Home / Guides

Translating an adoul marriage contract for use abroad

The Moroccan marriage contract, drawn up by two adouls and approved by the notarial judge, is often required abroad: spouse visas, family reunification, marriage registration, residence and nationality files.

What makes this document specific

It is written in precise legal Arabic and includes Hijri and Gregorian dates, references to the marriage authorisation, the adoul's record book, the dowry, the guardian and the judge's approval. Each element must be rendered accurately and with consistent terminology.

Before translation

• Obtain a recently issued copy of the contract: many authorities ask for recent copies.
• Check whether the receiving authority requires an apostille.
• Check the spelling of names against the passports.

What the translation covers

• The full text of the contract, including marginal notes and endorsements
• A description of stamps and signatures
• Names spelled as in the passports
• Hijri dates with their Gregorian equivalents, as in the original

Where it is used

• Embassies and consulates (spouse visas)
• Civil registries abroad
• Immigration authorities
• Foreign courts