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Spanish citizen marrying in Vietnam: registration in Spain

A Spanish–Vietnamese couple cannot marry at the Embassy of Spain. You marry under Vietnamese law, then register the marriage in the Spanish civil registry so it is fully valid in Spain.

Updated: Sources: Embassy of Spain in Hanoi — marriages (in Spanish), Embassy of Spain in Hanoi — certificate of capacity to marry (in Spanish), Embassy of Spain in Hanoi — nationality: all civil registry procedures are free (in Spanish), Embassy of Spain in Hanoi — legalisation and Apostille (in English), HCCH — Apostille Convention status table

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Quick answer

A Spanish–Vietnamese couple cannot marry at the Spanish Embassy. Marry at a Vietnamese civil registry office, then register the marriage at the Embassy in Hanoi: email the documents to the civil registry section first, then attend with two witnesses for separate interviews. Registration is free; Vietnamese documents need an Apostille and a Spanish translation.
Where you marry
Vietnamese civil registry office
Afterwards
Register the marriage at the Embassy, free
Certificate of capacity to marry
Valid for 6 months
Who attends
Both spouses and 2 witnesses
On this page

Where a Spanish–Vietnamese couple marries

The Embassy only performs consular marriages under Spanish law when one partner is Spanish and neither partner is a Vietnamese national. A Spanish–Vietnamese couple therefore marries at a Vietnamese civil registry office.

Updated: Sources: Embassy of Spain in Hanoi — marriages (in Spanish), Embassy of Spain in Hanoi — certificate of capacity to marry (in Spanish)

Registering the marriage in Spain

  • Either spouse, of any nationality, can apply. If both live in Spain, you can register at the civil registry of your Spanish address instead.
  • Documents: application signed by both spouses, data sheet, full Vietnamese marriage certificate, copies of both DNIs and passports, proof of address, sworn statement of civil status, both birth certificates, divorce or death certificates if previously married.
  • Copies of the passports or DNIs of two adult witnesses who know you both well.
  • Email everything first to the civil registry section (emb.hanoi.rgc@maec.es), one file per document. The Embassy then gives you an appointment.
  • At the appointment both spouses and both witnesses attend in Hanoi with the originals. The registrar interviews each spouse separately and takes the witnesses' statements.
  • Once registered, you receive a full Spanish marriage certificate. Registration is free: all civil registry procedures are.

Updated: Sources: Embassy of Spain in Hanoi — marriages (in Spanish), Embassy of Spain in Hanoi — nationality: all civil registry procedures are free (in Spanish)

Vietnamese documents: Apostille and translation

Since 11 September 2026 Vietnam applies the Apostille Convention. Vietnamese public documents used in Spain need an Apostille from the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Consular Department or the Ho Chi Minh City External Relations Department) instead of consular legalisation, plus a Spanish translation. The Embassy's marriage page still says "legalisation"; its English Apostille page has been updated.

Updated: Sources: Embassy of Spain in Hanoi — legalisation and Apostille (in English), HCCH — Apostille Convention status table, Embassy of Spain in Hanoi — marriages (in Spanish)

Frequently asked questions

Can we marry at the Spanish Embassy in Hanoi?
Not if one of you is Vietnamese. The Embassy only performs consular marriages when neither partner is a Vietnamese national; you marry at a Vietnamese civil registry office.
Do I have to register the marriage in Spain?
Yes, for it to be fully valid in Spain. Register it at the Embassy in Hanoi (free), or at the civil registry in Spain if you both live there.
How long is the certificate of capacity to marry valid?
6 months from issue. Only Spanish citizens registered as residents at the Embassy can request it.