Getting married in Vietnam as a foreigner involves navigating specific legal procedures and requirements. Understanding the necessary paperwork and official processes will ensure your marriage is legally recognized. This guide outlines everything you need to know, from required documents to the step-by-step application process, making it easier for you to plan your special day with confidence.
1. Requirements for foreigners
In addition to the requirement that at least one individual must hold a valid passport and have a temporary or permanent residence permit in Vietnam, tourists visiting the country for a short period cannot legally marry there.
To legally marry in Vietnam, foreign nationals must meet the following requirements:
| Age and Legal Status Requirements | Legal Basis |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age Requirement: Both men and women must be at least 20 years old to legally marry in Vietnam. Exceptions require court approval. | Article 8.1.a – Law on Marriage and Family 2014 |
| Valid Passport with at Least 6 Months Validity: A passport serves as proof of identity and nationality, ensuring that the foreign national is eligible for a legally recognized marriage in Vietnam. | Article 38.1 – Law on Civil Status 2014 |
| Legal Residence Status in Vietnam: Foreigners must provide evidence of their legal residence status, such as a valid tourist visa or resident card. | Article 30.2 – Decree No. 123/2015/ND-CP |
| Single Status or Proof of Terminated Previous Marriage: Foreigners must prove they are single, divorced, or widowed to ensure compliance with Vietnam’s marriage laws and prevent polygamy. | Article 30.1.b – Decree No. 125/2015/ND-CP |
| Marriage Capacity Conditions | Description |
|---|---|
| Mental Capacity to Consent to Marriage | Both parties must understand the nature of the marriage contract and its legal obligations. |
| No Close Blood Relations Between Parties | Marriage between close family members is restricted, depending on the context. |
| No Existing Marriage in Any Jurisdiction | This requirement prevents bigamy or polygamy, which are forbidden in Vietnam. |
2. Required Documentations
| Required Documentation | Details |
|---|---|
| Essential Personal Documents | Foreigners must present the following essential documents for marriage registration in Vietnam, as required under Article 30 of Decree No. 123/2015/ND-CP: |
| Valid passport | A passport with a minimum of six months’ validity is required to verify identity and nationality. |
| Birth certificate | Necessary to confirm the person’s identity and date of birth. |
| Certificate of single status or divorce decree/death certificate (if previously married) | Confirms that the person is legally free to marry. |
| Health examination certificate from authorized Vietnamese medical facilities | Ensures the person is in good health to marry, meaning there are no medical conditions that would hinder the marriage. |
According to Article 2.3 of Decree No. 123/2015/ND-CP and Article 124 of the Law on Marriage and Family 2014, all foreign documents must go through a specific authentication process in Vietnam. This process includes the following steps:
- Legalization by Authorities in Your Home Country
- Foreign documents must first be legalized by the relevant authorities in the foreign national’s home country to confirm their authenticity.
- Authentication by the Vietnamese Embassy in Your Country
- Documents must then be authenticated by the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in the foreigner’s home country to ensure recognition under Vietnamese law.
- For example: Vietnamese Embassy in the USA or Vietnamese Embassy in the UK.
- Translation into Vietnamese by Certified Translators
- The documents must be translated into Vietnamese by certified translators to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal language standards.
- Notarization of Translations by Vietnamese Authorities
- The translated documents must be notarized by Vietnamese authorities to officially validate their content.
3. Registration process
Where to Register
Marriage registration must be conducted at the local Justice Department or District People’s Committee where either party has registered residence, as stipulated in Article 37 of the Law on Civil Status 2014.
Timeline and Procedures (Article 38 of the Law on Civil Status)
- Submit a complete documentation package.
- Processing time: 15–30 working days.
- Both parties must be present for the final registration.
- The marriage certificate will be issued in both Vietnamese and English.
Getting married in Vietnam as a foreigner involves several legal procedures, but with proper preparation, the process can be smooth and straightforward. By ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria, gathering the necessary documents, and following the official authentication and registration steps, you can successfully obtain a legally recognized marriage certificate in Vietnam.
Understanding these requirements not only helps you avoid potential legal complications but also allows you to focus on celebrating your special day with peace of mind. Whether you are planning a traditional Vietnamese wedding or a simple legal union, careful planning and compliance with local laws will ensure a seamless and memorable experience.
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TLA Law is a leading law firm with a team of highly experienced lawyers specializing in criminal, civil, corporate, marriage and family law, and more. We are committed to providing comprehensive legal support and answering all your legal questions. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
1. Lawyer Vu Thi Phuong Thanh, Manager of TLA Law LLC, Ha Noi Bar Association
Email: vtpthanh@tlalaw.vn
2. Lawyer Tran My Le, Chairman of the Members’ Council, Ha Noi Bar Association
Email: tmle@tlalaw.vn.
-Nguyen Huong Huyen-