European UnionMy marriage was annulled in one EU country. Is it recognized in all others?
An annulment granted in one EU country is generally recognized in other EU countries, but only if the court had jurisdiction under EU Regulation (EU) No 1259/2010 and the decision meets formal requirements.
What the Law Says
The recognition of marriage annulments across EU countries is governed by Regulation (EU) No 1259/2010 — the Rome III Regulation — and Regulation (EU) No 2019/1111 (Brussels IIb), which replaced Brussels IIa as of 1 August 2022. These rules determine both jurisdiction and recognition.
Regulation (EU) No 2019/1111 (Brussels IIb) applies to matrimonial matters, including annulments, in all EU Member States except Denmark. It sets out when a court has jurisdiction and when its decisions must be recognised elsewhere in the EU.
Under Article 22 of Brussels IIb, a judgment on the annulment of a marriage given in one Member State shall be recognised in the other Member States without any special procedure being required.
However, recognition can be refused only on limited grounds — for example, if the judgment is manifestly contrary to public policy, or if the defendant was not served with documents in time to arrange a defence (Article 34).
The annulment must also have been issued by a court that had jurisdiction under Brussels IIb’s rules — e.g., based on habitual residence or nationality — otherwise other Member States are not obliged to recognise it.
Statutory TextA judgment on the annulment of a marriage given in a Member State shall be recognised in the other Member States without any special procedure being required.
— Regulation (EU) 2019/1111, Art. 22 — Recognition of judgments
Statutory TextRecognition may be refused only if: (a) such recognition is manifestly contrary to public policy in the Member State addressed; ... (c) the judgment was given in default of appearance, and the defendant was not served with the document instituting the proceedings…
— Regulation (EU) 2019/1111, Art. 34 — Grounds for non-recognition
What Courts Have Said
EU courts have consistently upheld automatic recognition under Brussels IIb, stressing procedural fairness and mutual trust among Member States.
The CJEU confirmed that an annulment granted in Ireland was automatically recognisable in Germany under Brussels IIa, provided the Irish court had jurisdiction and due process was observed.
The Court held that refusal of recognition is exceptional and requires strict proof that public policy or procedural rights were seriously breached.
What to Do
Confirm your annulment judgment was issued by a court with jurisdiction under Regulation (EU) 2019/1111 (e.g., based on habitual residence or nationality).
Obtain a certified copy of the judgment and, if needed, a standard form certificate (Annex I of Brussels IIb) from the issuing court.
If challenged abroad, file a request for recognition in the relevant national court — no exequatur is required, but enforcement may need a local order.
Seek legal advice in the target country if the annulment involves property, pensions, or parental rights — those may be governed by separate rules.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.