Marriage registration with a foreign element
Marriage registration with a foreign element is carried out at the competent civil status authority in Vietnam. We advise on marriage conditions, prepare valid documents and accompany you throughout the submission process.
What is marriage registration with a foreign element?
It is the procedure recording a lawful marital relationship between a Vietnamese citizen and a foreigner (or between foreigners) at a Vietnamese civil status authority, after the marriage conditions are met.
Who carries out this procedure?
Suitable for couples where one party is a Vietnamese citizen and the other a foreigner, or both are foreigners permanently residing in Vietnam, wishing to register a lawful marriage in Vietnam.
Marriage registration process
- Advise on marriage conditions and documents needed for each party.
- Prepare documents, consular legalisation and notarised translation (if any).
- Submit the file at the competent civil status authority.
- Attend an interview (if requested) and await processing.
- Receive the marriage certificate.
Documents to prepare
- Marriage registration declaration form.
- Certificate of marital status for each party.
- Passport/ID; the foreigner's documents consularly legalised and notarised-translated.
- Health certificate (if requested).
Timeline and fees
Standard resolution takes about 15 working days from a valid file. The fees and timelines above are for reference only and may change under current regulations.
Legal basis
Marriage registration with a foreign element follows the Law on Marriage and Family No. 52/2014/QH13 and the Law on Civil Status No. 60/2014/QH13 and related guiding documents.
Frequently asked questions about marriage registration
Where do I register a marriage with a foreigner?
At the competent civil status authority (usually the district People's Committee where the Vietnamese citizen resides). This is for reference.
Is an interview required for marriage registration?
Depending on the case, the civil status authority may require an interview to clarify voluntariness and the marriage conditions.
Where does a foreigner obtain a certificate of marital status?
It is issued by the competent authority abroad, then consularly legalised and notarised-translated for use in Vietnam.
Need help with marriage registration?
Send us the nationality and document status, and we will advise on conditions and a suitable file.
Contact us