Marriage in Morocco

The below is intended only as a guide to marriage in Morocco. Requirements may vary according to local authorities and are subject to change.  Marriage is a legal act governed by the law of Morocco and U.S. citizens are subject to those laws as interpreted by the appropriate Moroccan authorities. 

Marriages cannot be performed at U.S. Embassies or Consulates, nor do U.S. diplomatic personnel have the authority to preside over marriages.  A Moroccan marriage is recognized in the U.S.; you do not need to register your marriage at the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca.

Below is a list of documents required for marriage in Morocco. The U.S. Consulate can provide the first two documents (the affidavit of nationality and eligibility to marry, and copies of your biographic passport and the page containing your entry to Morocco).  In order to receive the documents needed from the U.S. Consulate General, please review the guidance on notarial services and schedule a notarial appointment.

1. An Affidavit of Nationality and Eligibility to Marry. This affidavit is valid for six months from the date it is signed and notarized at the U.S. Consulate.
2. Copies of your biographic passport and the page containing your entry date to Morocco
3. If divorced, provide original or certified copies of proof of dissolution of any previous marriage(s).
4. If former spouse is deceased, provide original or certified copy of his or her death certificate (s).
5. Provide an original or certified copy of your birth certificate.
6. Evidence of employment from employer in the United States or source of income.
7. A written statement indicating your intention to marry in Morocco.
8. If resident in Morocco, a copy of the residency card.
9. If resident in Morocco, obtain a Moroccan police record from the Ministry of Justice in Rabat (Office of Penal Affairs and Pardons).  (For U.S. citizens, resident in Morocco, you will need both an American and Moroccan police record.)
10. If male, a notarized statement of religious denomination or a certified copy of a conversion document to Islam.  (Conversion documents are obtained from and notarized by Adouls, or religious/court notarials, at the Ministry of Justice in Rabat.) Women do not need this document.
11. A medical certificate of good health from a doctor in Morocco. This document must be obtained in Morocco.
12. Four (4) recent passport photos (3cm x 4cm, please note this is the same size required for a Moroccan passport).
13. The fee for submitting an application for marriage to an Adoul is 150 Moroccan Dirham.
14. An American police record must be obtained from a police department in the state where you last resided or from the FBI BEFORE coming to Morocco.

DISCLAIMER:  This list is not exhaustive.  Moroccan authorities may ask for additional information or other documents.

Where can I obtain the copy of my police record?

 

The U.S. Consulate cannot provide police records.  U.S. citizens who would like to obtain their police records are required to contact the FBI.  If you have not obtained your police records, you will need to submit your fingerprints to the FBI.  The Consular Section cannot take your fingerprints and the Moroccan authorities will only fingerprint individuals who are resident to Morocco (holders of a carte de séjour).  If you already have your fingerprints and wish to submit the criminal background check by mail, you will need:

• Fingerprint card with your name, date of birth and place of birth;
• An informal note explaining the reason for your request;
• And a certified check or money order payable to the U.S. Treasury for $18.00 in U.S. currency.

Please send your documents and the required fee to the FBI at the following address:

FBI, CJIS Division
SCU – MOD, D-2
1000 Cluster Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306

What do I do next?

 

Take your completed Affidavit of Nationality and Eligibility to Marry and other documents to the following Government of Morocco office to be certified.  There is a fee for this certification.  The length of time needed to complete this phase of the process varies from a few days to a few months.

Annexe du Ministère des Affaires Etrangères & de la Coopération
Zankat Tetouan
Hassan, Rabat
Tel: 0537-76-61-02

After obtaining the certification from the above office, you and your fiancé (e) must provide the Family Law Section at the Prosecutor’s office at the Court of Appeal in the city where you will be married with all the required documents.  Authorization to marry should be granted after the court completes administrative processing.  The length of time required for this process varies.  The file with your documents is forwarded to a family judge who will inform you of the next steps you must take in order to obtain your Moroccan marriage certificate.