How to Get Married in Vietnam: Legal Guide for Foreigners 2025
Getting married in Vietnam as a foreign national can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, but navigating the complex legal requirements requires careful planning and attention to detail. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about the marriage process in Vietnam, from initial documentation to receiving your official marriage certificate.
With over 15,000 international couples choosing Vietnam for their weddings annually, the country has become increasingly accommodating to foreign marriages while maintaining strict legal standards. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding or marrying a Vietnamese partner, understanding these requirements will ensure your special day proceeds without legal complications.
Vietnam’s marriage laws for foreigners were last updated in 2020, introducing streamlined processes while maintaining document authentication standards. This guide reflects all current requirements as of 2025, providing the most up-to-date information available for international couples.
Vietnam Marriage Laws: Legal Framework Overview
Constitutional Foundation
Vietnam’s marriage laws are governed by the 2014 Law on Marriage and Family, which establishes comprehensive guidelines for both Vietnamese nationals and foreign citizens. The law emphasizes gender equality, voluntary marriage, and progressive marriage practices while respecting traditional Vietnamese family values.
Key Legal Principles:
- Marriage must be voluntary and based on mutual consent
- Both parties must meet age and capacity requirements
- Monogamous marriages only (polygamy is prohibited)
- Gender equality in marriage rights and responsibilities
- Protection of children’s rights within marriage
Eligibility Requirements
Age Requirements:
- Males: Minimum 20 years old
- Females: Minimum 18 years old
- Exception: Local authorities may approve marriages for individuals 2 years below minimum age in special circumstances
Mental Capacity: Both parties must demonstrate sound mental health and legal capacity to enter marriage. This includes:
- Understanding the nature and consequences of marriage
- Ability to provide informed consent
- Freedom from mental illness that would impair judgment
- No coercion or duress in the marriage decision
Legal Status Requirements:
- Neither party can be currently married to another person
- Previous marriages must be legally terminated through divorce or death
- Individuals cannot marry relatives within prohibited degrees of kinship
- Both parties must have legal right to remain in Vietnam during the process
Prohibited Marriages
Vietnamese law explicitly prohibits certain marriages:
- Direct relatives: Parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren
- Collateral relatives: Siblings, aunts/uncles with nieces/nephews
- Adoptive relationships: Adoptive parents with adopted children
- Mental incapacity: Individuals with severe mental illness
- Existing marriages: Bigamous or polygamous arrangements
Required Documents by Nationality
For United States Citizens
Primary Documents:
- Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry (Form DS-4194)
- Obtained from: U.S. Embassy Vietnam or U.S. Consulate
- Location: Embassy – 7 Lang Ha Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Cost: $50 USD
- Processing time: 5-10 business days
- Validity: 6 months from issue date
- Apostilled Birth Certificate
- Must be original certified copy from issuing state
- Apostille obtained from Secretary of State office
- Cost: $10-25 per apostille (varies by state)
- Processing time: 2-4 weeks
- Single Status Affidavit (if never married)
- Sworn statement before U.S. consular officer
- Cost: $50 USD (included in embassy visit)
- Must be notarized and apostilled
- Divorce Decree (if previously married)
- Certified copy from court that granted divorce
- Must be apostilled in issuing state
- If divorced multiple times, all divorce decrees required
- Death Certificate of Former Spouse (if widowed)
- Certified copy from vital records office
- Must be apostilled
- Translated into Vietnamese by certified translator
Embassy Contact Information:
- Address: 7 Lang Ha Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi 10000
- Phone: +84 24 3850 5000
- Consulate (HCMC): 4 Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Email: ACSHanoi@state.gov
- Appointment required: Yes, book online at eac.state.gov
For Australian Citizens
Primary Documents:
- Statutory Declaration of No Legal Impediment
- Obtained from: Australian Consulate-General Vietnam
- Location: Landmark 72 Tower, Hanoi or Bitexco Financial Tower, HCMC
- Cost: $85 AUD
- Processing time: 7-14 business days
- Validity: 6 months from issue date
- Birth Certificate (Apostilled)
- Full birth certificate (not commemorative)
- Apostille from Australian Department of Foreign Affairs
- Cost: $80 AUD for apostille
- Processing time: 10-15 business days
- Certificate of Divorce Absolute (if divorced)
- Original or certified copy from Family Court
- Must be apostilled by DFAT
- Include all divorce certificates if divorced multiple times
- Death Certificate (if widowed)
- Certified copy from Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
- Must be apostilled
- Include marriage certificate to deceased spouse
Consulate Contact Information:
- Hanoi: Level 8, Landmark 72 Tower, Pham Hung Street, Nam Tu Liem District
- HCMC: Level 28, Bitexco Financial Tower, 2 Hai Trieu Street, District 1
- Phone (Hanoi): +84 24 3774 0100
- Phone (HCMC): +84 28 3521 8100
- Email: vietnam.consular@dfat.gov.au
For United Kingdom Citizens
Primary Documents:
- Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)
- Obtained from: British Embassy Vietnam or UK General Register Office
- Location: British Embassy, 170 Ngoc Khanh Street, Hanoi
- Cost: £75 (if obtained in Vietnam) or £35 (if obtained in UK)
- Processing time: 21 days (Vietnam) or 10 days (UK)
- Validity: 6 months from issue date
- Birth Certificate (Apostilled)
- Full birth certificate issued by General Register Office
- Apostille from Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
- Cost: £30 for apostille
- Processing time: 2-3 weeks
- Decree Absolute (if divorced)
- Original or certified copy from divorce court
- Must be apostilled in UK
- Cost: £30 per apostille
- Death Certificate of Former Spouse (if widowed)
- Certified copy from General Register Office
- Must be apostilled
- Include marriage certificate to deceased spouse
Embassy Contact Information:
- Address: 170 Ngoc Khanh Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Phone: +84 24 3850 2510
- Consulate (HCMC): 25 Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Email: vietnam.enquiries@fcdo.gov.uk
- Appointment required: Yes, book online at gov.uk
For Canadian Citizens
Primary Documents:
- Certificate of No Impediment
- Obtained from: Embassy of Canada to Vietnam
- Location: 31 Hung Vuong Street, Hanoi
- Cost: $75 CAD
- Processing time: 10-15 business days
- Validity: 6 months from issue date
- Birth Certificate (Apostille Equivalent)
- Certified copy from provincial vital statistics office
- Authentication from Global Affairs Canada
- Cost: $75 CAD for authentication
- Processing time: 10-20 business days
- Certificate of Divorce (if divorced)
- Certified copy from court that granted divorce
- Must be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada
- Include all divorce certificates if divorced multiple times
Embassy Contact Information:
- Address: 31 Hung Vuong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Phone: +84 24 3734 5000
- Consulate (HCMC): 235 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Email: hanoi-cs@international.gc.ca
For German Citizens
Primary Documents:
- Ehefähigkeitszeugnis (Certificate of Capacity to Marry)
- Obtained from: German Consulate General Vietnam or Standesamt in Germany
- Location: 33-35 Tran Phu Street, Hanoi or 126 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, HCMC
- Cost: €25 (Vietnam) or varies by Standesamt (Germany)
- Processing time: 4-6 weeks
- Validity: 6 months from issue date
- Birth Certificate (Apostilled)
- International birth certificate (mehrsprachige Geburtsurkunde)
- Apostille from competent German authority
- Cost: €10-25 depending on state
- Processing time: 2-4 weeks
- Certificate of No Previous Marriage or Divorce Decree
- Ledigkeitsbescheinigung (if never married)
- Rechtskräftige Scheidungsurkunde (if divorced)
- Must be apostilled in Germany
Consulate Contact Information:
- Hanoi: 33-35 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- HCMC: 126 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
- Phone (Hanoi): +84 24 3267 3000
- Phone (HCMC): +84 28 3829 1967
- Email: info@hanoi.diplo.de
Step-by-Step Marriage Process with Timeline
Phase 1: Pre-Application Preparation (4-8 weeks before)
Week 1-2: Document Collection
Day 1-3: Contact Your Embassy/Consulate
- Schedule appointment for Certificate of No Impediment
- Inquire about specific requirements for your nationality
- Ask about processing times and fees
- Request list of approved translators if needed
Day 4-7: Gather Home Country Documents
- Request certified birth certificate from vital records office
- Obtain divorce decree or death certificate if applicable
- Begin apostille process (can take 2-4 weeks)
- Prepare passport-sized photos (4cm x 6cm, white background)
Day 8-14: Document Authentication
- Submit documents for apostille/authentication
- Pay required fees
- Track processing status
- Arrange for secure delivery to Vietnam (if applying from abroad)
Week 3-4: Vietnam-Specific Preparation
Day 15-18: Medical Examination Vietnam requires a comprehensive medical examination from an approved Vietnamese medical facility. Approved hospitals:
Ho Chi Minh City:
- International SOS Vietnam
- Address: 167A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 3
- Phone: +84 28 3827 7848
- Cost: $80-120 USD
- Languages: English, French, Japanese
- FV Hospital
- Address: 6 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, District 7
- Phone: +84 28 5411 3500
- Cost: $70-100 USD
- Languages: English, French, Korean
Hanoi:
- Hanoi French Hospital
- Address: 1 Phuong Mai Street, Dong Da District
- Phone: +84 24 3577 1100
- Cost: $75-110 USD
- Languages: English, French
- International SOS Hanoi
- Address: 31 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Phone: +84 24 3934 0555
- Cost: $85-125 USD
Medical Examination Includes:
- General physical examination
- Chest X-ray (to screen for tuberculosis)
- Blood tests (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B)
- Mental health assessment
- Vision and hearing tests
Required Medical Certificate must confirm:
- Absence of mental illness affecting marriage capacity
- Freedom from infectious diseases (HIV, TB, syphilis)
- General good health status
- Fitness for marriage and family life
Processing Time: Same day to 48 hours maximum Validity: 6 months from issue date Cost: $70-125 USD depending on facility
Day 19-21: Document Translation and Notarization
All foreign documents must be translated into Vietnamese by certified translators approved by the Ministry of Justice.
Approved Translation Services:
Ho Chi Minh City:
- Saigon Translation Company
- Address: 27 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1
- Phone: +84 28 3822 3085
- Cost: $15-25 per page
- Languages: 25+ languages available
- Lotus Translation Services
- Address: 123 Le Loi Street, District 1
- Phone: +84 28 3827 4628
- Cost: $12-20 per page
Hanoi:
- Hanoi Translation Services
- Address: 85 Nguyen Du Street, Hai Ba Trung District
- Phone: +84 24 3943 1556
- Cost: $15-22 per page
- Vietnam Translation Company
- Address: 12 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Phone: +84 24 3824 0381
- Cost: $18-28 per page
Translation Requirements:
- Must be performed by certified translators
- Include translator’s certification and stamp
- Notarized by Vietnamese notary public
- Processing time: 2-5 business days
- Rush service available (additional 50% fee)
Phase 2: Application Submission (Week of marriage)
Day 22-25: Justice Department Application
Application Locations by City:
Ho Chi Minh City:
- Department of Justice – District 1
- Address: 133 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1
- Phone: +84 28 3829 6728
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- Processing time: 15-20 business days
- Department of Justice – District 3
- Address: 279 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, District 3
- Phone: +84 28 3930 3447
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Hanoi:
- Hanoi Department of Justice
- Address: 31 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District
- Phone: +84 24 3733 2048
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- Processing time: 20-25 business days
Da Nang:
- Da Nang Department of Justice
- Address: 24 Tran Phu Street, Hai Chau District
- Phone: +84 236 3821 038
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Required Documents for Submission:
- Completed marriage registration application (Form 01-HS)
- Original Certificate of No Impediment + 3 certified copies
- Original birth certificate + Vietnamese translation + 3 copies
- Original and copies of divorce decree/death certificate (if applicable)
- Original medical certificate + 3 copies
- Original passport + valid Vietnam visa + 3 copies
- 4 passport-sized photos (4cm x 6cm) of each party
- Vietnamese partner’s household registration book (if applicable)
Application Fees:
- Basic processing: 500,000 VND ($20 USD)
- Express processing: 1,000,000 VND ($40 USD) – reduces wait time by 50%
- Certificate issuance: 100,000 VND ($4 USD)
- Additional certified copies: 50,000 VND ($2 USD) each
Payment Methods:
- Cash only (Vietnamese dong)
- Exact change preferred
- Receipts provided for all payments
Phase 3: Review and Interview Process
Day 26-28: Document Review Period
After submission, officials conduct thorough document review:
- Authenticity verification: All documents checked against embassy databases
- Translation accuracy: Vietnamese translations verified against originals
- Legal compliance: Ensure all requirements met according to current law
- Background checks: Preliminary verification of identity and marital status
Potential Issues During Review:
- Document discrepancies: Names, dates, or details don’t match across documents
- Translation errors: Inaccurate or unclear Vietnamese translations
- Missing information: Incomplete forms or missing required documents
- Expired documents: Any document exceeding validity period
Day 29-35: Mandatory Interview
Both parties must attend an in-person interview at the Justice Department. Interview typically covers:
Relationship Questions:
- How and when did you meet?
- Describe your courtship and relationship development
- What are your future plans together?
- How do you communicate (language considerations)?
- Have you visited each other’s families?
Legal and Practical Questions:
- Do you understand Vietnamese marriage laws?
- Are you entering marriage voluntarily?
- Do you have any legal impediments to marriage?
- Where do you plan to live after marriage?
- How will you support yourselves financially?
Cultural Understanding Questions:
- What Vietnamese customs are you familiar with?
- How will you handle cultural differences?
- Do you speak any Vietnamese?
- Have you participated in Vietnamese family traditions?
Interview Preparation Tips:
- Bring photo albums showing your relationship
- Prepare to explain any long-distance relationship periods
- Have concrete future plans (residence, work, family)
- Show genuine knowledge of partner’s background
- Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and willingness to adapt
Interview Duration: 30-60 minutes Languages Available: Vietnamese, English (interpreter provided if needed) Outcome: Approval, additional information request, or denial
Phase 4: Approval and Certificate Issuance
Day 36-50: Final Processing
After successful interview, final processing includes:
- Legal review: Senior officials review complete file
- Database registration: Marriage recorded in national registry
- Certificate preparation: Official marriage certificate prepared
- Quality control: Final verification of all information
Day 50-55: Certificate Collection
Marriage Certificate Details:
- Official name: «Giấy chứng nhận kết hôn» (Marriage Certificate)
- Languages: Vietnamese and English (bilingual format)
- Security features: Official seal, signatures, security paper
- Information included: Full names, nationalities, dates of birth, marriage date, registration location
Certificate Collection Process:
- Bring original receipt from application submission
- Present valid identification (passport)
- Pay certificate issuance fee (100,000 VND)
- Verify all information on certificate before leaving
- Request additional certified copies if needed
Additional Certified Copies:
- Cost: 50,000 VND ($2 USD) each
- Recommended quantity: 5-10 copies
- Uses: Embassy registration, visa applications, legal proceedings
- Processing time: Same day
Complete Cost Breakdown
Embassy and Consular Fees
United States Citizens:
- Certificate of Legal Capacity: $50
- Notarial services: $50
- Document review: $50
- Total embassy costs: $150 USD
Australian Citizens:
- Statutory Declaration: $85 AUD
- Document witnessing: $85 AUD
- Consular services: $50 AUD
- Total embassy costs: $220 AUD (~$155 USD)
United Kingdom Citizens:
- Certificate of No Impediment: £75
- Notarial services: £50
- Document authentication: £30
- Total embassy costs: £155 (~$190 USD)
Canadian Citizens:
- Certificate of No Impediment: $75 CAD
- Document authentication: $75 CAD
- Consular services: $50 CAD
- Total embassy costs: $200 CAD (~$150 USD)
German Citizens:
- Ehefähigkeitszeugnis: €25
- Document certification: €50
- Consular services: €35
- Total embassy costs: €110 (~$120 USD)
Vietnamese Government Fees
Mandatory Fees:
- Marriage application processing: 500,000 VND ($20)
- Marriage certificate issuance: 100,000 VND ($4)
- Express processing (optional): +500,000 VND ($20)
- Total government fees: 600,000-1,100,000 VND ($24-44)
Professional Service Costs
Medical Examination:
- International hospitals: $70-125
- Local clinics: $30-50
- Express results: +$20-30
- Average cost: $85
Document Translation:
- Per page rate: $12-28
- Average documents (8-12 pages): $150-300
- Rush service: +50% fee
- Notarization: $5-10 per document
- Average translation costs: $200
Legal Assistance (Optional):
- Consultation: $100-200
- Full process assistance: $500-800
- Document preparation: $200-400
- Professional assistance: $300-1000
Additional Expenses
Document Preparation:
- Apostille services: $20-80 per document
- Certified copies: $10-25 each
- International shipping: $50-100
- Document preparation: $150-300
Travel and Accommodation:
- Extended stay for processing: $500-1500
- Multiple trips to Justice Department: $50-200
- Local transportation: $100-300
- Travel costs: $650-2000
Total Estimated Costs
Budget Option: $800-1,200
- Use local medical facilities
- Self-translation where possible
- Minimal professional assistance
- Standard processing times
Standard Option: $1,200-2,000
- International medical facilities
- Professional translation services
- Basic legal consultation
- Standard processing
Premium Option: $2,000-3,500
- Full professional assistance
- Express processing where available
- Comprehensive legal support
- Luxury accommodation during process
Common Problems and Solutions
Document Authentication Issues
Problem 1: Apostille Rejection Symptoms: Vietnamese authorities reject apostilled documents Common causes:
- Apostille from wrong authority (must be from Secretary of State, not notary)
- Incorrect document type (commemorative certificates not accepted)
- Expired apostille (some states have validity limits)
Solutions:
- Verify apostille authority with your state’s Secretary of State office
- Use full birth certificates, not commemorative versions
- Check apostille expiration dates
- Contact embassy for pre-verification before travel
Prevention tips:
- Always use certified copies, never photocopies
- Verify apostille requirements with Vietnamese consulate in your country
- Allow extra time for re-apostille if needed
Problem 2: Translation Discrepancies Symptoms: Vietnamese translation rejected for inaccuracies Common causes:
- Non-certified translator used
- Names or dates don’t match exactly across documents
- Missing translator certification and seal
Solutions:
- Use only Ministry of Justice approved translators
- Provide translators with all related documents for consistency
- Request translator certification and official seal
- Review translations carefully before submission
Approved translator directories:
- Ministry of Justice website: moj.gov.vn
- Embassy translator lists
- Bar Association recommendations
Medical Certificate Complications
Problem 3: Medical Test Failures Symptoms: Medical certificate denied due to health issues Common causes:
- Positive HIV, TB, or syphilis test
- Mental health concerns
- Incomplete medical examination
Solutions:
- For treatable conditions: Complete treatment and retest
- For chronic conditions: Obtain specialist clearance
- For mental health: Provide psychiatric evaluation
- For incomplete exams: Return for full examination
Important notes:
- HIV positive individuals are not automatically disqualified
- Provide medical history and current treatment information
- Some conditions require specialist consultation
- Mental health assessment focuses on capacity to consent
Problem 4: Medical Certificate Delays Symptoms: Medical results taking longer than expected Common causes:
- Laboratory delays
- Additional tests required
- Peak season backlogs
Solutions:
- Book medical appointments 2-3 weeks in advance
- Use international hospitals for faster service
- Request express processing (additional fee)
- Have backup appointment at second facility
Interview Process Challenges
Problem 5: Language Barriers During Interview Symptoms: Communication difficulties with officials Common causes:
- Limited English-speaking staff
- Technical legal terminology
- Cultural misunderstandings
Solutions:
- Request certified interpreter (usually provided free)
- Prepare key documents in both languages
- Bring bilingual friend as support (check if allowed)
- Practice common interview questions in Vietnamese
Key phrases for interviews:
- «Tôi không hiểu» (I don’t understand)
- «Xin hãy nói chậm» (Please speak slowly)
- «Tôi cần thông dịch viên» (I need an interpreter)
Problem 6: Relationship Authenticity Concerns Symptoms: Extensive questioning about relationship genuineness Common causes:
- Large age differences
- Short relationship duration
- Limited shared language ability
- Lack of documentation
Solutions:
- Bring comprehensive relationship evidence:
- Photos from throughout relationship
- Communication records (emails, messages)
- Travel records showing visits
- Family meeting documentation
- Shared financial accounts or property
Documentation tips:
- Organize chronologically
- Include translations for non-English materials
- Show progression of relationship over time
- Include both families’ involvement
Processing Delays
Problem 7: Extended Processing Times Symptoms: Application taking longer than stated timeframes Common causes:
- Peak wedding season backlogs (October-March)
- Document verification delays
- Staff shortages or holidays
- Additional review requirements
Solutions:
- Apply during off-peak seasons (April-September)
- Pay for express processing where available
- Check status regularly with Justice Department
- Maintain flexible travel plans
Peak season considerations:
- Processing times increase 50-100%
- Book appointments earlier
- Consider off-season marriages
- Plan for extended stays
Problem 8: Incomplete Applications Symptoms: Application returned for additional information Common causes:
- Missing document copies
- Unsigned forms
- Incorrect photo specifications
- Insufficient fees
Solutions:
- Use provided checklists meticulously
- Bring extra copies of all documents
- Verify photo specifications (4cm x 6cm, white background)
- Confirm current fee structures
Checklist verification:
- Review requirements with embassy before travel
- Use official Justice Department checklists
- Confirm requirements haven’t changed recently
- Bring backup documents when possible
Embassy and Consulate Directory
Major Embassy Contacts
United States Embassy Vietnam
- Main Embassy (Hanoi): 7 Lang Ha Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi 10000
- Phone: +84 24 3850 5000
- Emergency: +84 24 3850 5000 (after hours)
- Email: ACSHanoi@state.gov
- Consular Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Appointments: Required, book at eac.state.gov
- Consulate General (Ho Chi Minh City): 4 Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Phone: +84 28 3520 4200
- Email: ACSHCMC@state.gov
- Consular Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Embassy of Australia
- Main Embassy (Hanoi): Level 8, Landmark 72 Tower, Pham Hung Street, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi
- Phone: +84 24 3774 0100
- Email: vietnam.consular@dfat.gov.au
- Consular Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- Emergency: +61 2 6261 3305
- Consulate General (Ho Chi Minh City): Level 28, Bitexco Financial Tower, 2 Hai Trieu Street, District 1
- Phone: +84 28 3521 8100
- Consular Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
British Embassy Vietnam
- Main Embassy (Hanoi): 170 Ngoc Khanh Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Phone: +84 24 3850 2510
- Email: vietnam.enquiries@fcdo.gov.uk
- Consular Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
- Emergency: +84 24 3850 2510
- Consulate General (Ho Chi Minh City): 25 Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Phone: +84 28 3829 8433
- Consular Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Embassy of Canada
- Main Embassy (Hanoi): 31 Hung Vuong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Phone: +84 24 3734 5000
- Email: hanoi-cs@international.gc.ca
- Consular Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
- Emergency: +1 613 996 8885
- Consulate General (Ho Chi Minh City): 235 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Phone: +84 28 3827 9899
- Consular Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
German Embassy
- Main Embassy (Hanoi): 33-35 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Phone: +84 24 3267 3000
- Email: info@hanoi.diplo.de
- Consular Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Emergency: +84 24 3267 3000
- Consulate General (Ho Chi Minh City): 126 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
- Phone: +84 28 3829 1967
- Consular Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Other Notable Embassies
French Embassy: 57 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Japanese Embassy: 27 Lieu Giai Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi Korean Embassy: 28 Le Phung Hieu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi Netherlands Embassy: Lotte Center, 65 Nguyen Du Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi Swedish Embassy: 2nd Floor, GP Invest Building, 170 La Thanh Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi
After Marriage: Certificate Processing and Recognition
Marriage Certificate Authentication
Vietnamese Marriage Certificate Features:
- Bilingual format: Vietnamese and English text
- Security features: Watermarks, official seals, embossed stamps
- Information included: Full names, dates of birth, nationalities, marriage date, place of registration
- Signatures: Both parties, witnesses, registering official
- Official seal: Department of Justice stamp and signature
Certificate Validation:
- Each certificate has unique registration number
- Verification possible through Justice Department database
- Anti-fraud measures include special paper and ink
- Digital verification system introduced in 2023
Home Country Recognition Process
United States Recognition:
- No automatic recognition – marriage valid in Vietnam may need additional steps for U.
Home Country Recognition Process for International Marriages
United States Recognition
1. No Automatic Recognition
- Marriage valid in Vietnam may need additional steps for U.S. recognition
- Federal and state laws vary regarding foreign marriage recognition
- Documentation requirements differ by intended use (immigration, legal benefits, etc.)
2. Required Documentation
- Certified marriage certificate from Vietnamese authorities
- Official translation by certified translator if not in English
- Apostille or consular legalization depending on state requirements
- Proof of legal capacity to marry (single status certificate)
3. State-by-State Variations
- Most states recognize foreign marriages if valid where performed
- Some states require additional registration or filing
- Consult with state vital records office for specific requirements
- Marriage license may need to be recorded with county clerk
4. Immigration Considerations
- USCIS requires extensive documentation for spouse visas
- Marriage certificate must be accompanied by evidence of bona fide relationship
- Additional background checks and interviews may be required
United Kingdom Recognition
1. General Recognition Policy
- UK generally recognizes marriages performed abroad if valid in country of celebration
- No need to register marriage again in UK for most purposes
- Marriage certificate serves as proof of marital status
2. Documentation Requirements
- Original or certified copy of foreign marriage certificate
- Official English translation if certificate not in English
- May need apostille for certain legal proceedings
3. Special Circumstances
- Polygamous marriages not recognized
- Same-sex marriages recognized if valid where performed (since 2013)
- Proxy marriages generally not recognized
Canada Recognition
1. Federal vs. Provincial Jurisdiction
- Marriage recognition falls under federal law
- Registration requirements vary by province
- Generally automatic recognition if marriage valid where performed
2. Documentation Process
- No requirement to re-register foreign marriage
- Translation required for non-English/French certificates
- Vital statistics office can provide guidance on documentation
3. Immigration Applications
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has specific requirements
- Extensive documentation needed for spousal sponsorship applications
Australia Recognition
1. Recognition Standards
- Foreign marriages recognized if valid under law of country where performed
- Both parties must have legal capacity to marry under Australian law
- Marriage must not be prohibited under Australian law
2. Registration Process
- No automatic registration system for foreign marriages
- Can apply for recognition through state registrar if needed
- Documentation must be translated and certified
3. Legal Implications
- Recognized marriages carry same legal rights and obligations
- Important for divorce proceedings, property rights, and inheritance
Germany Recognition
1. Administrative Requirements
- Foreign marriages must be registered with German civil registry (Standesamt)
- Required for official recognition and legal benefits
- Process called «Nachbeurkundung» (subsequent certification)
2. Documentation Needed
- Certified marriage certificate with apostille
- Official German translation by sworn translator
- Proof of legal capacity to marry at time of ceremony
- Valid passports or identity documents
3. Timeline and Costs
- Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks
- Fees vary by municipality (usually €40-80)
- May require personal appearance at registry office
France Recognition
1. Transcription Process
- Marriage must be transcribed in French civil status registers
- Required within one year for French citizens
- Handled by local mairie (town hall) or French consulate
2. Required Documents
- Original marriage certificate with certified translation
- Birth certificates of both spouses
- Certificate of celibacy (certificat de célibat)
- Proof of legal residence if applicable
General Best Practices
1. Early Preparation
- Begin recognition process immediately after marriage
- Gather all required documents while still in country of marriage
- Ensure all documents are properly certified and apostilled
2. Professional Assistance
- Consider hiring immigration lawyer for complex cases
- Use certified translators for all foreign language documents
- Consult with relevant government agencies early in process
3. Multiple Copies
- Obtain multiple certified copies of marriage certificate
- Keep originals safe and use copies for most applications
- Some processes may require original documents
4. Timeline Considerations
- Allow 2-6 months for complete recognition process
- Some countries have time limits for registration
- Immigration applications may take significantly longer
Common Challenges
1. Document Authentication
- Apostille requirements vary by country
- Some documents may need consular legalization instead
- Chain of authentication can be complex
2. Translation Requirements
- Must use certified or sworn translators
- Some countries require specific translator qualifications
- Translations may need notarization
3. Legal Capacity Issues
- Previous marriages must be properly dissolved
- Age and consent requirements must be met
- Mental capacity documentation may be required
Conclusion
Recognition of international marriages requires careful attention to documentation and legal requirements. While most countries recognize valid foreign marriages, the administrative processes vary significantly. Early preparation, proper documentation, and professional guidance when needed can help ensure smooth recognition of your marriage in your home country.