The Process of Marriage Registration with Foreigners in Vietnam

The process of Marriage Registration with Foreigners is governed by:

• The Marriage and Family Law of 2014;
• The Law on Residence of 2014;
• Decree No. 123/2015/ND-CP, detailing implementation measures for the Law on Residence;
• Circular No. 04/2020/TT-BTP from the Ministry of Justice.

Documents to Present:

• Vietnamese Citizens: Passport, ID card, citizen identification card, or any photo-bearing document issued by a competent authority.
• Foreigners: Original passport, international travel document, or residence card.
• Proof of residence to determine the appropriate registration authority.

Documents to Submit:

• Marriage Registration Form: A completed form detailing both partners’ information, from names to birthdates, painting a clear picture of the couple.
• Health Confirmation Certificate: Issued by an authorized healthcare provider in Vietnam or abroad, verifying that neither party suffers from mental illness or conditions impairing their awareness or behavior. For instance, you could visit a reputable hospital like Cho Ray for this.
• Proof of Marital Status for Foreigners: A document from their home country’s competent authority confirming single status or eligibility to marry.
• Passport Copies: For foreigners or Vietnamese citizens living abroad.
• Marital Status Confirmation for Vietnamese Citizens: Required if residing domestically.

Additional Documents (if applicable):

• Divorce decree (if previously married).
• Confirmation from a managing authority (e.g., state agencies or armed forces units) that marrying a foreigner complies with sector regulations.
• Certification from Vietnam’s diplomatic missions abroad (for those studying, working, or temporarily living overseas).

Key Notes

• Both partners must appear in person at the People’s Committee to confirm their voluntary union and receive the marriage certificate. If one is unavailable—say, stuck abroad—a written request can extend the deadline by up to 60 days from the date the Chairman signs the certificate. After 60 days without collection, the certificate becomes void, requiring you to restart the Marriage Registration with Foreigners process.
• Pre-marital health checks are mandatory; choose a trusted hospital for accurate results.

If you have questions about Marriage Registration with Foreigners, reach out to An Law Vietnam. We’re here to support you every step of the way toward a happy marriage.