So, you’ve had your dream wedding abroad—maybe a romantic elopement in Santorini, a sunset ceremony in Bali, or a fairytale affair in Tuscany. Now you’re back in Sweden, and reality kicks in: you need to make it official.
Registering a foreign marriage in Sweden isn’t as thrilling as saying “I do” on a cliffside in Amalfi, but it’s an essential step if you want your marriage to be legally recognized. No worries—I’ve got you covered with this step-by-step guide, sprinkled with real talk, useful tips, and a bit of humor (because dealing with bureaucracy without a sense of humor is just painful).
Why Do You Need to Register Your Foreign Marriage in Sweden?
If you live in Sweden and got married abroad, your marriage isn’t automatically recognized—you need to register it with Skatteverket (the Swedish Tax Agency).
Why bother? Well, because:
✅ It affects your legal rights as a couple (taxes, inheritance, social benefits)
✅ You may need it for residence permits or name changes
✅ It ensures banks, hospitals, and government agencies recognize your marriage
Basically, without registering it, Sweden considers you two adorable, cohabiting roommates. Not exactly the marital status you were going for, right?
Step 1: Gather Your Paperwork (Because Sweden Loves Documents)
Before heading to Skatteverket, you’ll need:
📜 Your Original Marriage Certificate – Issued by the country where you got married.
📝 Apostille or Legalization – If your marriage certificate comes from outside the EU, you’ll likely need an apostille (for Hague Convention countries) or legalization (for others).
🌍 Official Translation – If the certificate isn’t in Swedish, English, Norwegian, or Danish, you must get it translated by an authorized translator.
🆔 Identification – Valid passports or Swedish ID cards for both of you.
💡 Pro Tip: If your documents aren’t in order, Skatteverket will lovingly (read: bureaucratically) reject your application, and you’ll have to start over.
Step 2: Submit Your Marriage Registration to Skatteverket
Once your documents are ready, you can:
📩 Mail them to Skatteverket (check the address on their official website).
🏢 Visit a Skatteverket office and submit them in person.
Processing times vary, but expect a few weeks to a couple of months (depending on Skatteverket’s coffee intake and mood).
Step 3: Changing Your Last Name (If You Want To)
Thinking of changing your last name after marriage? Sweden has strict naming laws, so no wild choices like “Mr. & Mrs. Lovebirds” (yes, really).
💡 To change your name, you must submit a separate application to Skatteverket. Details are here.
Step 4: Residence Permits & Citizenship (For International Couples)
❗ Marriage ≠ Automatic Residency in Sweden ❗
If one of you is a non-EU citizen, marrying a Swedish citizen doesn’t automatically grant a residence permit. You’ll need to apply through Migrationsverket. Processing times? Let’s just say… patience is a virtue.
FAQ – Because You’re Probably Wondering…
💡 How long does it take to register a foreign marriage in Sweden?
👉 Anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. Bureaucracy takes its sweet time.
💡 Does Sweden recognize same-sex marriages?
👉 Absolutely! Sweden has been a champion of LGBTQ+ rights for years.
💡 Can I register a symbolic wedding?
👉 Nope—only legally binding marriages can be registered. If you had a symbolic ceremony in Bali or Mexico, you’ll need to have a civil wedding first.
💡 Can I do this online?
👉 Unfortunately, no. Welcome to The Land of Digital Efficiency—except when it comes to marriage registration.
📌 Marriage Registration Checklist (So You Don’t Forget Anything!)
✅ Original Marriage Certificate
✅ Apostille or Legalization (if required)
✅ Official Translation (if needed)
✅ Passports/Swedish ID cards
✅ Submit documents to Skatteverket
✅ Wait patiently and drink lots of Swedish coffee ☕
Final Thoughts: The Paperwork Is Worth It!
Registering your foreign marriage in Sweden might feel like a second wedding—except with less champagne and more bureaucracy. But once it’s done, you can focus on the fun parts of married life: decorating your home, planning dreamy vacations, and arguing about what’s for dinner (Swedish meatballs or Thai takeout?).
💡 And if you haven’t tied the knot yet but dream of a destination wedding in Santorini, Lake Como, or the Maldives—let’s make it unforgettable!
📸 Check out my wedding photography work here: Your Happy Moments Blog
💍 Looking for the perfect wedding photography package? Find it here
📩 Ready to chat about your dream wedding? Contact me
Let’s turn your love story into timeless memories—one perfect frame at a time! ❤️
