Marriage Registration
Marriage registration in Vietnam for foreigners
Marrying a Vietnamese citizen? The process changed on 1 July 2025 — registration now runs entirely through the commune- or ward-level People's Committee, with a 5–10 working day statutory review. We prepare a complete, correctly legalized dossier so your file is not returned on the first attempt.
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Vietnam marriage registration at a glance
Key facts under the 2026 rules, current since the July 2025 reform.
Processing time
5–10 working days
From a complete dossier
Cost range
1,000,000–1,500,000 VND
Set by each province
Where to apply
Commune/ward People's Committee
District-level ended July 2025
Both parties
Must appear in person
To sign and collect the certificate
How it works
Marriage registration process step by step
Here is what happens when you register your marriage in Vietnam through us.
We review eligibility and documents
Send both nationalities, current location, and prior marital history. We confirm which documents you need and how long legalization and translation will take.
Prepare and legalize the dossier
We coordinate consular legalization and certified translation for foreign-issued documents, and prepare the Vietnamese partner's paperwork.
Submit at the commune People's Committee
The dossier is filed in person or online through the National Public Service Portal. Statutory processing is 5 working days, extendable to 10 for verification.
Sign and collect the certificate
Both parties appear in person to sign the Marriage Register and receive the Marriage Certificate. An extension of up to 60 days is available if you cannot attend right away.
Eligibility
What we check before advising
Marriage registration is not just a form and a fee. Eligibility and document requirements depend on both parties' nationality, residence, and marital history.
- Age and eligibility of both parties under the Law on Marriage and Family 2014
- Whether either party has residence registration in the commune where you plan to apply
- Prior marriages, divorces, or annulments and the extra documents they require
- Whether the foreign partner's marital-status document needs consular legalization
- Employment status of the Vietnamese partner (civil servants and armed forces need extra confirmation)
- Validity windows on the health certificate and marital-status document before they expire
Documents
Documents both parties prepare
Every foreign-issued document must be consular legalized (unless treaty-exempt) and translated into Vietnamese with a certified translation before submission.
Marriage Registration Declaration (Tờ khai đăng ký kết hôn) — one form for both parties
Health certificate confirming capacity to marry, issued in Vietnam or abroad
Foreign partner: certificate of marital status (single status / no impediment) from their home country
Foreign partner: passport, copy submitted with original presented for checking
Vietnamese partner: certificate of marital status from their commune of permanent residence
Vietnamese partner: Citizen Identification Card (CCCD)
After the certificate
What comes next for the foreign spouse
A Vietnamese marriage certificate is the foundation for the foreign spouse's long-term status in Vietnam.
TT temporary residence card (TRC)
The most stable long-term residence route for a foreign spouse living in Vietnam full-time — up to 3 years per card, replacing the visa entirely.
5-year visa exemption certificate
Better suited to spouses who visit often but live abroad — 5 years validity with a 180-day stay per entry.
Recognition abroad
Each country has its own procedure to record a Vietnamese marriage certificate for the foreign spouse's home country records.
See our full guide to the TRC through marriage for eligibility, documents, and fees.
Limits
Things to plan around
Official legal context
Under Decision 1833/QĐ-BTP of the Ministry of Justice and Vietnam's two-tier local government model in effect since 1 July 2025, marriages involving a foreign element are registered at the commune- or ward-level People's Committee where the Vietnamese partner resides, replacing the former District Justice Office procedure.
The Law on Marriage and Family 2014 and Decree 123/2015/NĐ-CP (as amended by Decree 07/2025 and Decree 120/2025) set the eligibility conditions, required documents, and the 5–10 working day statutory processing window.
FAQ
Common questions
Where do foreigners register a marriage in Vietnam in 2026?
At the commune- or ward-level People's Committee where the Vietnamese partner resides (permanent or temporary residence). District-level registration ended on 1 July 2025.
How long does marriage registration take in Vietnam?
The statutory time limit is 5 working days from receipt of a complete dossier, extendable to 10 working days if verification is needed. Document preparation — legalization and translation — usually takes far longer than the registration itself.
Can I submit the marriage application online?
Yes. The dossier can be filed through the National Public Service Portal (dichvucong.gov.vn). Both parties must still appear in person to sign and collect the certificate.
How much does it cost?
The fee is set by each province, typically 1,000,000–1,500,000 VND for marriages involving a foreign element.
Can two foreigners get married in Vietnam?
Only if at least one of them resides in Vietnam (permanent or temporary residence). Two foreign visitors without residence in Vietnam cannot register a marriage here.
How long are my documents valid?
If a foreign marital status document has no stated expiry, it and the health certificate are valid for 6 months from issue. Time your legalization and translation so nothing expires before submission.
What happens if we can't collect the certificate in time?
You can request an extension of up to 60 days from the signing date. After that, the certificate is cancelled and the process starts over.
Does Vietnam Legal Support act as our legal representative?
No. Registration decisions are made by the People's Committee, not by Vietnam Legal Support. We prepare and check your dossier, coordinate legalization and translation, and guide you through submission, but the approval itself rests solely with the Vietnamese authorities.
Next checks
Related visa guidance
These related pages cover what typically comes before and after marriage registration in Vietnam.
TRC through marriage (TT card)
Once you have a Vietnamese marriage certificate, apply for the TT temporary residence card.
Visa extension guidance
Check extension or renewal options while your marriage or residence dossier is in progress.
Emergency visa support
Get urgent review if a visa or stay deadline falls before your marriage paperwork is complete.
Ready to register your marriage in Vietnam?
Send both nationalities and current location. We will confirm your document checklist and timeline.
Sources
- Law No. 52/2014/QH13 on Marriage and Family - eligibility conditions and prohibited marriage cases
- Decree 123/2015/NĐ-CP on civil status - required documents and marriage registration with foreign elements, as amended by Decree 07/2025 and Decree 120/2025
- AsiaLongStay — Register a Marriage in Vietnam as a Foreigner (2026) - commune-level transfer under Decision 1833/QĐ-BTP and Decree 120/2025