This document, also known as a multilingual certificate, is a simplified model that allows for the certification of civil status facts abroad without the need for legalization or apostille, and without requiring an official translation, since the form itself contains the terms in the languages of all the signatory States.
1. Countries that accept these certificates (Vienna Convention No. 16 CIEC)
The States that have ratified this convention and, therefore, issue and accept these certificates reciprocally are:
● Spain
● Germany
● Austria
● Belgium
● Bosnia and Herzegovina
● Bulgaria
● Croatia
● Slovenia
● Estonia
● France
● Greece
● Italy
● Lithuania
● Luxembourg
● North Macedonia
● Moldova
● Montenegro
● Netherlands
● Poland
● Portugal
● Romania
● Serbia
● Switzerland
● Türkiye
2. Types of certificates included
Under this agreement, the following public documents can be issued in international/multilingual format:
● Birth Certificate: It certifies the fact, date and place of birth, as well as the parentage.
● Certificate of Marriage: It certifies the legal union between two people.
● Death Certificate: It certifies the death of a person, this being the specific case of your query for residents in France and Italy.
Legal Note: In addition to the Vienna Convention, for countries of the European Union (such as France and Italy), Regulation (EU) 2016/1191 reinforces this validity, eliminating the apostille for documents that establish the name, address or
absence of criminal record, among others.
3. Obtaining and Official Linking
To request these certificates in Spain, you must go to the Electronic Headquarters of the Ministry of Justice.
● Official link: Electronic Headquarters of the Ministry of Justice – Civil Registry Procedures
Legal certainty and practical utility of the international civil status certificate
The international civil status certificate not only simplifies the exchange of documents between countries, but also provides a key advantage in terms of legal certainty and administrative efficiency. In an increasingly internationalized world—especially in situations such as marriages between people of different nationalities, inheritances with foreign elements, or changes of residence—having a document directly recognized by multiple states avoids frequent problems arising from formal differences between legal systems.
From a practical standpoint, this type of certificate allows for the immediate verification of essential facts such as birth, marriage, or death before foreign authorities, without the need for additional procedures that could delay sensitive processes. This is especially relevant in operations such as accepting an inheritance in another country, registering a marriage, or managing inheritance rights, where deadlines and proper documentation are crucial.
It is also important to note that, although the multilingual format eliminates the need for certified translation in the signatory countries, it remains essential that the document's content be accurate and up-to-date. An error in the registration data can lead to administrative blocks or even the need to initiate rectification procedures, with the consequent cost in time and resources.
In this context, the intervention of a legal professional with experience in international law is highly recommended. Proper guidance on which certificate to request, when to request it, and for what specific purpose can prevent subsequent problems, especially in areas such as inheritance law or cross-border asset transactions, where different national and international regulations converge.
Team of professionals from the Bosch Notary Office of Barcelona.
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