9 Essential Steps to Apply for an Extract of Marriage Certificate in Vietnam

Marriage certificates are vital documents for legal proceedings, immigration applications, and various personal matters. If you’ve been married in Vietnam, you may need an official copy of your marriage certificate at some point, such as for visa applications, legal name changes, or inheritance issues. However, the process to apply for an extract of marriage certificate in Vietnam can seem challenging, especially for foreigners whom in many cases are not staying in Vietnam at the moment of need.

Fortunately, with the right guidance, this task can be completed efficiently and without unnecessary stress. In the following, we will go through 9 essential steps to easily for an extract of marriage certificate in Vietnam. After checking this out, you are not only be familiar with the process but also have all the knowledge needed to avoid common pitfalls and delays.

What is an Extract of Marriage Certificate in Vietnam?

Before going into the process, it is important to understand what an extract of marriage certificate in Vietnam actually is. It is a certified copy or duplicate of the original marriage certificate, which includes all the legal details about your marriage registered in Vietnam. This extract holds the same legal value as the original certificate, making it crucial for various official transactions or legal purposes.

Whether you lost your original certificate, need additional copies, or are applying for legal documentation abroad, an extract can serve as a replacement or proof of your marital status.

Why You Might Need an Extract of Marriage Certificate in Vietnam

Here are a few reasons you may need an extract of marriage certificate in Vietnam:

1. Visa applications: Many countries require proof of marital status for spousal visas or family reunification programs.
2. Legal name change: When changing your name after marriage, government offices may request an official marriage certificate.
3. Divorce or separation proceedings: Legal matters involving your marital status often require certified proof of your marriage.
4. Inheritance claims: For settling legal matters involving property or inheritance, proof of marriage may be required.
5. Relocation or expat paperwork: Foreigners married in Vietnam may need the certificate for residency or other administrative purposes in their home country.

Step 1: Determine if You Qualify for an Extract of Marriage Certificate in Vietnam

Before starting the application process, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for requesting an extract of marriage certificate in Vietnam. You can apply for the extract if you meet one of the following conditions:

• You are one of the spouses listed on the marriage certificate.
• You are a parent or legal guardian of either spouse.
• You are a legal representative of the spouse, such as a lawyer.
• In some cases, other relatives with a valid reason may apply.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents

To successfully apply for an extract of marriage certificate in Vietnam, you will need to gather several essential documents. These may vary slightly depending on whether you are a foreigner or Vietnamese citizen, but in general, you will need the following:

• Valid identification: A copy of your passport (for foreigners) or Vietnamese ID card.
• Marriage details: The exact date and location of your marriage registration.
• Power of attorney (if applicable): If you’re not applying in person, you’ll need to provide a notarized power of attorney.
• Proof of relationship (if applicable): If applying on behalf of a spouse, you may need to prove your relationship.

Ensure that all documents are up-to-date and valid before submitting your application. Incorrect or outdated paperwork can delay the process.

Step 3: Identify the Correct Civil Status Office

In Vietnam, marriage certificates are issued by the civil status office in the district where the marriage was registered. To obtain an extract of marriage certificate in Vietnam, you will need to apply to the same civil status office where your marriage was recorded.

If you are unsure of which office holds your marriage record, you can contact any local People’s Committee for guidance, though this might require some time for them to trace your file. For quicker results, it’s always better to know the exact district where the marriage registration took place.

Step 4: Choose Between In-Person or Online Application

You can apply for an extract of marriage certificate in Vietnam in two ways:

1. In-person application: This involves visiting the civil status office where your marriage was registered. You’ll submit your documents in person and receive your extract once it’s processed.
2. Online application: Some cities in Vietnam, such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, offer online services through their local government websites. This is a convenient option for those who cannot visit the office in person. However, online systems may still be limited depending on the location.

For foreigners, applying online can be more complex due to language barriers or system restrictions, so hiring a local lawyer in Vietnam or assistant might be helpful if you are not fluent in Vietnamese.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Once you have all your documents ready, you can submit your application either in person or online. Be sure to:

• Double-check your paperwork: Ensure every document is accurate and complete to avoid rejections.
• Provide translations if needed: For foreigners, ensure your documents, such as passports or power of attorney, are translated into Vietnamese by an official translator.
• Pay the required fees: The application fee varies, but it’s generally low. Online payments are typically available for online applications.

Step 6: Processing Time for an Extract of Marriage Certificate in Vietnam

After you submit your application for an extract of marriage certificate in Vietnam, the civil status office will begin processing it. Processing times vary depending on the district and the volume of applications, but typically it takes:

• In-person applications: Processing can take from 3 to 5 business days.
• Online applications: This can take slightly longer, usually around 5 to 7 business days.

For foreigners or individuals who need urgent processing, you can inquire about expedited services, though this may not be available in all areas.

Step 7: Receive the Extract of Marriage Certificate

Once the processing is complete, you will receive your extract of marriage certificate in Vietnam. If you applied in person, you may need to return to the civil status office to collect it. For online applicants, the extract is usually sent to your address via registered mail.

Make sure to check the details of the certificate for accuracy before leaving the office or accepting it in the mail.

Step 8: What to Do If You Face Issues

If you encounter problems during your application for an extract of marriage certificate in Vietnam, there are several steps you can take to resolve them:

• Contact the civil status office directly: Often, delays or issues can be resolved by calling or visiting the office.
• Seek legal assistance: If your application is rejected or delayed for legal reasons, consider hiring a lawyer experienced in Vietnamese family law.
• Appeal the decision: If you believe your application was wrongly rejected, you can file an appeal through the People’s Committee.

Step 9: Keep a Copy of Your Extract Safely

Once you have the extract, ensure you keep it in a safe place. Consider making certified copies if you expect to use the extract of marriage certificate in Vietnam multiple times. Additionally, storing a digital scan of the extract can be useful for quick reference or online applications in the future.

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.