in Israel

ï           Bring both foreign certificate and Israeli registration

ï           Apostille on foreign certificate

Common Law Marriage

Common Law Marriage Status:

What It Is:

ï           Marriage by cohabitation and mutual agreement

ï           Without formal ceremony or license

ï           Recognized in some jurisdictions (a few U.S. states, some countries)

For Aliyah:

ï           Israel may not recognize common law marriage

ï           Depends on whether your jurisdiction legally recognizes it

ï           If your country/state issues certificate for common law marriage, get it

ï           If not formally recognized, you may be treated as unmarried

Documentation:

ï           If common law recognized in your jurisdiction: get official certificate or declaration

ï           Affidavits may be required

ï           Consult with Jewish Agency about your specific situation

ï           May need lawyer's letter

Alternative:

ï           Some couples choose to have formal marriage before aliyah

ï           Simplifies documentation

ï           Ensures spousal rights

Same-Sex Marriage Israel's Position: Recognition:

ï           Israel recognizes same-sex marriages performed abroad

ï           Does not perform same-sex marriages within Israel

ï           Recognized for immigration and spousal benefits

For Aliyah:

ï           Same requirements as opposite-sex couples

ï           Marriage certificate with apostille

ï           From country that performed marriage

Where Valid:

ï           Must be legally married in jurisdiction that recognizes same-sex marriage

ï           United States, Canada, UK, many European countries, etc.

ï           Certificate must be from that jurisdiction

Rights:

ï           Same spousal immigration rights

ï           Both spouses can make aliyah together

ï           Full citizenship for both

ï           Some differences in Israeli family law after arrival

Proxy Marriage

What It Is:

ï           Marriage where one or both parties not physically present

ï           Someone stands in as proxy

ï           Recognized in some jurisdictions (some U.S. states)

For Aliyah:

ï           If legal in jurisdiction where performed, may be acceptable

ï           Certificate should clearly show it was proxy marriage

ï           May require additional documentation

ï           Consult with Jewish Agency

Name Doesn't Match

Common Situation:

Spouse's Name on Certificate Differs from Current Documents:

ï           Certificate shows maiden name

ï           Now uses married name

ï           Or changed name since marriage

Solution:

ï           This is actually normal and expected

ï           Marriage certificate shows names at time of marriage

ï           Current passport shows current name

ï           The marriage certificate IS the proof of name change

If Further Changed:

ï           Married, changed name, then changed it again (second marriage, legal change, etc.)

ï           Need complete chain of documentation

ï           All name change documents

Israeli Recognition of Marriage

Two Different Things

Immigration/Citizenship (Aliyah):

ï           Ministry of Interior/Integration handles

ï           Civil marriage certificate sufficient

ï           Focus on legal marriage status

Marriage for Religious Purposes in Israel:

ï           Israeli Rabbinate handles

ï           May have different requirements

ï           Ketubah important here

ï           May scrutinize religious validity

Why This Matters

After Making Aliyah:

If you need to prove your marriage to Rabbinate (for divorce, inheritance, remarriage after death/ divorce):

ï           They may require proof of Jewish wedding

ï           Ketubah becomes important

ï           May need to prove rabbi who married you was legitimate

ï           Civil certificate alone may not satisfy Rabbinate

Planning Ahead:

ï           Keep both civil certificate and ketubah

ï           If married by rabbi, get contact information

ï           Keep documentation of Jewish ceremony

ï           Especially important if reform or conservative ceremony

How Many Copies to Get

Recommended:

ï           Order 2-3 certified copies

ï           Get apostille on at least 2 copies

ï           Keep one unapostilled for your records

Why Multiple Copies:

ï           Submit one to Nefesh B'Nefesh/Jewish Agency

ï           Keep one for records

ï           Present original at interview

ï           May need for other purposes in Israel

ï           Backup if one is lost

Each Copy Needs Apostille:

ï           Cannot photocopy apostille

ï           Each certified copy needs its own apostille

ï           Each must be independently authenticated

Timeline and Costs

Timeline to Obtain and Apostille

Total Time Needed:

ï           Ordering certificate: 2-6 weeks

ï           Getting apostille: 1-3 weeks

ï           Total: 1-2 months minimum

ï           Foreign marriages can take 3-6 months

Plan Ahead:

ï           Start process 6-8 months before aliyah

ï           Foreign marriages: start even earlier

ï           Unexpected delays happen

ï           Better to have documents early

Cost Summary

Marriage Certificate:

ï           U.S.: $15-50 per certified copy

ï           Canada: $30-50 CAD

ï           UK: £11-35

ï           Other countries: varies widely

Apostille:

ï           U.S. state fee: $5-25 per document

ï           Service company: $50-200

ï           Foreign country: varies

Translation (if needed):

ï           $25-100+ depending on complexity

Total Per Couple:

ï           U.S. marriage: $50-200

ï           Foreign marriage with translation: $200-500+

Multiple Copies:

ï           Budget for 2-3 apostilled copies

ï           Can add $100-300 to total cost

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: Certificate Shows Maiden Name, Now Use Married Name

Solution:

ï           This is normal and expected

ï           Certificate should show maiden name

ï           Proves the name change occurred through marriage

ï           Your current documents (passport, etc.) show married name

ï           No additional documentation needed

Problem: Married in Country That No Longer Exists

Example:

ï           Married in Soviet Union (now Russia, Ukraine, etc.)

ï           Married in Yugoslavia (now several countries)

Solution:

ï           Contact current country's civil registry where marriage occurred

ï           May need to contact multiple authorities

ï           May require legal assistance

ï           Certified translations definitely needed

Problem: Certificate in Language Requiring Translation

Solution:

ï           Find certified translator for that language

ï           Budget time and money for translation

ï           Submit original and translation together

Problem: Lost Certificate and Can't Get Replacement

Solution:

ï           Some older records lost or destroyed

ï           May need affidavits from witnesses

ï           May need lawyer's assistance

ï           Consult with Israeli consulate

ï           Not insurmountable but requires extra work

Problem: Religious Marriage Never Registered Civilly

Solution:

ï           If in country requiring civil registration, try to register now

ï           If country recognizes religious marriage only, religious certificate may suffice

ï           Consult with Jewish Agency about specific situation

ï           May need legal opinion from that country

Problem: Married in One Country, Certificate from Another

Incorrect:

ï           Married in Mexico but requested certificate from U.S.

ï           Won't work - need certificate from place where marriage occurred

Solution:

ï           Order correct certificate from place of marriage

ï           May need to contact that country's registry

ï           May need assistance from services in that country

What to Bring When Making Aliyah

On Aliyah Flight (Carry-On Luggage):

ï           Original apostilled marriage certificate

ï           Original ketubah (if you have one)

ï           Any other original marriage documentation

ï           Do NOT check these in luggage

Why:

ï           Need to present at arrival

ï           Needed for processing

ï           Originals required

ï           Could be lost if in checked baggage

After Aliyah: Israeli Marriage Registration

Upon Arrival:

ï           Your marriage will be registered in Israeli system

ï           Based on documentation you provide

ï           Becomes part of Israeli population registry

ï           Future Israeli documents will reflect marital status

Keep Your Documents:

ï           Keep original certificates safe

ï           May need for various purposes

ï           Israeli bureaucracy sometimes requests originals

ï           Important for any future issues

Summary Checklist

For Every Married Applicant:

ï           [ ] Certified marriage certificate from government

ï           [ ] Both spouses' names visible on certificate

ï           [ ] Date and place of marriage shown

ï           [ ] Official seal/stamp present

ï           [ ] Apostille attached

ï           [ ] Certified translation (if not in English, Hebrew, French, or Russian)

If Previously Married:

ï           [ ] Divorce certificate(s) from previous marriage(s) with apostille

ï           [ ] OR death certificate(s) of deceased spouse(s) with apostille

If You Have Ketubah:

ï           [ ] Keep original ketubah safe

ï           [ ] Bring to Israel

ï           [ ] May need for Israeli Rabbinate purposes

If Married Abroad:

ï           [ ] Certificate from country where married (not home country)

ï           [ ] Apostille from that country

ï           [ ] Certified translation to English or Hebrew

Before Submitting:

ï           [ ] Made multiple copies for records

ï           [ ] Verified apostille is from correct state/country

ï           [ ] Checked all information is legible

ï           [ ] Organized with other family documents

ï           [ ] Kept originals safe for later presentation

Your marriage certificate is essential for establishing your family unit's eligibility and ensuring your spouse can make aliyah with you. Taking time to obtain the proper certificate, have it apostilled correctly, and include all necessary supporting documents will prevent delays and complications in your aliyah process.

Updated on: 01/02/2026