Marriage
International Marriages
In order for an international marriage to be valid, the parties to a marriage who meet the marriage conditions prescribed by the laws of their own countries respectively shall report their marriage to an administrative agency so that their marriage status is registered on the family relation register. Unless otherwise prescribed by the Act on Private International Law, the legal relations after marriage, in principle, shall follow the laws of the countries of the husband and the wife, the law of habitual residence, and the laws of the countries most closely related to them.
1. Nationality after international marriage
■Korean nationals : A Korean national does not lose his/her Korean nationality even though he/she marries a foreigner. He/She may or may not acquire the nationality of the country of the foreign spouse, depending on its laws.
■Foreigners : A foreigner shall not be able to acquire the nationality of the Republic of Korea as soon as he/she marries a Korean national. A foreigner may be qualified for naturalization and the right of permanent residence if he/she receives a Marriage Migrant(F-6) visa and meets certain requirements.
■Marriage between foreigners : A marriage between foreigners depends on the laws of their countries. Contact the relevant embassy or consulate for further details.
2. Marriage report procedures by type
The required documents are different according to his/her nationality.
Type
Documents required
Authority
■Marriage report in the Republic of Korea
①The foreign spouse's marriage prerequisite certificate and its translation
-
In cases regarding Chinese people, a single status certificate, its translation, and family relation register
-
Required documents may vary depending on nationalities.
Check the required documents first before visiting the Gu Office.
②
A marriage report (signed or sealed by the both parties to a marriage and two adult witnesses, a copy of the IDs of the two witnesses) and IDs of both parties to a marriage (the foreign spouse's passport and alien certificate)
■Required documents if the marriage has been reported abroad first
①
Marriage report by a national of the Republic of Korea and his/her foreign spouse
②
Marriage certificate (a certified copy of a marriage certificate issued by the authority of the country where the marriage took place and its translation)
The foreign spouse's notarial certificate of nationality (family relation register, birth certificate, a copy of passport, a certified copy of identification register, etc.)
③
④
A marriage report (signed or sealed by the both parties to a marriage and two adult witnesses)
IDs of both parties to a marriage who make an appearance
-
Contact the embassy or consulate of the foreign spouse's country to obtain information about a marriage report to the country.
-
Marriage shall be reported to both the competent Korean government office (Gu Office) and the competent office of the foreign spouse's country (embassy, etc.).
-
The parties to a marriage may face a fine if they fail to report their marriage within three months without good cause.
-
It is recommended that both husband and wife visit the Immigration Office together to apply for the Marriage Migrant or Permanent Resident visa.
Korean government office
(The Gu Office
in Seoul)
Marriage report by foreigners
-
Marriage between foreigners shall follow the laws of nationalities of the parties.
-
Foreigners who intend to report their marriage shall prepare required documents, including marriage prerequisite certificates issued by the embassies of their countries, their IDs, and personal information of two witnesses, and file a marriage report with the Gu Office to obtain a certificate of marriage registration.
Korean
government
office
(The Gu Office
having
jurisdiction
over
the address)
※Application for Marriage Migrant visa: Check the required documents before applying for visa. Required documents may vary depending on nationality and timing. Visit the Immigration Office or contact the Immigration Contact Center (☎1345) for further details.
3. International marriage guidance program
The International Marriage Guidance Program is provided for nationals of the Republic of Korea who intend to marry a national of one of the notified countries (China, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, and Thailand) or who have already married a foreigner and intend to invite the foreign spouse.
■Those who should complete the program
Nationals of the Republic of Korean who intend to marry a national of one of the notified countries shall complete the International Marriage Guidance Program to receive Marriage Migrant (F-6) visa.
■Persons subject to the exemption
The following cases are exempted from the International Marriage Guidance Program: Where a national of the Republic of Korea has stayed in the foreign spouse's country or the third country for study, dispatch work, etc. for at least 6 month and has dated him/her; where the foreign spouse who has legally stayed in the Republic of Korea for at least 91 days and has dated a Korean national; Where the spouse is pregnant, gave birth, or has other reasons requiring human consideration. Visit the website of the Immigration & Social Integration Network (www.socinet.go.kr) for further information.
Source: Seoul Life Guide (Seoul Metropolitan Government)