Marriage Certificate Exemption in Vietnam: The New Regulation and Update 5 Key Steps to Register Marriage

Vietnam’s marriage registration process has recently been updated, making it easier for Vietnamese to complete the necessary procedures. 

One of the key changes is the Marriage Certificate Exemption in Vietnam policy, which simplifies paperwork and reduces administrative steps. 

Effective January 9, 2025, this reform under Decree 07/2025/NĐ-CP removes the requirement for a Marriage Status Certificate, making it easier for Vietnamese to register their marriages. 

This policy is part of Vietnam’s broader efforts to streamline administrative procedures, reduce bureaucratic burdens, and improve the efficiency of government services.

For foreigners planning to marry in Vietnam, understanding this new policy and preparing accordingly is essential to ensure a smooth, legally recognized, and hassle-free marriage registration. 

In this article, we also discuss five essential steps, helping you navigate the updated regulations, while addressing potential challenges along the way.

Understanding the Marriage Certificate Exemption in Vietnam

Previously, Vietnamese citizens were required to obtain a Marriage Status Certificate from their respective authorities to prove their single status before registering their marriage. Due to the history of provincial administration, although Vietnamese who were born and grew up in one province but travel to other cities or provinces far from home to live and work, still have to manage to travel back to home provinces, apply for a marriage status certificate, and wait for the result.  This requirement often led to long processing times, additional paperwork, and bureaucratic hurdles.  

With the Marriage Certificate Exemption in Vietnam, this step is now eliminated, and instead, local authorities will automatically verify marital status using Vietnam’s national civil status and population databases. This significantly reduces the time and effort required for couples to complete the marriage registration process.

However, foreign nationals must still ensure compliance with both Vietnamese regulations and their home country’s legal requirements. 

Below, we outline the five key steps that will help foreign nationals seamlessly register their marriage in Vietnam.

Check Eligibility for Marriage Registration in Vietnam

Before initiating the registration process, both foreigners and Vietnamese citizens must meet specific legal requirements set by Vietnamese law:

Legal Age and Civil Capacity

Males must be at least 20 years old, and females must be at least 18 years old.

Both parties must have full civil act capacity, meaning they can make independent decisions.

Voluntary Consent

The marriage must be completely voluntary, with no coercion or deception involved.

No Prohibited Relationships

Marriages between close relatives, adoptive parents and children, or persons currently married to someone else are strictly prohibited.

Compliance with Home Country Laws

Some countries have specific regulations regarding marriage abroad. Foreigners should check with their home country’s consulate or embassy in Vietnam to ensure compliance with their national laws. Consulting with local legal experts or marriage registration agencies in Vietnam can help clarify any special requirements.

Prepare the Required Documents

Even though the Marriage Certificate Exemption in Vietnam eliminates the need for a Marriage Status Certificate, foreign nationals are still required to submit key documents for verification.

Mandatory Documents for Foreign Nationals

• Valid Passport – Must have at least six months of validity.
• Proof of Legal Residence – A valid visa or residence permit.
• Affidavit of Single Status – Issued by the foreign national’s home country, certifying that the individual is not currently married.
• Medical Certificate – Obtained from a recognized medical institution in Vietnam, confirming that both parties are mentally fit for marriage.
• Application for Marriage Registration – A standard form provided by the Vietnamese civil status office.

Authentication and Translation Requirements

All foreign-issued documents must be authenticated and translated into Vietnamese.

Authentication Steps:

• Get documents certified by the relevant authority in the foreigner’s home country.
• Have them legalized at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate.
• Translate them into Vietnamese using an official translator.

It is important to prepare and start document authentication and translation early to avoid last-minute delays.

Submit the Application and Attend the Interview

Once all required documents are ready, both parties must submit the marriage application at the Justice Department of the District-level People’s Committee where the Vietnamese partner resides.

The Interview Process

After submission, an official interview would be conducted to:

• Confirm the authenticity of the relationship.
• Ensure the couple understands the legal obligations of marriage in Vietnam.
• Prevent fraudulent marriages.

The interview may include questions about:

• How and when the couple met.
• Their future plans, i.e. living arrangements, family planning.
• Cultural and religious considerations.

It is advised to be prepared with photos, messages, or other proof of relationship in case additional verification is required.

Wait for Approval and Receive the Marriage Certificate

Once the application is approved, the People’s Committee Chairman will sign and issue the Marriage Certificate.

Processing Time

Standard processing time would be around two weeks if all documents are correctly submitted. If additional verification is needed, it may take longer.

Attending the Marriage Registration Ceremony

Both parties must be present at the civil status office to sign the Marriage Certificate. The marriage is officially recorded in Vietnam’s civil status system.

Please note that a wedding ceremony as tradition is not recognized as marriage by the law in Vietnam.

Post-Marriage Procedures and Considerations

Visa and Residency Benefits

Foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens may apply for a visa exemption, allowing them to stay in Vietnam without a visa. Even with visa exemption, this duration is not unlimited, but renewal is simple.

Prenuptial Agreements

While not common in Vietnam, couples may consider a prenuptial agreement to clarify asset division and financial responsibilities.

Registration of Marriage Abroad

Some foreign countries require additional registration at their embassy or consulate to recognize the marriage in their home country.

Hence, it is important to contact your embassy for guidance on registering your Vietnamese marriage abroad.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

While the Marriage Certificate Exemption in Vietnam simplifies the process, some challenges may still arise:

Common Challenges

• Incomplete or missing records in Vietnam’s database.
• Delays in document authentication from the foreigner’s home country.
• Language barriers during the interview process.

How to Overcome Them

Check database records in advance: If uncertain, visit the local civil status office beforehand.

Authenticate documents early: Start the process well in advance to avoid delays.

Conclusion: A Simple, Efficient Path to Marriage in Vietnam

The Marriage Certificate Exemption in Vietnam represents a major step forward in simplifying marriage registration. Foreign nationals looking to marry in Vietnam will benefit from reduced paperwork, faster processing times, and improved administrative efficiency.

By following these five essential steps: checking eligibility, preparing documents, submitting the application, attending the interview, and completing post-marriage procedures, foreigners can seamlessly navigate the process and embark on a joyful new chapter of life in Vietnam.

About ANT Lawyers, a Law Firm in Vietnam

We help clients overcome cultural barriers and achieve their strategic and financial outcomes, while ensuring the best interest rate protection, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. ANT lawyers has lawyers in Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi,  and Danang, and will help customers in doing business in Vietnam.