Foreigners residing in Vietnam can ask the commune-level People’s Committee where they have permanent residence (or temporary residence if none) to certify their marital status during their time in Vietnam. The certificate is valid for 6 months and only for the purpose stated on it. To marry in Vietnam, a foreigner usually still needs a marital status certificate from their home country.
Documents
- Request form for a certificate of marital status.
- Passport and temporary residence card or permanent residence card.
- If previously married: proof of divorce or of the spouse’s death (foreign documents legalised and translated).
- For a reissue: return the previously issued certificate.
Timeline and fee
About 3 working days (longer if verification is needed). Fees are set by each province, for example 4,000 VND in Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnamese certificate or home-country certificate?
The commune’s certificate only covers your time living in Vietnam. To marry a Vietnamese citizen, you need proof of marital status from your home country’s authority or embassy.
FAQ
Can I use it to marry abroad?
If the other country accepts it; it will then need consular legalisation by Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that country’s mission.
I arrived a few months ago. Can I apply?
Yes, if you reside legally; the certificate only covers your period of residence in Vietnam.
How long is it valid?
6 months from issue, for the stated purpose only.
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 (Arts. 21–23); Decree 120/2025/ND-CP.
