Vietnam is a popular destination for many foreigners who wish to marry a Vietnamese citizen. The country has a relatively straightforward process for marriage registration, but there are legal requirements and specific procedures that must be followed, especially when one of the partners is foreign. If you are considering getting married in Vietnam, it is essential to understand the rules, required documentation, and the steps involved. One of the key documents you will need is the Vietnam marriage certificate, which serves as legal proof of the union. In case you need advice, please contact Apolo Lawyers via email at contact@apolo.com.vn or hotline: (+84) 903 419 479 for the best advice and support.

1. Marriage Laws in Vietnam

Marriage in Vietnam is governed by the Vietnamese Civil Code and the Law on Marriage and Family. The law permits both Vietnamese citizens and foreigners to marry in Vietnam, but it imposes specific conditions and procedures for registering the marriage, especially when a foreign national is involved.

Under Vietnamese law, a marriage between a Vietnamese citizen and a foreigner is legally recognized as long as both parties meet the necessary requirements and the marriage is officially registered with the local civil registry office. In order to get married in Vietnam, you must go through an official registration process, and the Vietnam marriage certificate is issued once the marriage is registered.

2. Key Requirements for Marriage in Vietnam

Age Requirement: Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry in Vietnam. If either partner is under the legal age, they will not be allowed to marry.

Single Status: Both the Vietnamese citizen and the foreigner must prove that they are legally free to marry. This means they must provide documents showing that they are not currently married to anyone else. The foreigner, in particular, will need to present a certificate of no impediment to marriage (also known as a "single status certificate") issued by their embassy or consulate.

Health Requirement: Both parties may need to provide health certificates showing that they are physically and mentally fit to marry. This is particularly the case if one of the parties is a foreigner, and the local authorities may request medical confirmation to ensure that neither partner has any serious mental or physical conditions that would affect the marriage.

Can a person get married in Vietnam?

Documents: Each party will need to provide a range of documents to verify their identity and marital status:

• For the Vietnamese citizen: A Vietnamese national ID or passport, birth certificate, and proof of residence.
• For the foreigner: A valid passport, single status certificate from the embassy of foreigner , birth certificate, and a health certificate. Documents in a foreign language must be translated into Vietnamese and notarized.

No Close Relatives: Marriage is not allowed between close relatives (e.g., siblings or direct family members) as per Vietnamese law.

3. The Process of Marriage Registration

The marriage registration process in Vietnam generally involves several key steps:

Submit Documents to the Civil Registry: The couple must submit their documents to the local Civil Registry Office in the district or city where the Vietnamese partner resides. The documents will be reviewed, and the authorities will check to ensure they meet all legal requirements.

Can a person get married in Vietnam?

Marriage Application: The couple must fill out a marriage registration form provided by the Civil Registry Office. This form will require basic personal information such as the names, addresses, and nationalities of the partners, as well as information about the documents they have submitted.

Interview (if necessary): In some cases, the registry office may conduct a brief interview with the couple to confirm that the marriage is voluntary and that there are no legal impediments.

Wait for Approval: After submitting all the necessary documents and completing any interviews, the authorities will verify the information, which may take a few days to a week. If everything is in order, the couple will be informed of the approval and a date for the marriage registration appointment.

Marriage Registration Appointment: On the scheduled date, both parties must appear in person at the Civil Registry Office. The marriage ceremony itself is simple: both partners sign the marriage registration form in the presence of the officials, and the marriage is officially recognized by the Vietnamese government.

Issuance of Vietnam Marriage Certificate: Once the marriage is registered, the couple will receive the official Vietnam marriage certificate. This document serves as legal proof of the marriage and is required for various legal matters, including changing surnames, applying for visas or residency, and other legal formalities.

4. Marriage Certificate in Vietnam

The Vietnam marriage certificate is an official document that legally recognizes the union between two individuals in Vietnam. The certificate is issued by the local civil registry office after the marriage has been successfully registered.

For couples who wish to use their Vietnam marriage certificate internationally, the certificate can be notarized and translated into other languages. It is also important to have the document authenticated at the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs or embassy of your home country in Vietnam if the couple needs to use the certificate abroad for purposes such as visa applications, residency, or family registration.

Special Considerations for Foreigners

• Translation and Notarization: All foreign documents, such as the passport of a foreigner,, single status certificate, and birth certificate, need to be translated into Vietnamese and notarized by a certified translation service or the foreign embassy. This ensures that the documents are valid for submission in the marriage registration process.
• Embassy Involvement: If the foreigner is unable to provide certain documents locally, they may need to request them from their embassy or consulate in Vietnam. The embassy can also provide legal assistance in confirming that all documents are in order.
• Foreign Marriages: If one of the parties has previously been married abroad, they may need to provide additional documentation to show that the previous marriage has been legally dissolved. Divorce decrees or death certificates for previous spouses may be required.

In conclusion, getting married in Vietnam is entirely possible for both Vietnamese citizens and foreigners, as long as both parties meet the legal requirements. The process typically involves submitting documentation, completing an interview (if necessary), and registering the marriage at the local Civil Registry Office. Once the marriage is registered, the couple will receive a Vietnam marriage certificate, which serves as legal proof of their marriage.

The Vietnam marriage certificate is essential for a variety of legal processes, both within Vietnam and internationally. By understanding the requirements and process, couples can ensure a smooth and successful marriage registration in Vietnam.

APOLO LAWYERS