Ultimate Guide for Foreigners to get Married in Vietnam

Video showcasing a foreigner sharing his experience on how to get married in Vietnam.

Love Across Borders: A Foreigner’s Guide To Getting Married In Vietnam

 

                 Welcome to a romantic journey in Vietnam! This country, with its picturesque landscapes and warm-hearted people, has a way of capturing hearts. For some lucky visitors, this connection deepens into a beautiful romance, leading to the wonderful decision of marriage with a Vietnamese partner. If you’re a foreigner planning to say “I do” in Vietnam, this guide will walk you through the necessary legal procedures and offer insights into the beautiful Vietnamese wedding traditions.

 

 

 

 

SPECIAL OUTLINE

 

• Eligibility and Legal Documents: Detailed guidance on required paperwork for both foreign nationals and Vietnamese citizens.
• Application Submission Process: Steps for submitting your application and interviews at the Department of Justice.
• Vietnamese Wedding Traditions: Explore unique ceremonies and customs.
• Important Considerations: Practical tips for a smooth journey.
• Unique Cultural Aspect of Surnames: Understand why Vietnamese women retain their maiden names after marriage.

 

 

 

ENSURE THOROUGH PREPARATION FOR A SMOOTH MARRIAGE REGISTRATION PROCESS!

Now, let’s unlock the essential procedures for a foreign national marrying a Vietnamese citizen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I. Legal Procedures for Marriage in Vietnam

 

Here’s a breakdown of the essential procedures for a foreign national marrying a Vietnamese citizen:

 

1. Marriage Eligibility Check

First, you’ll need to ensure both parties meet the legal requirements for marriage in Vietnam. Generally, this includes:

• Being of legal age (18 for women, 20 for men).
• Being single (never married, divorced, or widowed).
• Not being related by blood within three generations.
• Not suffering from mental illness or other conditions that prevent awareness or control of one’s actions.

 

 

2. Document Preparation (Foreign National)

As a foreigner, you’ll need to gather several important documents. These typically include:

• Your passport and valid visa.
• A Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (or its equivalent) issued by the competent authority in your home country, confirming you are legally free to marry under your country’s laws. You can often obtain this from your country’s embassy or consulate in Vietnam.
• A Health Certificate issued by a competent Vietnamese medical facility within the last six months, confirming you are free from mental illness and contagious diseases.
• A certified copy of your birth certificate.
• A certified copy of your divorce decree or death certificate of a previous spouse (if applicable).
• A judicial record or police clearance certificate from your home country.

 

Important Note: All foreign documents will need to be translated into Vietnamese by a certified translation agency and notarized by a Vietnamese notary public. You may also need to have some documents legalized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs after notarization. Check with your embassy/consulate and the local Justice Department for the most up-to-date requirements.

 

 

3. Document Preparation (Vietnamese Citizen)

Your Vietnamese partner will also need to provide certain documents, such as:

• Their National ID Card or Citizen Identity Card.
• Their household registration book (Sổ hộ khẩu) or confirmation of residence.
• A marriage registration declaration form as prescribed.
• A Certificate of Marital Status issued by the People’s Committee of the commune where they permanently reside.

 

 

4. Submitting the Application

Once all documents are prepared, you and your partner will need to submit them to the local Justice Department (Sở Tư Pháp) in the province or city where your Vietnamese partner permanently resides.

 

 

5. Application Review and Interview

The Justice Department will review your application and may schedule an interview with both of you to ensure the marriage is voluntary and legal.

 

 

6. Marriage Certificate Issuance

If your application is approved, the Justice Department will issue your official Marriage Certificate (Giấy Chứng Nhận Kết Hôn). This is the legal document that recognizes your marriage in Vietnam.

 

 

7. Post-Marriage Procedures

After receiving your marriage certificate, you may need to register the marriage in your home country according to its laws. Consult your country’s embassy or consulate for guidance.

 

 

 

 

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II. Embracing the Beauty of Vietnamese Wedding Customs

 

Vietnamese weddings are rich in tradition and symbolism, often spanning several events. Here’s a glimpse into some common customs you might encounter:

 

• Lễ Dạm Ngõ (Engagement Ceremony): This is a formal meeting between the two families where the groom’s family officially asks for the bride’s hand in marriage. Gifts are exchanged, and the couple is formally recognized as engaged.
• Lễ Ăn Hỏi (Betrothal Ceremony): This is a significant event where the groom’s family brings elaborate trays of gifts (tráp) to the bride’s family as a symbol of their commitment and prosperity. The gifts often include betel leaves and areca nuts, fruits, cakes, wine, and sometimes jewelry.
• Lễ Cưới (Wedding Ceremony): The wedding day itself usually involves the groom’s family and relatives coming to the bride’s house to “pick her up.” There are often rituals performed at both the bride’s and groom’s homes, including ancestor worship ceremonies. The couple will then proceed to the wedding venue for the main reception.
• Tiệc Cưới (Wedding Reception): This is a large celebration with family, friends, and colleagues. It typically involves a multi-course Vietnamese feast, entertainment, and the traditional toasting of the happy couple.
• Attire: The traditional attire for a Vietnamese bride is the elegant Áo Dài, a long, silk tunic worn over trousers. Grooms may also wear a traditional outfit or a formal suit. Modern weddings often see the bride wear a white wedding gown for the reception.
• Gifts: Guests usually bring monetary gifts in envelopes (lì xì) to help the couple start their new life together.

 

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III. Tips for a Smooth Journey

 

• Start Early: The legal procedures can take time, so begin the process well in advance of your planned wedding date.
• Seek Legal Advice: Consider consulting with a lawyer specializing in marriage and family law in Vietnam to ensure you have all the correct information and documentation.
• Communicate Openly: Maintain clear and open communication with your partner and their family throughout the process.
• Be Patient and Respectful: Understand that cultural differences may exist, so approach everything with patience and respect for Vietnamese traditions.
• Build Family Relationships: Vietnamese people highly value affection and family bonds. Although the divorce rate in Vietnam is relatively high nowadays, traditional Vietnamese families still want their children to make wise and suitable choices, aiming for a lifelong, fulfilling, and happy marriage. Therefore, if you marry their son or daughter, make an effort to maintain regular contact, share experiences, or visit their homeland if your own family is far away. Foreign partners should pay close attention to this.
• Enjoy the Experience! While the process might seem daunting, remember that you’re embarking on a beautiful journey with the person you love in a vibrant and welcoming country. Embrace the traditions and savor every moment.

 

 

A Unique Cultural Aspect: Vietnamese Women Retain Their Maiden Names

 

It’s important for foreign grooms to understand a significant cultural aspect in Vietnam: Vietnamese women traditionally don’t change their last name upon marriage, regardless of whether they marry a Vietnamese man or a foreign national. Their family name, inherited from their father, remains with them throughout their lives. This is different from some Western cultures where women often adopt their husband’s surname and may even change it again if they remarry. This tradition reflects the strong emphasis on family lineage and identity within Vietnamese culture.

 

 

 

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