Since 1 July 2025, a marriage between a Vietnamese citizen and a foreigner is registered at the commune-level People’s Committee (UBND cấp xã) where the Vietnamese partner lives, no longer at district level. Processing takes 5 working days, or up to 10 if verification is needed. The foreign partner needs a certificate of marital status from their home country and a passport, and foreign documents must be consular-legalised and translated into Vietnamese.
Which authority handles it
Under Decree 120/2025/ND-CP, civil-status registration with a foreign element moved from district level to the commune-level People’s Committee. If the Vietnamese partner has no place of residence in Vietnam or both partners live abroad, the file goes to the provincial Department of Justice, and the provincial chair assigns a commune to handle it. Directory: Departments of Justice in all 34 provinces.
Typical documents
- Marriage registration declaration form.
- Proof of the foreign partner’s marital status issued by their home authority; if no validity period is stated, it is valid for 6 months.
- A medical facility’s certificate that neither partner has a condition affecting their capacity to make decisions (as instructed by the commune).
- Passport or international travel document, and the foreigner’s temporary residence card if any.
- A Vietnamese citizen divorced abroad must first have the divorce recorded in the Vietnamese civil register.
- Foreign documents must be consular-legalised (unless exempt) and translated, with the translator’s signature certified.
The exact list can vary by locality, so ask the commune office before filing.
Timeline, fee and collection
5 working days from a complete file, up to 10 working days if verification is needed. Both partners must attend to receive the marriage certificate. The fee is set by each province; for example Ho Chi Minh City charges 1,500,000 VND (Resolution 18/2026/NQ-HDND).
After the wedding
The foreign spouse of a Vietnamese citizen can apply for a TT family visa, a temporary residence card or a 5-year visa exemption certificate.
FAQ
Can we marry at a foreign embassy in Vietnam?
A marriage between a Vietnamese citizen and a foreigner performed at a foreign embassy or consulate in Vietnam will not be recorded in the Vietnamese civil register. Register at the commune People’s Committee instead.
Does the foreigner have to be present when filing?
One partner can file, but both must be present to receive the marriage certificate.
Where does the foreigner get a single-status certificate?
From the competent authority of their home country or their embassy or consulate in Vietnam; it must then be legalised and translated into Vietnamese.
Need help with your paperwork?
Info Travel, a Vietnam visa and immigration services company for foreigners, offers free advice and helps with documents, translation and legalisation. Zalo/WhatsApp: +84327828822 / Hotline: +84903782118
Legal basis: Law on Civil Status 2014; Decree 123/2015/ND-CP (amended by Decree 07/2025/ND-CP); Decree 120/2025/ND-CP; Ho Chi Minh City Resolution 18/2026/NQ-HDND.
