Civil ceremony (ślub cywilny)

Overview

  • A legally binding marriage conducted at a Register office (Urząd Stanu Cywilnego, USC).
  • Suitable for couples seeking a non-religious ceremony.
  • Involves submitting identification documents and a birth certificate.
  • A civil marriage ceremony can be held at the Register office (Urząd Stanu Cywilnego, USC) or another approved location. See also: Outdoor wedding.
  • Additional requirements and fees may apply for non-office locations.

Required documents

  • Valid identification (passport or national ID)
  • Birth certificates
  • A certificate confirming the legal capacity to marry (zdolność prawna do zawarcia małżeństwa) issued by the appropriate authority in one’s home country. If obtaining this document is not possible, a Polish court’s decision to waive this requirement is necessary.
  • Proof of termination of previous marriages (dowód ustania poprzednich małżeństw) - divorce or death certificate.
  • Proof of address in Poland (if applicable)

Process

  1. Apply at the local Register office (Urząd Stanu Cywilnego, USC) at least 30 days before the wedding.
  2. The marriage can take place no sooner than one month after submitting the declaration of no impediment to marriage.
  3. Pay the application fee (opłata za wniosek) via bank transfer, payment machine, or cash in Polish złoty.
  4. Both partners must be present and sign the marriage intent declaration (oświadczenie o braku przeszkód do zawarcia małżeństwa).
Note: All foreign documents must be translated into Polish by a sworn translator (tłumacz przysięgły). If either party does not speak Polish, a sworn translator must be present during meetings at the USC and the ceremony.