Civil records registration means registering births, marriages and deaths that occurred in the United States with the Zimbabwe authorities. Essential for citizens of Zimbabwe living abroad whose family events happen in the U.S.
Zimbabwe consulates processing civil records
What can be registered?
- Birth registration: children of Zimbabwe parents born in the U.S. can be registered as Zimbabwe nationals
- Marriage registration: marriages of Zimbabwe citizens (or mixed marriages) celebrated in the U.S.
- Death registration: death of Zimbabwe nationals in the U.S.
- Divorce registration: U.S. divorce decrees for those married in Zimbabwe
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 Zimbabwe
- Passport and ID of the Zimbabwe citizens involved
- Application form completed
How to register
Most Zimbabwe consulates require an appointment to file civil records. The consulate then forwards the registration to the Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe can take additional months.