Mixed Marriages in Morocco. 5 Things You Better Know

5 Things You Must to Know About Mixed Marriages in Morocco

A Comprehensive Guide to Mixed Marriages in Morocco between Americans and Moroccan Nationals.

In today’s globalized world, mixed marriages in Morocco are growing more popular. Unfortunately, the procedure may be time-consuming, confusing, and frustrating.

Each country has its own set of rules for nationals who want to marry Moroccans, although Western countries typically comply to the same principles. The methods here are intended for Americans wishing to marry a Moroccan citizen in Morocco.

Keep in mind that your potential Moroccan spouse will require his or her own set of paperwork under Moroccan law. Some of these are only available in the place where he or she was born.

If you do not currently reside in Morocco, you must ensure that you have all you require before arriving and starting Mixed Marriages in Morocco.

You should also allow enough time to complete the process in Morocco. Some publications indicate that two weeks is enough time to plan a Moroccan wedding, but I believe this is stretching it.

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Places to go

1 - The US Consulate General in Casablanca

If everything goes well in Mixed Marriages in Morocco, you just need to go once. You’ll be there for a few hours. You cannot bring your future spouse inside.

2 - The Ministry of Justice in Rabat

Depending on your specific circumstances, you may need to revisit two or three times. The staff appears to exclusively speak French or Arabic, which may be intimidating for people who only know English. Everyone who worked there, on the other hand, was quite pleasant. Your spouse cannot accompany you inside, but he or she can explain what you need to the guards.

3 - The police station in the city where you intend to marry

You should only need to attend once, but be ready to come back. Your spouse will do the most of the talking here.

4 - The family court in the city where you intend to marry

You should attend at least three times. You’ll be spending a lot of time here, and your spouse will handle practically all communication. But it’s the most important place in Mixed Marriages in Morocco.

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Religion-related information

  • A Muslim guy (who is not from a Muslim country) who intends to marry a Muslim Moroccan woman must have his religious denomination verified in order to conclude his Mixed Marriage in Morocco.
  • A non-Muslim guy who wants to marry a Muslim Moroccan woman must convert to Islam before they may marry in Morocco.

He will need a certified and notarized copy of his conversion certificate from a religious/court notary, also known as an adoul. This is obtained from Rabat’s Ministry of Justice. Otherwise, the couple must marry in a country where this rule does not exist. France is a valid option. And shall help avoid all the religious related issues regarding Mixed Marriages in Morocco.

  • To marry a Muslim Moroccan guy, a Christian or Jewish woman does not need to convert to Islam. Mixed Marriages in Morocco at an Islamic wedding ceremony does not affect your religious affiliation.
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What exactly is an Apostille?

Mixed Marriages in Morocco means that you’ll hear the term “apostille”. It refers to certification in French. An Apostille is required to confirm the integrity of original copies of government-issued documents so that they can be accepted by other governments.

Birth, death, and marriage certificates are examples of documents that require an Apostille. Court documents, administrative documents, and notarial acts may also necessitate an Apostille. An Apostille is not required for every document you seek to submit to the Moroccan government.

Some foreign countries require the US Department of State to issue Apostilles. Mixed Marriages in Morocco does not need this, and state-issued Apostilles suffice.

Apostilles can be requested through the mail for a fee of $15 per document.

If you wish to apply for Moroccan residence, your criminal record may require an Apostille. Police encounters varies, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

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Documents necessary before traveling to Morocco

1 - Copies of biographical passport pages

For Mixed Marriages in Morocco you’ll need to make at least five copies, especially if you want to apply for Moroccan residency or file form I-130 (Alien Relative Petition) for your future spouse. You will need these at various steps of the marriage procedure.

2 - Birth certificate or certified copy

To avoid tampering with the official documents, I propose getting a certified replica of your birth certificate along with an Apostille. Even after your Mixed Marriages in Morocco is finalized, the family court may refuse to deliver your certificates to you, so bring a certified replica of your original documents.

3 - American criminal record: local or federal

You will need a police record from the state where you last lived or a criminal background check from the FBI in order to finalize Mixed Marriages in Morocco. Your fingerprints are required for both records.

The FBI can provide you with a criminal background check. Simply submit your fingerprint cards (which should cost roughly $20 at a local police station) to the FBI, along with a handwritten letter of intent explaining why you want the report. The application price is $18 plus shipping and handling.

Not just for Mixed Marriages in Morocco. But also if you want to apply for Moroccan residency (carte sejour), you need to obtain and pay for two copies of your criminal record: one for the family court when you get married and one for the local police when you apply for residency.

Keep the second copy sealed or the police will call it into question. The police department may also require an Apostille for this document.

4 - Proof of employment in the US as well as pay stubs from the previous three months

Mixed Marriages in Morocco Employment Status:

  • If you do not live in Morocco, you must prove that you have stable job in your home country.
  • If you are an unemployed woman, you should have no worries because males are obliged to pay for their spouses under Islamic law. Keep in mind that moving your spouse to the United States is a different story.

5 - If your former spouse is no longer alive, you must get an original or certified copy of his or her death certificate

Any death certificates or copies will require an Apostille for all Mixed Marriages in Morocco. It is preferable to obtain a certified copy in case the court refuses to return the original.

6 - Original or certified copies of any prior marriage dissolution or single status letter

For Mixed Marriages in Morocco:

  • If you have previously been married, you have to provide documentation that the marriage was legally ended.
  • If you have never been married, you’llĀ have toĀ prove it.
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Documents obtained in Morocco

1 - Copy of Moroccan residency card, if resident in Morocco

2 - Moroccan police record

Bring your passport or residency card to Rabat’s Ministry of Justice. They will take down your biographical info and hand you a form concerning Mixed Marriages in Morocco to fill.

Go outside and fill out the form before returning it. They will give you a ticket indicating when you should return, which is normally after a few hours. Make sure you go early in the morning so you don’t have to wait until the next day. If they say it will take weeks, tell them you’re leaving the country tomorrow.

When it’s your turn, return to the office with the ticket and your passport or residency card, and they’ll give you your Moroccan police record, that will help you regarding the Mixed Marriages in Morocco.

Bring a pen with you, or simply borrow one from a local store.

3 - Affidavit of Nationality and Marital Eligibility

This document can be obtained for $50 at the US Consulate General in Casablanca. Book an appointment for American Citizen Services/notarial services online and print your appointment confirmation. You will not be able to find the confirmation page later if you do not save it.

You must bring your passport with you to the US Consulate. You may also require documentation that you are legally permitted to marry (single status letter, proof of divorce, or death certificate). They will offer you a form to fill out, which you will then take to the cashier for payment. Return the receipt to the desk from whence you obtained the form and wait for your name to be called.

An official will return your passport and other documents after calling your name. They will offer you the formal affidavit as well as the documents requested below.

4 - Notarized copies of biographical passport pages, as well as the page with the most current date of arrival into Morocco

This is done for $50 at the US Consulate General in Casablanca (not included in the affidavit fee). This service does not require a separate appointment.

Please keep in mind that your most recent date of entry must be notarized.

5 - A medical certificate of good health from a doctor in Morocco

You should approach a few offices to see whether they are familiar with this service, which is dedicated to Mixed Marriages in Morocco. When you locate one, go in for a check-up, and they will give you the appropriate diagnosis.

6 - Recent passport-style photos

For the Mixed Marriages in Morocco, you and your significant other each need four. The needed dimensions are 3 x 4 centimeters.

If you intend to apply for residency in Morocco, you will require an additional six 3 centimeter by 4 centimeter pictures.

If you wish to file form I-130 for your spouse, you will need two extra passport-style pictures of yourself and two of your significant other, each measuring 5 cm by 5 cm.

Also, keep in mind that having photos taken and printed in Morocco is less expensive than in the United States.

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Next Steps

1 - Time to translate the documents related to Mixed Marriages in Morocco

All of these documents, including your notarized passport pages (biographical and date of entrance) and birth certificate, must be translated into Arabic.

If you can afford it, it is recommended to use a government-appointed translator. The whole cost isĀ about MAD 2,300 ($230).

Each document only need one original translation. Request at least four copies of each document and its translations from the translator.

The translator could need a day or two to finish this.

2 - Take your translated files to the family court in the city where you intend to marry

They will go through your credentials, let you know if anything is missing, and offer you an envelope that you will need in order to conclude Mixed Marriages in Morocco. This might take a few days.

3 - Take the envelope to the main police station in the city where you wish to marry

You and your spouse will be interviewed about your relationship, education, and family, among other things. The police will make a file for you and forward it to family court. Again, this might take a few days.

4 - When the family court receives the file, they will assign you to an adoul

Now is the time to request the release of your original documents, but don’t be amazed if the court refuses. This is why you should obtain certified copies of any papers you may want in the future, such as your birth certificate or criminal record.

For a charge of $15, the adoul will process your marriage application.

The adoul will ask you a few questions, clarify some details, and write your marriage certificate in Arabic. You and your future spouse should go over it thoroughly to ensure there are no mistakes. You must write your name in Arabic in his record book, so start practicing now!

Your marriage certificate will be issued by the adoul, and you will be officially married. If you want extra copies, respectfully ask them.

5 - If you do not intend to stay in Morocco permanently, you should return the marriage certificate to the family court for an Apostille

You should also get it translated into the official language of the country where you intend to live by a certified translator.

If you file form I-130, you must include an English translation of your marriage certificate in your submission to US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

If you’ve made it this far, the fun really begins! You can relax and enjoy your wedding and honeymoon knowing that if you and your spouse can get through this, you can get through anything.

Mixed Marriages in Morocco may all sound intimidating, but don’t let it frighten you. The majority of the time is spent wandering between buildings and waiting.

You should have no troubles if you arrive to Morocco prepared. All you need is time and patience, and you’ll have your happily ever after. Plus, it’ll make a terrific tale to tell your friends and family!

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