at least one month before the planned date of the celebration, this period being necessary to allow for checks and approval by the Immigration office.

It is recommended to submit the application 6 months in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

Required documents

For the Mauritian citizen

1. Birth certificate(original + 2 photocopies)
   • Issued within 3 months prior to filing the application
   • In French or English
2. National identity card(original + photocopy)
3. Certificate of celibacy(if applicable)
   • Issued by the Mauritian civil registry
   • Valid for 3 months
4. Final divorce certificate(if applicable)
   • With certified translation if the document is not in French or English
5. Death certificate of previous spouse(if widowed)

For abroad

Mandatory personal documents

1. Birth certificate
   • The birth certificate must have been issued within 3 months prior to the request
   • Original + 2 photocopies
   • Apostilled by the authorities of the country of origin
   • Translated into English by a sworn translator if the original document is in another language
2. Valid passport
   • Original + photocopies of the main pages
   • Minimum validity of 6 months
3. Certificate of celibacy/marital capacity
   • Issued by the competent authorities of the country of origin
   • Apostilled and translated into English if necessary
   • For French citizens: Certificate of Capacity to Marriage (CCAM) issued by the French Embassy after 10 days of displaying the banns
4. Certificate of non-opposition to marriage
   • Issued by the town hall of the place of birth or residence
   • Valid for 3 months

Additional documents depending on the situation

5. Final divorce certificate(if divorced)
   • Apostilled and translated into English
   • All divorce judgments must be provided
6. Death certificate(if widowed)
   • From the deceased spouse, apostilled and translated
7. Medical certificate
   • Issued in Mauritius certifying the absence of contagious/infectious diseases
   • Valid for 1 month
   • To be carried out in a Mauritian public hospital

Specific formalities by nationality

French citizens

French nationals must follow a specific procedure with the French Embassy:

1. Submitting your application to the Embassy
   • Publication of bans for 10 days
   • Request for a certificate of non-opposition from the French town hall
2. Specific documents required
   • CCAM application form
   • Proof of French residence
   • Certificate of custom (if required)

Other European nationalities

EU citizens generally need to provide:

• Certificate of marital capacity from their country of origin
• All documents apostilled according to the Hague Convention

Citizens of countries that are not signatories to the Hague Convention

For nationals of countries that have not signed the Hague Convention:

• Consular legalization of all documents
• Translation certified by the consular authorities

Marriage procedure

1. Publication of banns

• Public display for 10 working days
• At the town hall of the place of celebration
• Possibility of opposition during this period

2. Celebration of marriage

Place :

• Civil Status Office or town hall of the chosen district
• Some hotels and approved locations (at an additional cost)

Mandatory attendance:

• The two future spouses
• Two adult witnesses (with ID)
• The civil status officer

Duration :The civil ceremony generally lasts 30 to 45 minutes

3. Submission of documents

A marriage certificate is issued during the ceremony. A copy of the marriage certificate is also issued on site or sent by email within a few days.

Costs and fees

Official fees (2025 rates)

• Application fees:Rs 500 (around €11)
• Celebration costs:Rs 1,000 (around €22)
• Copies of marriage certificate:Rs 25 per copy (approximately €0.55)
• Translation costs:Variable depending on the translator (Rs 500-2000 per document)

Additional charges may apply

• Apostille: Varies depending on the country of origin
• Consular fees: Depending on the embassy concerned
• Medical certificate: Rs 200-500 in a public hospital

Processing times

1. Constitution of the file:2-4 weeks
2. Administrative verification:2-3 weeks
3. Publication of banns:10 working days
4. Average total time:6-8 weeks minimum

Legal Consequences of Marriage

For the foreign spouse

1. Right of residence
   • Possibility to apply for a Residence Permit after marriage
   • Specific conditions depending on the date of marriage (before/after 2019)
2. Right to work
   • Automatic work permit with residence permit
   • Possibility of independent activity
3. Acquisition of Mauritian nationality
   • Possible after 4 years of marriage and 2 years of continuous residence
   • Specific naturalization procedure

International recognition

• Marriage is recognized in all countries that are signatories to international conventions
• Possibility of transcription in the registers of the country of origin of the foreign spouse

Practical advice

Preparation in advance

1. Anticipation of deadlines
   • Start the process 6 months before the desired date
   • Allow additional time for apostille and translations
2. Verification of documents
   • Ensure the validity of all documents
   • Provide extra copies
3. Professional assistance
   • Possibility of using a certified wedding coordinator
   • Help with preparing the file and monitoring the procedures

Pitfalls to avoid

1. Expired documents
   • Check the validity dates regularly
   • Renew if necessary before filing
2. Incorrect translations
   • Use only sworn translators
   • Check the conformity of translations
3. Consular procedures
   • Do not neglect the formalities with the embassy of the country of origin
   • Respect the deadlines imposed by each administration

Special cases

Religious wedding

• Religious marriage can take place before or after civil marriage
• Only civil marriage has legal value
• Some denominations require specific documents

Remarriages

• 300-day period of widowhood for women (except with a medical certificate)
• Mandatory divorce or death documents
• Verification of the validity of the divorce abroad

Mixed marriages with minor children

• Special authorization from the legal guardian
• Documents proving custody of children
• Impact on the status of minor children

Useful resources

Administrative contacts

• Civil Status Division Head Office
  • Address: Emmanuel Anquetil Building, Port Louis
  • Phone: (+230) 201-1122
  • Email:csd@govmu.org
• French Embassy in Mauritius
  • Phone: (+230) 202-0100
  • Website: mu.ambafrance.org

Official websites

• Mauritian government website: govmu.org
• Civil Status Division: csd.govmu.org
• Immigration: passport.govmu.org

Conclusion

Marriage between a Mauritian citizen and a foreigner, although subject to strict formalities, remains an accessible procedure with proper preparation. The key to success lies in anticipating the steps, carefully preparing your file, and respecting administrative deadlines. Don't hesitate to seek professional assistance if necessary to ensure the smooth running of your matrimonial procedures in Mauritius.

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This article was written based on official information available in 2025. Procedures and fees are subject to change. It is recommended to check the information with the relevant authorities before taking any steps.