Civil records registration means registering births, marriages and deaths that occurred in the United States with the Congo authorities. Essential for citizens of Congo living abroad whose family events happen in the U.S.
Congo consulates processing civil records
What can be registered?
- Birth registration: children of Congo parents born in the U.S. can be registered as Congo nationals
- Marriage registration: marriages of Congo citizens (or mixed marriages) celebrated in the U.S.
- Death registration: death of Congo nationals in the U.S.
- Divorce registration: U.S. divorce decrees for those married in Congo
Required documents
- Original U.S. vital record (birth/marriage/death certificate)
- Apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state
- Certified translation to the official language of Congo
- Passport and ID of the Congo citizens involved
- Application form completed
How to register
Most Congo consulates require an appointment to file civil records. The consulate then forwards the registration to the Congo civil registry office.
Some consulates accept mail-in applications for civil records. Check the official site of your consulate.
Costs and processing times
Registration fees: typically free or $10-$50 per record. Processing time at the consulate: 2-4 weeks; final registration in Congo can take additional months.