Marriage Between Filipino & French Nationals (FAQ)

Over the course of a few years I've been receiving mails, good feed backs and additional questions from Filipino women who are in the process of getting married or planning to get married with their French boyfriends.  As someone who went through this not-so-easy-sometimes-confusing-and-challenging process I decided to note and share how my husband and I went about it in the purpose of being able to help anyone who might need the information in the future.  I know how stressful it can be to scout for information and to wonder and worry if we are really doing the right thing.  

I've always been glad to respond to questions but truth be told, there were some questions which irritated me.  Some individuals forgot to read or ignored reading the articles and just went directly to the comments section to ask for something that is already mentioned in the article had she read it first.  I understand that not all of us are into reading but if we need any information especially for something as important as a marriage procedure, I think we need to set our laziness aside.  

Another thing is that, some readers ask really specific/subjective questions.  This is a personal blog not the French embassy's website, I couldn't possibly speak for anyone working there nor analyze your case and decide if it is okay to do this or proceed like that.  Needless to mention that the information I am sharing are based on my experience from a few years back, it is not impossible that the procedure or a part of the procedure changed.  Please don't hesitate to visit the French embassy's website for all specific and detailed information.  To visit the embassy's website and go directly to the "marriage information section" you may click HERE.

Here are the Frequently Asked Questions on Marriage Between Filipino & French Nationals (in the Philippines)

1. Is the CFO certificate still a requirement in order to have the certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry?
• Back in 2011 it was included in the list of requirements but the updated list of requirements doesn't have it anymore.  However, if you plan to settle in France and leave the country with your spouse visa after the wedding then you'll need to get it (later, after the wedding).  Otherwise the Philippine immigration won't let you leave the country even with your French spouse visa.
2. Is there a certain person in the embassy that we need to speak regarding this process?  If yes, do you have his/her phone number?
• I had the name and phone number of the person who assisted us on the process but this person has since left the embassy.  I suggest that you call the embassy and ask for the information from them directly.  Phone numbers and email addresses can be found in their website.
3. Do we need an appointment even if it is just for inquiries?  
• It is always better to call for an appointment first even for simple inquiries.  When you call they will advice you if you need an appointment or not for a specific visit.
4. Are there denied cases of LCM?
• Probably, but I personally don't know anyone who had a denied LCM case.  As long as your requirements are complete and no one opposes the marriage banns on both parties then I don't see why the issuance of LCM gets denied.
5. How many months does the  process take from the first visit to the embassy to the wedding?
• The processing time could take up to 5 months, that's for all the documents but this is just a rough estimate.
6. How long did your then fiancé (now husband) stay in the Philippines to process all the documents for the LCM?  Can I submit the needed documents alone?
• My husband didn't stay in the Philippines while we were processing the papers for the LCM.  I submitted my documents alone but we claimed it together.  However, I already had a few blog followers who said they were asked to submit their documents together.  I suggest that you ask the embassy first whether it is or isn't okay for you to submit your completed documents alone, just to be on the safe side.
7. When is my boyfriend's presence required at the embassy?
• When you start the wedding process they will advice you when they'll need to have both of you in their office (for some sort of interview).  I suppose this is to protect both parties from "fake" marriages.
8. Is there a fee to get the certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry?
• No there is no fee for this certificate.
9. How do we set an appointment?
• You can set appointments by calling the embassy or sending them an email.  Their contact information can be found in their website.
10. Does it matter if my boyfriend's salary is low?
• I don't think so.
11. Is my French boyfriend required to stay in the Philippines before we can get married? If yes, how long?
• This is a question that has to be addressed to the French embassy directly.
12. How long can we get the NSO copy of our MC?
• If you didn't request for an electronic endorsement, I suppose it'll take 2 to 3 months.  You may contact the local NSO office near you to verify this information.
13. After the wedding, what do I do next?
• If you plan to settle in France then you must start filing for your "livret de famille".  This is the main requirement for your spouse visa.

These are the most common questions I received from blog followers.  Soon I'll write an FAQ about the spouse visa and living in France too.

Feel free to click on the following items if you would like to read the detailed blog entries on my experience on the marriage procedure (so as my husband's of course but I'm the only one writing).  We had a civil wedding done at the city hall officiated by the mayor.  To reach me directly, put down your email address on the comment section and I'll contact you via email without posting the comment consisting your email address.

STEP ONE 

STEP TWO 

STEP THREE 

STEP FOUR 

STEP FIVE 

LE LIVRET DE FAMILLE