A marriage registered in Vietnam is generally recognised in India if valid there, and the certificate can be legalised, attested and translated for Indian use. Couples marrying in India can marry under the Special Marriage Act after 30 days' residence, or register a religious marriage under the relevant law. After two years of a registered marriage, the Vietnamese spouse can usually apply for an OCI card.
- Document route
- Vietnamese notary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalisation, then Indian mission attestation
- Time difference
- IST is 1h30 behind Vietnam all year
- Hindu marriages
- Section 8, Hindu Marriage Act 1955
- Civil marriage
- Special Marriage Act 1954
Marriage Registration from Vietnam: how it works
For a Vietnamese marriage, we arrange legalisation of the certificate by the Vietnamese authorities, attestation by the Indian mission and an English translation, and then present it to the Indian authority, bank or registry. For an Indian marriage, we prepare the notice, affidavits and the foreign spouse's documents.
We also advise the couple on name changes, visas, OCI, joint bank accounts and wills.
Vietnamese authorities usually ask the Indian partner for a certificate of marital status before registering the marriage; we prepare the Indian affidavit and arrange its attestation so the Vietnamese registry accepts it.
What clients in Vietnam should know
- The Vietnamese partner will need a certificate of marital status.
- Use identical name spellings across all documents.
- Register the marriage in India if you plan to live there.
Step by step from Vietnam
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Vietnam, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Vietnam
Vietnamese notary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalisation, then Indian mission attestation
Work in India
Our team files, appears and follows up in India, and shares scans of everything filed.
Result and handover
Certified copies and originals are couriered to you in Vietnam where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Vietnam. For the law, the documents and the step-by-step procedure, read our main page on Marriage Registration, or see all services for clients in Vietnam and the Cross-Border Family Law practice area.
Questions from clients in Vietnam
Is a marriage registered in Vietnam valid in India?
Yes, if valid under Vietnamese law. Legalise and translate the certificate for Indian use.
Can we marry in India under the Special Marriage Act?
Yes, after one of you has lived in the district for 30 days.
Can my spouse apply for OCI straight away?
After two years of a registered marriage, subject to checks.
What does the Indian partner need to marry in Vietnam?
Usually a passport, a certificate or affidavit of single status and sometimes a medical certificate, legalised for Vietnamese use.