The process for a US citizen getting married in Vietnam requires both parties to understand the relevant legal requirements and documentation to ensure a smooth experience. In this article, Thao & Co. outlines everything you need to know on how to get married in Vietnam.
Requirements US Citizen Getting Married in Vietnam
To legally marry, both parties must comply with the laws of both Vietnam and the United States. The fundamental requirements include:
- ● The male partner must be at least 20 years old, and the female at least 18
- ● Both parties must have full civil capacity
- ● The marriage must be entirely voluntary, with no coercion or deceit involved
- ● Both individuals must be single at the time of marriage registration
- ● The marriage must not violate any specific legal restrictions in either country
📌 Related: The Latest Marriage Registration Procedure in Vietnam
How a US Citizen Can Get Married in the United States
If the US citizen is getting married in the United States, here is a 4-step process to register the marriage:
- Step 1: Prepare all required documents, ensuring they are translated, certified, and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the U.S. state of residence.
- Commonly required documents include:
- ● Completed marriage registration form signed by both parties
- ● National ID card or passport of both individuals
- ● Birth certificates of both individuals
- ● Passport-sized photos (4×6 cm)
- ● Certificates of single status
- ● Divorce decree or death certificate (if previously married)
- ● Medical examination certificates for both individuals
- ● Household registration for the Vietnamese spouse
- Step 2: Submit the application at the local county court or marriage office where the US citizen resides. Attend an interview if required.
- Step 3: Hold a marriage ceremony in the presence of witnesses and an officiant (judge, minister, or authorized individual).
- Step 4: Visit the local marriage registration office to receive your official marriage certificate, usually within 1-3 business days.
📌 Learn about the differences between certified translation and notarized translation.

US Citizen Getting Married in Vietnam: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process for a US citizen getting married in Vietnam is relatively straightforward, involving just 3 simple steps:
- Step 1: Prepare the required documents. All documents must be legalized for use in Vietnam, translated into Vietnamese, and notarized.
- The standard paperwork includes:
-
- ● A completed marriage registration application form
- ● 3×4 cm photos (white background)
- ● Passport of the US citizen
- ● Proof of residence in Vietnam (if the US citizen is currently living in Vietnam)
- ● Valid health certificates for both parties (issued within the last 6 months)
- ● Affidavit of single status for the U.S. citizen or documents proving single status, such as a divorce decree/death certificate of a former spouse.
- Step 2: Submit the application at the People’s Committee of the district where you reside.
- Step 3: If all paperwork is in order, you will receive your official marriage certificate within 7 to 15 business days.
How Long After Marrying a US Citizen Can You Get US Citizenship?
If your spouse is a US citizen, you may be eligible to apply for US citizenship after 3 years of residing in the United States.
This not only guarantees your legal right to reside and work in the U.S., but also opens the door to many benefits exclusive to American citizens.
Translating Documents for Marriage Registration with a US Citizen
Any foreign documents submitted for marriage registration in Vietnam must be legalized, professionally translated, and notarized in accordance with Vietnamese law.
This process must be handled by qualified translators who meet all professional and legal criteria.

At Thao & Co., we offer a full-service notarized translation and consular legalization package tailored for international marriage registration. Here’s what you can expect:
- 🌟 Personalized support for preparing marriage registration documents involving foreign nationals.
- 🌟 Fast and accurate notarization and legalization handled on your behalf.
- 🌟 High-quality document translation, professionally formatted, available in over 50 languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, German, and more.
- 🌟 Thao & Co.’s expert linguists hold bachelor’s & master’s degrees in linguistics and internationally recognized language proficiency certificates.
- 🌟 A streamlined translation process, ensuring prompt delivery.
- 🌟 All-inclusive services with no hidden fees.
- 🌟 Strict confidentiality guaranteed for your documents and personal information, back by industry-standard NDAs.
- 🌟 A proprietary platform for privacy, seamless document handling, and real-time progress tracking.
To request our translation service, kindly submit a request via the Get a Quote form. Our team will reach out to assist you promptly.