Vietnam is increasingly becoming a popular destination for international couples, and many foreigners choose to marry in the country due to its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and convenient location. If both partners are foreign nationals and wish to get married in Vietnam, they can do so by following the legal process set out by the Vietnamese government. One of the key documents they will receive upon registration is the Vietnam marriage certificate, which is the official proof of their marriage. 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.

In this article, we will outline the steps and requirements for marriage registration between two foreigners in Vietnam, focusing on the process and the importance of obtaining a Vietnam marriage certificate.

1. Can Two Foreigners Get Married in Vietnam?

Yes, two foreigners can get married in Vietnam, but there are specific procedures and legal requirements that must be followed. The Vietnamese government recognizes marriages between foreign nationals, as long as the couple meets the necessary criteria, provides the required documentation, and completes the marriage registration process according to Vietnamese law.

The procedure is relatively straightforward, but there are a few critical points to keep in mind, especially for foreigners who may not be familiar with local laws and regulations.

Key Requirements for Marriage Registration Between Foreigners

1.Age Requirement: Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry in Vietnam. This is the legal age for marriage under Vietnamese law. If either of the partners is underage, the marriage application will be rejected.

2.Proof of Single Status: Both foreigners must provide evidence that they are legally free to marry. This is typically done by submitting a certificate of no impediment to marriage (also known as a single status certificate). This document must be obtained from the home country of foreigner  or their embassy in Vietnam. It confirms that the person is not currently married and is legally allowed to marry.

3.Health Certificate: In some cases, both partners may be required to provide a health certificate stating that they are physically and mentally fit to marry. This may include tests for sexually transmitted diseases and other medical conditions that could impact the marriage.

4.Documents to Be Submitted: The following documents are generally required:

• Valid passports from both parties.
• Proof of single status (certificate of no impediment to marriage).
• Birth certificates.
• Health certificates.
• Divorce or death certificates (if either party has been previously married).

All foreign documents must be translated into Vietnamese and notarized by an official translation service or certified by the relevant embassy or consulate.

5.No Close Relatives: Vietnamese law prohibits marriage between close relatives (such as siblings or direct family members). This requirement applies to both Vietnamese citizens and foreigners.

2. Steps to Register Marriage Between Two Foreigners in Vietnam

The process of marriage registration between two foreigners in Vietnam follows several steps, which are outlined below:

Marriage registration between foreigner and foreigner in Vietnam

1. Prepare and Submit Documents to the Civil Registry Office

The first step is for both individuals to gather and prepare the necessary documents. Once they have all required paperwork, they must submit it to the local Civil Registry Office (Phòng Tư Pháp) in the district or city where one of the foreign partners resides. This office will review the documents to ensure that they meet all the legal requirements for marriage registration.

2. Complete the Marriage Registration Form

At the Civil Registry office, the couple will need to fill out the marriage registration form. This form requires basic information about both parties, including their names, addresses, nationalities, and the details of their documentation. In addition, the couple will need to sign a declaration stating that their marriage is entered into voluntarily and without any coercion.

3. Attend the Interview (If Required)

In some cases, the Civil Registry office may require a short interview with the couple to confirm the authenticity of their intentions to marry. This is particularly common if there are concerns about the legality of the marriage or if the couple is not fluent in Vietnamese.

4. Marriage Approval and Certificate Issuance

Once the documents have been reviewed and approved, the couple will be informed of the approval and will be scheduled for the marriage registration ceremony. On the appointed day, both partners must appear in person at the Civil Registry office to officially sign the marriage registration documents.

After the marriage is officially registered, the Vietnam marriage certificate will be issued. This certificate is the official proof of marriage in Vietnam and can be used for various legal purposes, including visa applications, residency permits, or family reunification processes.

The Vietnam marriage certificate will be issued in Vietnamese, and the couple may request an official translation into English or other languages if necessary. For international recognition, the certificate may also need to be notarized or authenticated by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the relevant embassy.

5. Additional Steps for International Use (Optional)

If the couple wishes to use their Vietnam marriage certificate in their home country or for immigration purposes, they may need to have the document legalized. This process involves obtaining an apostille or having the certificate authenticated by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the couples respective embassy in Vietnam. The authentication ensures that the marriage certificate is legally valid for use in other countries.

Marriage registration between foreigner and foreigner in Vietnam

3. Importance of the Vietnam Marriage Certificate

The Vietnam marriage certificate serves as the official proof of marriage under Vietnamese law. Once issued, it is recognized by the Vietnamese government and can be used for various purposes, including:

• Visa Applications: For spouses who want to join each other in Vietnam or apply for a visa to live abroad.
• Immigration: The certificate is often required for residency or immigration applications in either of the of home countries spouses .
• Changing Name: In some cases, the foreign spouse may choose to change their surname to reflect the marriage, and the Vietnam marriage certificate is often required as part of that process.
• Legal Rights and Obligations: The certificate affirms the legal rights and responsibilities of both parties as a married couple, such as inheritance rights, property rights, and tax implications.

Marriage registration between two foreigners in Vietnam is a relatively simple process, but it requires careful attention to the legal documentation and procedures involved. Once the marriage is registered, the couple will receive a Vietnam marriage certificate, which serves as official proof of their union under Vietnamese law.

For foreign nationals marrying in Vietnam, it is essential to ensure that all documents are translated into Vietnamese, notarized, and meet the requirements set by the local Civil Registry Office. The Vietnam marriage certificate is not only important for legal purposes in Vietnam but also plays a crucial role in immigration, legal matters, and recognition of the marriage in the home countries of couples. By following the correct process, couples can ensure that their marriage is recognized both locally and internationally.

APOLO LAWYERS