Getting married is a significant event in one’s life, and it involves many legal requirements to ensure that the marriage is valid. Some countries, including Vietnam, require a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI) for foreign nationals to get married. This article will explain what a CNI is, why it is necessary and how to obtain one in Vietnam.
What is a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage?
A Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is a document that confirms that there are no legal objections to a person’s marriage. It is also known as a Single Status Certificate or a No Marriage Certificate. The certificate is issued by the relevant authorities in the country where the applicant resides or where the marriage is intended to take place.
A CNI is essential for foreign nationals who wish to get married in Vietnam. It is proof that they are legally free to marry and that there are no legal impediments to their marriage.
Why do you need a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage?
Foreign nationals who wish to get married in Vietnam must provide a CNI to prove that they are legally free to marry. The Vietnamese authorities require this document as part of the marriage registration process.
The CNI ensures that the marriage is valid and recognized by the law. It also helps to prevent marriages of convenience and illegal marriages, such as bigamy.
How to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage in Vietnam?
Obtaining a CNI in Vietnam requires several steps:
Step 1: Determine the requirements
Before applying for a CNI, foreign nationals must check the requirements of the country where they intend to marry. They must also ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria for the CNI.
Step 2: Gather the required documents
Applicants must gather the necessary documents for the CNI application. The documents required vary depending on the country of origin and the country of intended marriage. Some of the common documents required include:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Divorce certificate (if applicable)
- Death certificate (if applicable)
- Police clearance certificate
Step 3: Translate and notarize the documents
All documents that are not in Vietnamese must be translated into Vietnamese and notarized by a competent authority. The translation and notarization process can take a few days, depending on the number of documents required.
Step 4: Submit the application
Once all the documents are ready, applicants can submit their application for the CNI to the relevant authorities. In Vietnam, the application is made to the Department of Foreign Affairs, which issues the CNI. The processing time for the application is approximately 5-7 working days.
Step 5: Collect the Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage
Once the CNI is issued, applicants can collect it from the Department of Foreign Affairs. They can then proceed with the marriage registration process.
Conclusion
Getting married in Vietnam as a foreign national requires a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage. This document confirms that the applicant is legally free to marry and that there are no legal impediments to the marriage. Obtaining a CNI requires several steps, including determining the requirements, gathering the necessary documents, translating and notarizing the documents, submitting the application, and collecting the CNI. The process can take several days, so applicants should plan accordingly.
