For legal procedures, having a good understanding of the process can make things a lot smoother. This is especially true when it comes to marriage registration procedures with foreigners. If you are planning to marry a foreigner, make sure to read this article thoroughly as we will guide you through the steps in detail.
1 Requirements for Marrying an American
The requirements for marrying an American are quite similar to those for marrying in Vietnam. The specific information is as follows:
- Age: Men must be at least 20 years old, and women must be at least 18 years old.
- The marriage must be based on the voluntary consent of both parties, without any coercion or for personal gain by either party.
- Both parties must be single.
- Neither party should have any mental or neurological disorders.
- Marriage is not permitted between people of the same direct bloodline or those with the same surname within three generations.
A happy wedding
2 Procedures for Marrying an American According to Vietnamese Law
Preparing Documents
For the American citizen, the following documents are required
- Passport with a valid visa;
- Health certificate from a psychiatric specialist at a provincial-level medical facility;
- If the fiancé(e) has been previously married, provide the divorce decree from the Court.
Single Status Affidavit
For the Vietnamese citizen, the following documents are needed
- Certificate of marital status;
- Identity card and household registration book;
- Health certificate proving no mental illness.
Marriage Registration Application Form and Certificate of Marital Status
Details of the Documents
Certificate of Marital Status
The certificate of marital status for foreigners must be issued by a competent authority and remain valid at the time of submission. This ensures that the fiancé(e) is single.
If this certificate is not available, it can be replaced by a document issued by a foreign competent authority confirming that the person meets the marriage requirements according to their country’s laws. For example, if the fiancé(e) is American, they must provide a document confirming their eligibility for marriage according to American law.
Marrying a Foreigner
Pre-marital Health Certificate for Neurological and Mental Health
Both parties must obtain a health certificate from competent health organizations in Vietnam (for those residing in Vietnam) or abroad (for the foreign fiancé(e)). The certificate must clearly state that the person does not have any cognitive disorders and has full control over their actions. If the certificate does not have an expiration date, it is considered valid for no more than 6 months from the date of issuance.
Pre-marital Health Certificate
Marriage Registration Procedures with Foreigners
Step 1: Submit the Application
Once all the documents are prepared, the couple should submit them to the Justice Department of the District or Provincial People’s Committee where the Vietnamese citizen is registered as a permanent resident. If one of the parties is absent due to residing abroad, they must provide a power of attorney for someone else to submit the application on their behalf. This power of attorney must be issued by a competent authority and clearly state that it is for marriage registration purposes, along with a reasonable explanation for the absence.
Step 2: Process the Application
The processing time for the application is 22 days. Upon receiving the application, the competent state agency will conduct an interview on the date specified in the application receipt. This interview will ensure that the marriage is voluntary and without coercion. Additionally, it will assess the couple’s mutual understanding, including language proficiency and cultural awareness.
Step 3: Obtain the Marriage Certificate
If the application is approved, the District or Provincial People’s Committee Chairman will sign the marriage certificate.
Step 4: Receive the Marriage Certificate
The Justice Department will present the marriage certificate to the couple. Both spouses must be present to receive the certificate. The time limit for receiving the marriage certificate is 3 working days.
Happy Marriage
3 Notes on Marriage Registration with Foreigners
All marriage documents with an American must be translated into Vietnamese before submission to the competent authorities.
If a passport is not available, it can be replaced by a residence card or international travel document for foreigners.
If the Vietnamese citizen has been divorced or had their marriage annulled by a competent authority, they must submit a copy of the household registration extract related to the divorce or annulment.
For civil servants, public employees, or those serving in the armed forces, a confirmation letter from the managing agency or unit regarding the marriage is required. This ensures that the marriage does not violate the regulations of the profession.
Happiness in a Smile and a Glance
This article provides basic information about marriage registration with foreigners. We wish you and your partner a happy and fulfilling marriage!
