Lebanese Civil Marriage: Comparing Cyprus, UAE, and Georgia

Lebanon does not permit civil marriage, so Lebanese couples must seek this option overseas. Georgia, the UAE, and Cyprus are the leading choices for such marriages. After the ceremony abroad, couples need to submit their marriage certificate to the Lebanese Ministry of Interior’s Personal Status Department for validation.

This article explores the civil marriage procedures in Georgia, the UAE, and Cyprus for Lebanese couples and highlights why Georgia or the UAE might be preferable over Cyprus.

Civil Marriage in Cyprus for Lebanese Couples

Opting for marriage in Cyprus may not be the most straightforward choice for Lebanese couples due to a series of intricate and demanding procedures. The process in Cyprus involves numerous steps that can be both time-consuming and complicated.

Document Requirements for Lebanese Couples for Civil Marriage in Cyprus

Lebanese couples looking to marry in Cyprus must gather an extensive list of documents. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements:

1. Civil Registry Records: You need to provide two copies of your civil registry records, as well as two copies of your partner’s records. This process is often lengthy and requires careful preparation.
2. Family Registry Records: Similarly, you must present two copies of your family registry records, along with two copies of your partner’s family registry records. This step is a duplicate of the previous process but involves additional documents.
3. Translation of Documents: After collecting the necessary documents, they must be translated into English by a sworn translator. This translator will need to sign and seal the translations. Be aware that sworn translators typically charge high fees for their services.

Visa Requirements for Lebanese Couples for Civil Marriage in Cyprus

To marry in Cyprus, Lebanese couples must first obtain a Schengen visa, a process that involves several challenging requirements. Initially, their passports must be valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay. 

They need to complete a Schengen visa application form with accurate details about their trip. Additionally, they must provide two passport-sized photos that meet specific criteria regarding size, background, and expression. 

Travel insurance is also necessary, covering medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation with a minimum coverage of $32,800, equating to roughly 2,842,876,800 Lebanese pounds. Proof of accommodation in Cyprus must be shown, along with evidence of sufficient financial means to cover living expenses during their stay.

This can be demonstrated through bank statements or other financial documents. Finally, couples must present a return or onward ticket as part of their visa application.

Conditions for Civil Marriage in Cyprus

For a civil marriage in Cyprus, several conditions must be met. Both parties need to be at least 18 years old and must be unmarried. If either individual is divorced, they must provide a divorce certificate; if widowed, a death certificate of the former spouse is required. Both parties must freely consent to the marriage without any coercion. 

Additionally, there must be no legal impediments, such as close family relations or mental incapacity, preventing the marriage. A marriage notice must be filed with the local civil registry office at least three days before the wedding. The ceremony must be conducted by a registered marriage officer, and the marriage must be officially registered with the local civil registry office. After submitting the application, the marriage can be celebrated after a minimum of 15 days, but it must take place within three months.

Civil Marriage in UAE for Lebanese Couples

While the UAE may not be the most ideal location for Lebanese couples to get married, it is still a feasible option. Recent changes in the law have improved the situation. Previously, civil marriage was nearly impossible in the UAE, but the new Federal Decree-Law No. 41/2022 has made it possible for non-Muslim foreigners and UAE residents. However, this law does not apply to UAE nationals who are Muslim.

Requirements for Civil Marriage in UAE

For Lebanese couples considering civil marriage in the UAE, they need to meet these requirements:

Both individuals must be at least 18 years old and must provide their consent. They should not be related by first or second degree, and neither partner should be currently married to someone else.

Get more info about civil marriage in UAE here.

Documents Required for Lebanese Couples for Civil Marriage in UAE

1. Completed and Signed Marriage Form
2. Passport Copies
3. Proof of Dissolution of Previous Marriage (if applicable)

Conditions for Civil Marriage in UAE

1. Non-Muslim Status: Both parties must be non-Muslim.
2. Residency Requirement: At least one partner must be a resident of the UAE.
3. Minimum Age: Both partners must be at least 21 years old.
4. Court Appearance: Either the couple or their legally authorized representative must appear in court.
5. Identification: Original IDs of both partners are required.
6. Proof of Single Status: Evidence that both partners are unmarried must be provided.

Civil Marriage in Georgia for Lebanese Couples

For Lebanese couples seeking an affordable, efficient, and straightforward civil marriage option, Georgia stands out as the ideal choice. Georgia has become a popular destination for civil marriages due to its favorable conditions.

Unlike other countries where the process can stretch over weeks or even months, Georgia allows couples to marry within just 24 hours.

Documents Required for Lebanese Couples in Georgia

1. Valid Passport: Both partners must possess valid passports.
2. Translation of Passport: If the passports are not in Georgian, they need to be translated into Georgian.
3. Certificate of Divorce or Death: If either partner was previously married, they must provide a certificate of divorce or death of the former spouse. This document must be translated and notarized.

Conditions for Civil Marriage in Georgia for Lebanese Couples

1. Residency: Georgia does not require either spouse to be a resident of the country.
2. Age Requirement: Both partners must be at least 18 years old. If either is 17, parental consent is required.
3. Consent: Both parties must verbally agree to marry.
4. Marriage Consent: Both individuals must consent to the marriage willingly.

Georgia’s streamlined process and minimal requirements make it a preferred choice for Lebanese couples looking for a hassle-free civil marriage experience.

Comparison of Visa Costs for Lebanese Citizens: Cyprus, UAE, and Georgia

Visa Cost for Cyprus: Lebanese citizens need to pay approximately $100 for a short-stay visa to travel to Cyprus. This amount is equivalent to about 8,949,465 Lebanese pounds.

Visa Cost for UAE: The visa fee for Lebanese citizens to enter the UAE is around $193, which translates to approximately 17,401,737 Lebanese pounds.

Visa Cost for Georgia: Lebanese passport holders do not require a visa to visit Georgia. They can stay in Georgia for up to one year without incurring any visa charges, making it the most cost-effective and accessible option among the three countries.

Hotel Booking Charges Comparison: Cyprus, UAE, and Georgia

When booking a hotel for a civil marriage, Lebanese couples will find that Georgia offers the most cost-effective option. Hotel rates in Georgia are the lowest compared to Cyprus and the UAE. In contrast, Cyprus presents the highest hotel booking charges, making it the most expensive destination for accommodation among the three countries. The UAE falls in between, with hotel costs being moderate but still higher than those in Georgia.

Comparison of Wedding Destinations: Georgia, UAE, and Cyprus

Budget
Georgia stands out as the most budget-friendly option for weddings, offering lower overall costs compared to the UAE and Cyprus.

Style
Georgia provides a more traditional and cultural wedding experience. In contrast, the UAE and Cyprus offer modern and luxurious settings, with the UAE focusing on opulence and Cyprus combining luxury with a Mediterranean charm.

Climate
Cyprus enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. The UAE is characterized by hot and humid conditions. Georgia features a diverse climate, with cooler temperatures in the mountainous regions.

Activities
The UAE boasts a wide array of activities, including shopping, dining, and theme parks. Cyprus is renowned for its beautiful beaches and ancient ruins. Georgia highlights its cultural heritage with historical sites and stunning natural landscapes.

Comparison of Wedding Packages: Cyprus, UAE, and Georgia

Wedding Packages in Cyprus

The cost of a wedding in Cyprus for Lebanese couples can be quite high, typically ranging between $11000 and $17,700. This makes Cyprus one of the more expensive options for wedding packages.

Wedding Packages in UAE

In the UAE, wedding packages for Lebanese couples start at approximately $1145. For those seeking a more opulent celebration, there are upscale options available, allowing couples to choose a package that best fits their desired level of luxury.

Wedding Packages in Georgia

Georgia offers a variety of wedding packages tailored to Lebanese couples. The most popular option is the “Cute Marriage” package, priced at $1214. This package is comprehensive, covering initial consultation, document preparation, full wedding planning support, passport translation, and all necessary wedding paperwork.

Key Takeaway

For Lebanese couples seeking a civil marriage, Georgia stands out as the most advantageous option. Compared to Cyprus and the UAE, Georgia offers a streamlined process with minimal documentation. You can complete your civil marriage in as little as 24 hours, unlike the mandatory 15-day wait in Cyprus. Additionally, Georgia provides free visas to Lebanese citizens for up to 365 days. With the lowest civil marriage fees among the three countries, Georgia is the most cost-effective and convenient choice.