Civil status · Marriage
Certificate of single status: what Vietnamese Americans need to marry in Vietnam
Many people call it the "certificate of single status" (công hàm độc thân). It is a file legalized by the Consulate General of Vietnam that proves you are single, used to register a marriage in Vietnam.
1. Documents issued by the Consulate General
Placed at the front of the file:
- A letter of introduction to the competent authority in Vietnam.
- A Certificate of Marital Status, issued to applicants who still hold Vietnamese citizenship. It is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
- Certified translations of the U.S. documents in the file.
2. Forms you complete and sign before a notary
- Affidavit of Single Status.
- Application for Marriage Registration, with photos of both partners.
- Biographic information sheet: work history, prior marital status and family background (parents, siblings).
- Statement of Non-Impediment to Marriage.
- One-and-the-same-person affidavit, used when your name differs between U.S. and Vietnamese documents.
3. Documents you send
- No Record of Marriage certificate from the County Clerk where you live.
- Copies of your Vietnamese passport, green card or U.S. passport.
- A copy of your partner’s Vietnamese ID card.
- Previously divorced: the divorce decree. Widowed: the spouse’s death certificate.
4. Steps
- Sign the forms before KPN’s notary public.
- Authentication by the Secretary of State.
- Legalization at the Consulate General of Vietnam.
- Send the file to Vietnam and file it with the commune-level People’s Committee where your partner resides.
KPN handles everything
We prepare and complete all forms; KPN’s notary certifies copies and notarizes signatures; we obtain Secretary of State authentication and Consulate legalization, and deliver the file to your home. Fee: $500 first time, $600 if previously divorced.
Every situation is different. Message or call KPN for a free consultation, 9:00 AM to midnight every day.
Need personal advice?
This article provides general information on Vietnamese law as of the date of publication and is not a substitute for advice on your specific situation. Ken Phuc Nguyen is an attorney-at-law in Vietnam and a Foreign Legal Consultant certified by the Supreme Court of Texas; he advises only on the laws of Vietnam, not on Texas or U.S. law.