Getting married in Estonia
Everything you need to know about getting married in the Republic of Estonia — requirements, documents, fees and steps.
Scroll downMarriage requirements
The following requirements apply in Estonia under the Family Law Act (PKS).
Age
Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
Free will
Marriage is entered into by the free will of both parties. Marriage is a personal act and cannot be performed through a representative.
Previous marriage
Neither party may already be married. Any previous marriage must have ended (divorce, death of spouse, or annulment).
Kinship
Marriage cannot be contracted between direct-line relatives or between siblings (including half-siblings).
Required documents
Identity documents (passport or ID card), application to the registry office. If necessary, a certificate of marital status from abroad and its translation.
Surname choice
The parties may keep their current surnames, take a common surname (one spouse's name), or add the other spouse's name with a hyphen.
Fees
State fees related to marriage (effective from 2025).
| Service | Amount |
|---|---|
| Marriage at a registry office | €70 |
| Marriage by a clergyman | 70 € + church fees |
| Marriage at a notary | No state fee; notary fee ~77–80 € (64 € + VAT) |
| Issue of marriage certificate | Free (duplicate €20) |
Registry offices
Estonian registry offices where you can register a marriage and hold a ceremony.
Haapsalu City Government
Lääne CountyHiiumaa Municipality Government
Hiiu CountyJõgeva Municipality Government
Jõgeva CountyJõhvi Municipality Government
Ida-Viru CountyNarva City Government
Ida-Viru CountyPaide City Government
Järva CountyPärnu City Government
Pärnu CountyPõlva Municipality Government
Põlva CountyRakvere City Government
Lääne-Viru CountyRapla Municipality Government
Rapla CountySaaremaa Municipality Government
Saare CountyTallinn Registry Office
Harju CountyTartu City Government
Tartu CountyValga Municipality Government
Valga CountyViljandi City Government
Viljandi CountyVõru Municipality Government
Võru CountyChurches and congregations
Registered religious associations whose clergy are authorised to perform marriages.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church (EAOC)
Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church (EELC)
Estonian Methodist Church
Estonian Pentecostal Church
Estonian Union of Congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Estonian Union of Seventh Day Adventist Churches
Roman Catholic Church in Estonia
Union of Estonian Evangelical and Free Churches
Union of Estonian Evangelical Christian and Baptist Churches
Clergymen entitled to perform marriage (102)
Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church 56
Roman Catholic Church 1
Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church 1
Estonian Methodist Church 2
Estonian Pentecostal Church 5
Estonian Union of Seventh Day Adventist Churches 6
Union of Estonian Evangelical Christian and Baptist Churches 21
Estonian Union of Congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses 5
Union of Estonian Evangelical and Free Churches 4
Estonian Congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1
Marriage at a notary
Since 2016, marriage can also be performed at a notary. The notary certifies the marriage and enters it in the population register. A notary has the right to perform marriages throughout Estonia.
Foreign citizen marriage in Estonia
- A foreign citizen must submit a Certificate of No Impediment from the competent authority of their country of citizenship or residence, confirming they are free to marry.
- Documents must be legalised or apostilled and translated into Estonian by a sworn translator.
- If the foreign citizen does not speak Estonian, a sworn interpreter must be present at the ceremony.
E-Population Register
A marriage application can be submitted electronically through the e-Population Register (rahvastikuregister.ee). You need an ID card, Mobile-ID, or Smart-ID.
Legislation
Estonian laws governing marriage.
Family Law Act
Regulates marriage, the rights and obligations of spouses, divorce, and maintenance.
Vital Statistics Registration Act
Regulates the submission of marriage applications, procedures and deadlines.
Population Register Act
Regulates the maintenance of the population register and registration of vital events.
State Fees Act
Establishes state fee rates, including fees for marriage and issue of marriage certificates.
Churches and Congregations Act
Regulates the activities of religious associations, including the right of clergy to perform marriages.
Steps to get married
An overview of the marriage process in Estonia — from start to finish.
Check requirements
Make sure both parties meet the legal requirements (age, marital status).
Gather documents
Prepare identity documents. Foreign citizens may need a certificate of marital status with an apostille.
Pay the state fee
Pay the state fee of €70 to the registry office account.
Submit application
Submit a marriage application to the registry office — in person or via the e-Population Register.
Choose date and venue
Agree on the date and venue for the marriage. The marriage takes place at least 1 month after submitting the application.
Choose surname option
Decide on surnames — keep your own names, take a common name, or add a hyphenated name.
The marriage ceremony
The marriage takes place at the registry office, church, notary, or another agreed venue.
Marriage certificate
The marriage is registered in the population register. You receive the marriage certificate from the registry office.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance must the application be submitted?
The application must be submitted at least 1 month and no more than 6 months before the desired wedding date. The registrar may shorten this period for a valid reason.
Can a marriage be performed outside the registry office?
Yes, a registrar can also perform a marriage outside the office — for example, at a venue of your choice. An additional fee may apply. Marriage can also be performed in a church, at a notary, or at a diplomatic mission.
Can same-sex couples marry in Estonia?
Since 1 January 2024, same-sex couples can marry in Estonia. The Family Law Act was amended in 2023.
Does a foreign citizen need a visa to get married?
A foreign citizen must be legally present in Estonia to get married. If necessary, a visa or residence permit must be obtained. Marriage itself does not automatically grant a residence permit.
Is a church wedding also legally valid?
Yes, if the clergyman has been granted the right to perform vital statistics acts by the Ministry of Interior. In that case, the church wedding is legally valid and is entered in the population register. No separate civil registration is required.
What are the property consequences of marriage?
When marrying, you can choose community of property (default), equalisation of accrued gains, or separation of property. The choice can be made in the marriage application or by concluding a marital property agreement at a notary.
How much does marriage registration cost and what is the state fee?
The state fee for marriage registration is €70, which covers making the marriage record in the population register. The same state fee applies for church weddings. There is no state fee for notary marriages, but the notary fee is approximately €77–80 (€64 + VAT). The surcharge for an expedited marriage is €30.
How to register a marriage online in Estonia?
The marriage application can be submitted electronically via the e-Population Register at rahvastikuregister.ee. Both parties need an ID card or Mobile-ID. The application is submitted digitally, but the marriage ceremony still takes place in person.
Does abielu.ee cover divorce?
This page focuses on getting married. Divorce in court is regulated by the Family Law Act (PKS). Divorce can be processed at the registry office by mutual consent, or through the courts if one spouse does not agree. For more detailed information, consult a lawyer.
Data accuracy
The data on this page has been collected from official sources by both the Pulmad.ee team and Claude AI. We verify the data once a month. Updated: March 16, 2026