Process & Timeline

The Legal Process in Morocco

Marriage in Morocco is a court-supervised process. Unlike some countries where you can simply sign papers at city hall, in Morocco the marriage must be authorized by the local court before it is legally recognized.

A central figure in this process is the Adoul, a court-appointed notary who prepares and validates your marriage contract (‘aqid’). Once the Adoul has assembled the contract and all supporting documents, the file is submitted to the court. Only when the court reviews, approves, and stamps the file does the marriage become official.

This means that every document you present must be accurate, complete, and meet Moroccan legal standards or the court may reject the file, causing long delays.

The Role of Documents

One of the most important aspects of the process is ensuring that all your documents are translated and certified. Morocco requires foreign documents (such as birth certificates, divorce decrees, proof of nationality, or affidavits of eligibility to marry) to be translated into Arabic and certified for legal use.

If documents are missing, improperly translated, or not certified in the right way, your case may be delayed for weeks or even months. This is where having professional guidance makes a huge difference.

The Consulate Visit

Foreign nationals must also obtain documents from their home country’s consulate or embassy in Morocco. This typically includes a sworn affidavit confirming eligibility to marry under your own country’s laws.

While this step is mandatory, it can be time-consuming without guidance. We can streamline this by helping schedule your consular appointment, preparing you with the right paperwork, and ensuring the consulate’s requirements are met so that your visit is as efficient as possible.

Eligibility for Marriage in Morocco

Not everyone is automatically eligible to marry in Morocco. The court checks several conditions before granting approval:

Legal Age: Both partners must meet Morocco’s minimum marriage age (18), unless a special exemption is granted.

Consent: Both parties must give free and full consent.

Marital Status: You must provide proof that you are legally free to marry (single, divorced, or widowed). Prior marriages must be fully dissolved.
Religion: By law, a Muslim woman cannot marry a non-Muslim man unless he converts to Islam. Muslim men may marry Muslim, Jewish, or Christian women.
Nationality Requirements: Foreign nationals must provide documents proving their identity, nationality, and eligibility to marry under their home country’s laws.
Residency: Some courts may require proof of residence or local address during the marriage process.

These conditions must be clearly documented and legally verified for the court to issue your aqid.

Timeline: With Us vs. On Your Own

Processing times vary greatly depending on how complete and accurate your file is. Morocco is known for slow-moving bureaucracy—if one piece of paperwork is missing, you may be sent back and forth between offices, adding weeks or months to your timeline.

With Our Guidance: Because we know the process inside and out, we can often streamline your marriage filing in 4–6 weeks, sometimes sooner depending on your city and circumstances. Our team ensures documents are translated, certified, and properly filed the first time. We schedule your appointments and personally guide you through every step.
On Your Own: Couples without experience often take 3–6 months or more to complete the process. Missteps—such as incorrect translations, missing stamps, or delays at the consulate can add significant time and frustration.

Why It Matters

Getting married in Morocco isn’t just about romance, it’s also about meeting a very specific set of legal requirements. The court will not issue your aqid (marriage certificate) until every detail is correct. Working with experts means less stress, fewer delays, and the confidence that your marriage will be legally recognized both in Morocco and abroad.