How long does it take to get the Certificate de Coutume?

beatle

Does anyone know how long it takes to get the Certificate de Coutume?

We are getting married abroad (my home country) at the end of the summer. My h2b is irish and needs to hand in the Certificate de coutume in person (!!) to the revenue office in the country we are getting married in.

To get the flight tkts cheap we need to book them soon, but we need to know when he is likely to receive the cert de coutume as we are on a tight budget and it would be a bit of a pain to have to go twice!
I am aware that it is only valid for 4 months, but is that from the date when the cert is issued? Or when we apply?

carrotcake

I live abroad and got married over here last summer. I had to apply for the cert via the local embassy, and it took about a week and a half between posting off my application and getting the certificate. I presume it was printed in Ireland, so it'd probably be just a few days if you're getting it all done locally.

The cert is valid for 120 days from the date of issue.

beatle

Thanks for the reply!

One week sounds very fast! I emailed DFA in Dublin and just got a reply from them, saying that it takes between 4 to 6 months!!! for them to process this!

I did however double check with the local authorities in the country where we are getting married and luckily the cert de coutume isn't necessary. An affidavit handed in, in person will do! (and wont cost as much!)

carrotcake

Four to six months?! Sounds like there have been a few cutbacks at the DFA.