Skip to content

Marriage by country

Marriage in Spain for Muslims: the Islamic rite and the civil registry

An Islamic marriage in Spain can have full civil effect under the cooperation agreement with the Islamic Commission (Law 26/1992), provided you obtain a certificate of capacity from the civil registry beforehand and register the marriage afterwards. The introduction before that is what Zawjni offers, free.

How does an Islamic marriage get civil effect in Spain?

Under Article 7 of Law 26/1992, the couple first obtains a certificate of matrimonial capacity from the civil registry, then the marriage is concluded before a representative of the Islamic community and at least two adult witnesses, then the marriage certificate is sent to the civil registry for registration. The registry may interview each partner separately to check the marriage is genuine.

If one partner is outside Spain, joining a spouse (reagrupación familiar) goes through the immigration offices, with conditions and timelines that vary by case. Zawjni does not give legal or immigration advice.

Marrying at the Moroccan consulate in Spain or at the civil registry?

This is one of the most common questions among Moroccans in Spain. Moroccan consulates conclude marriages before adoul under the Moudawana, while the Spanish civil registry recognises an Islamic marriage when the steps of Law 26/1992 are followed. Because each route serves a different country's law, ask the consulate and the civil registry about your case before the contract.

The introduction before that can stay away from WhatsApp groups: on Zawjni you set your city and whether you would relocate, there is no phone field, and you can report any account.

Before you write your profile

State your city (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga...) and your family's country of origin in your bio, plus the languages you speak. Say whether you prefer the contract at the consulate or in Spain, and whether you would relocate.

Frequently asked questions

What are the requirements for a marriage contract in Spain?

For an Islamic marriage: the certificate of capacity from the civil registry beforehand, the ceremony before a representative of the Islamic community and two witnesses, then registration at the civil registry. For a civil marriage, a file at the civil registry whose documents depend on the partners' nationalities.

How long does joining a spouse in Spain take?

It varies by case and by the immigration office handling it; the official reference is the Spanish immigration administration.

Is an Islamic marriage recognised in Spain?

Yes, if the partners obtain the certificate of capacity beforehand and the marriage is registered at the civil registry afterwards, under Law 26/1992.

Is Zawjni free?

Registration, your profile, daily suggestions and messaging within a match are free with no subscription. A free account gets 10 likes and 2 new conversations a day, and can start a chat with anyone who liked it first. Full filtered search and seeing who liked you are Premium features, which are optional.

Start with a free profile

How we protect members: Safety centre. What is free and what is paid: Pricing.

Create a free account