Vietnam is a beautiful and culturally rich country, making it a popular destination for tourists and expats alike. With its stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality, it’s no surprise that many people choose to get married in Vietnam. However, if you are a foreigner looking to tie the knot in this Southeast Asian country, there are certain things you need to know before saying “I do.” In this blog post, we will discuss the legal requirements, procedures, and other important information for getting married in Vietnam.
According to Vietnamese law, both parties must be at least 18 years old and not closely related by blood or marriage in order to get married. Additionally, one of the parties must be a Vietnamese citizen or have permanent residency in Vietnam. This means that foreigners who wish to get married in Vietnam must have a valid visa or residence permit.
Before getting married in Vietnam, both parties must obtain several documents to prove their eligibility for marriage. These documents include:
Application for Marriage Registration in Vietnam
The first step in getting married in Vietnam is to submit an application for marriage registration at the local People’s Committee where one of the parties resides. The application form can be obtained from the Department of Justice or the People’s Committee office and must be completed by both parties. The application must also be signed by two witnesses who are at least 18 years old and not related to either party.
Sign an Affidavit of Single Status
Foreigners who wish to get married in Vietnam must provide an affidavit of single status, also known as a certificate of no impediment to marriage. This document states that the individual is not currently married and is free to marry according to the laws of their home country. The affidavit must be signed and notarized by the embassy or consulate of the individual’s home country in Vietnam.
Certificate of No-Marriage Records
In addition to the affidavit of single status, foreigners must also obtain a certificate of no-marriage records from their home country. This document serves as proof that the individual is not currently married and has never been married before. The certificate must be translated into Vietnamese and authenticated by the embassy or consulate of the individual’s home country in Vietnam.
Certificate of Good Mental Health
Both parties must also provide a certificate of good mental health issued by a medical institution in their home country. This document must be translated into Vietnamese and authenticated by the embassy or consulate of the individual’s home country in Vietnam.
Biographic Information Sheet
Foreigners must also complete a biographic information sheet, which includes personal details such as name, date of birth, nationality, occupation, and current address. This form can be obtained from the Department of Justice or the People’s Committee office.
Certified Copy of Passport
A certified copy of the individual’s passport is also required for marriage registration in Vietnam. The passport must be valid for at least six months and must be translated into Vietnamese and authenticated by the embassy or consulate of the individual’s home country in Vietnam.
Temporary or Permanent Resident Card (If applicable)
If one of the parties is a foreigner with temporary or permanent residency in Vietnam, they must also provide a copy of their resident card.
Once all the necessary documents have been obtained, the couple can proceed with the marriage registration process. The first step is to submit the application for marriage registration along with all the required documents to the local People’s Committee where one of the parties resides. The application will then be reviewed and if everything is in order, the couple will be given a date for their marriage ceremony.
On the day of the marriage ceremony, both parties must be present at the People’s Committee office along with their two witnesses. The ceremony will be conducted in Vietnamese, and a marriage certificate will be issued to the couple afterwards.
After the marriage ceremony, the couple must register their marriage with the Department of Justice within 30 days. This involves submitting the marriage certificate, along with other required documents, to the Department of Justice for authentication. Once the marriage is registered, the couple will receive a marriage certificate that is recognized by both Vietnamese and foreign authorities.
If you intend to get married in a big city, the process will be somewhat simpler. We have provided the contact information for the top three Justice Departments below. Keep in mind that you will still need to reach out to the department at the provincial level. If your future spouse is from a rural area, locating the appropriate authorities may require some additional investigation.
Department of Justice – Hanoi
Department of Justice – Ho Chi Minh City
Department of Justice – Danang
Getting married in Vietnam as a foreigner may seem like a daunting process, but with the right information and preparation, it can be a smooth and memorable experience. From obtaining the necessary documents to registering the marriage, following the legal requirements and procedures is crucial for a successful marriage in Vietnam. By understanding the process and being prepared, you can have a beautiful and unforgettable wedding in this enchanting country.
