How to get married in Vietnam: A complete guide for foreigners

Vietnam, with its rich culture and beautiful landscapes, has become an increasingly popular destination for couples looking to get married. Whether you’re planning to marry a local or tie the knot as a foreigner, understanding the legal and cultural aspects of getting married in Vietnam is crucial. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to ensure your wedding day goes smoothly.

Basic information about getting married in Vietnam

Marrying in Vietnam can be an exciting and rewarding experience, especially for foreigners. With its vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and welcoming people, Vietnam has become a popular destination for couples looking to tie the knot. However, before you start planning your wedding, it’s essential to understand the legal process and cultural nuances involved in getting married here.

The marriage process in Vietnam for foreigners involves specific legal requirements that must be met, along with an understanding of local customs. It’s crucial to ensure that all necessary documents are prepared correctly and that you respect Vietnamese traditions and values throughout the process. Understanding both the legal and cultural aspects will help ensure a smooth transition and a memorable wedding experience.

Read more: Top 5 must-see Hoi An Show experiences for tourists

Legal requirements for marriage in Vietnam

Getting married in Vietnam requires foreigners to meet certain legal requirements. Whether you’re marrying a Vietnamese national or another foreigner, understanding the legal aspects is crucial to ensure a smooth and legal marriage process. Below are the key legal requirements that need to be fulfilled to get married in Vietnam:

General conditions

To ensure a legally valid marriage in Vietnam, both parties must meet certain general conditions that are outlined by Vietnamese law.

• Age requirements: Both parties must be at least 20 years old for women and 22 years old for men in order to legally marry in Vietnam. This is in line with the Vietnamese Civil Code. If either party is under the legal age, the marriage is not permitted, and they must wait until they reach the legal age before proceeding.
• Marital status: To marry in Vietnam, individuals must be legally single, divorced, or widowed. Foreigners must provide proof of their marital status to demonstrate they are eligible to marry. A certificate of no impediment or a similar document from the foreigner’s home country is required, which certifies that the individual is not currently married.
• Health conditions: Both parties must be physically and mentally capable of marriage. Some local regulations may require health checks to confirm that both individuals are free from any physical or mental conditions that could affect the validity of the marriage.

Document requirements for foreigners

Foreigners wishing to marry in Vietnam must provide specific documents to meet the legal requirements. These documents ensure that the marriage process is valid and complies with Vietnamese law. The key documents required are:

• Passport or equivalent documents: A valid passport with an appropriate visa or residency permit for Vietnam. If the foreigner does not possess a passport, they may provide other official documents that are accepted as a substitute for a passport, such as a national identity card or a valid travel document, as long as it is recognized by the Vietnamese authorities. These documents must be valid and allow the individual to legally reside or stay in Vietnam for the duration of the marriage process.
• Proof of single status: A certificate of no impediment or an equivalent document from the foreigner’s home country. This document certifies that the individual is legally single, divorced, or widowed, and is eligible to marry.
• Divorce or death certificate (if applicable): If the foreigner has previously been married, they must provide an official divorce decree or the death certificate of their former spouse to prove the dissolution of the previous marriage.
• Health certificate: Depending on the local requirements, a health certificate may be requested. This can include a medical check-up to confirm that both parties are physically and mentally capable of entering into a marriage.
• Vietnamese translation of documents: All foreign documents (including the passport, proof of single status, divorce, or death certificates) should have a copy translated into Vietnamese and notarized by an authorized translator or notary public to be valid for submission.
• Additional documents: In some cases, depending on the foreigner’s country of origin, additional documentation such as proof of legal residence or temporary residency card may be required.

Marriage process in Vietnam

The process of getting married in Vietnam involves several important steps, from choosing the appropriate marriage registration authority to completing the ceremony. Below is a detailed guide on what you need to do to marry in Vietnam.

Step 1: Choose the marriage registration authority

In Vietnam, marriage registration must be done at the local civil status registry office. The specific office you need to visit depends on where you or your partner resides. This can be:

• People’s Committee at the district level in most urban areas.
• Department of Justice in some locations, particularly for foreigners residing in certain regions.

You must choose the office based on your place of residence or the place where the Vietnamese partner resides. If you’re unsure, contacting the local authorities or your embassy can provide clarity on where to submit your application.

Step 2: Submitting the marriage application

Once you’ve selected the appropriate authority, the next step is to submit your marriage application. This includes:

• Preparing the necessary documents: Ensure that all required documents, such as your passport, proof of single status, and any other paperwork, are ready and meet the legal requirements.
• Filling out the application form: The registry office will provide a marriage registration form to complete. This form usually asks for personal details, such as names, nationalities, and any prior marriages.
• Paying the required fees: There are typically small administrative fees for processing the marriage registration. The amount may vary depending on the region.

After submission, the local authorities will check the authenticity and completeness of your documents.

Step 3: Document review and interview

Once the marriage application is submitted, the civil status office will review the documents provided. In some cases, the authorities may conduct a brief interview to confirm the details of the relationship and ensure there are no legal impediments to the marriage. The interview may be conducted with both partners present, and for foreign nationals, an interpreter may be required if neither party speaks Vietnamese.

During the interview, the authorities may also verify that both parties are entering the marriage voluntarily and that they meet all the necessary legal requirements. If everything is in order, the authorities will approve the marriage registration.

Step 4: Marriage ceremony

After the documents are approved, the final step is the marriage ceremony. The civil ceremony is typically conducted at the registry office, where both parties sign the marriage certificate in front of the official.

For couples who wish to hold a more elaborate ceremony, such as a traditional Vietnamese wedding or a religious ceremony, this can take place after the legal registration.

The marriage certificate, once signed and processed, serves as the official record of your marriage. Both parties will receive a copy of the certificate, which is needed for any post-marriage legal processes, such as changing names or applying for visas.

Special considerations when getting married in Vietnam 

In addition to the legal requirements and marriage process, there are several important cultural and procedural considerations to be aware of when getting married in Vietnam.

Cultural differences in Marriage Ceremonies

Vietnamese weddings are rich in traditions and customs, which can vary by region, ethnicity, and family preferences. While the civil ceremony is legally binding, many couples also opt for a traditional Vietnamese wedding or a mix of both. If you are having intention to make a traditional Vietnamese wedding, here are some key cultural aspects you need to know:

• The engagement ceremony: In many Vietnamese weddings, the engagement (or “xin dau”) is an essential pre-wedding event. During this ceremony, the groom’s family presents gifts to the bride’s family, symbolizing their intention to marry. This is often accompanied by a formal agreement between the families.
• Traditional wedding attire: The bride often wears an elegant áo dài (traditional Vietnamese dress) and the groom may wear a suit or a traditional outfit. The couple may also exchange wedding rings during the ceremony.

Changing your name after marriage

After getting married, foreigners may choose to change their name, especially if they wish to adopt their spouse’s surname. If you decide to change your name:

• Documents: You must provide documentation of your marriage, such as the marriage certificate, to update your passport, visa, and other legal documents.
• Vietnamese name change: If you want to change your name officially in Vietnam, you will need to follow the local regulations, which might involve submitting a request to the relevant authorities.

Residence and visa for foreign spouse

If one of the spouses is a foreigner, there are additional procedures related to immigration and residency. Some of the key points to consider include:

• Visa and residency status: After marriage, the foreign spouse may apply for a visa extension or residency permit, depending on their circumstances. A marriage certificate is required for this process.
• Spouse visa: The foreign spouse can apply for a family visa or a spouse visa to stay in Vietnam for a longer period. The process may involve submitting proof of the marriage and meeting specific immigration requirements.
• Work permits: If the foreign spouse intends to work in Vietnam, they will need to apply for a work permit or a business visa, depending on the type of work they will be doing.

Religious considerations

Vietnam is a predominantly secular country, but there are various religious groups present, including Buddhists, Catholics, and others. If one or both partners follow a religion, you may wish to incorporate religious elements into the wedding ceremony.

• Catholic weddings: Catholic couples may opt to marry in a church. However, they must ensure that their marriage is also registered with the local civil authorities to be legally recognized in Vietnam.
• Other religious ceremonies: Some couples may choose to have their wedding blessed by a monk or religious leader, depending on their faith. These ceremonies are often held in addition to the civil marriage registration.

Read more: Day trips from Hoi An: 12+ ideal and interesting destinations

FAQs about getting married in Vietnam

When it comes to getting married in Vietnam, there are several common questions that many foreigners have. To help you navigate the process smoothly, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions with clear and concise answers.

1. Can foreigners marry in Vietnam?

Yes, foreigners can marry in Vietnam. They must meet the legal requirements, including providing necessary documents such as a valid passport, proof of single status, and undergoing the official marriage registration process.

2. How long does the marriage registration process take?

The process typically takes about 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the completeness of the documents and local authority processing times. However, this may vary by location.

3. Can a foreigner apply for a spouse visa after marriage?

Yes, a foreigner can apply for a spouse visa or residency permit after marriage. The foreign spouse will need to provide the marriage certificate and fulfill the immigration requirements for visa extension or status change.

4. Do I need to speak Vietnamese to marry in Vietnam?

While speaking Vietnamese is not a requirement, it may be helpful. If neither party speaks Vietnamese, an interpreter may be needed for the registration process and any interviews with the authorities. Some parts of the process may also require the documents to be translated into Vietnamese.

5. Is a religious wedding valid in Vietnam?

A religious wedding ceremony is not legally binding in Vietnam unless it is also registered with the local civil authorities. If you want your marriage to be recognized legally, you must complete the civil marriage registration process at the relevant government office. However, you can hold a religious or cultural ceremony alongside the civil one.

After completing the marriage registration process, why not immediately celebrate your wedding at Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness and turn your special day into an unforgettable memory? With a romantic setting, professional service, and a dedicated team, Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness will provide you with a perfect wedding, from the preparations to the sweet moments shared with your loved ones. Let us make your wedding day a wonderful and meaningful experience!

In conclusion, getting married in Vietnam as a foreigner involves understanding both the legal and cultural aspects of the process. By preparing the necessary documents and following the required procedures, you can ensure a smooth and successful marriage.