Denied Divorce Due to Unregistered Foreign Marriage – What Should You Do?
Are you caught in a “bitter-sweet” situation: already divorced abroad, but your request for divorce in Vietnam is rejected because your marriage hasn’t been registered (annotated) in Vietnam? Don’t worry — we’ll walk you through how to handle it properly and legally.
Why Was Your Divorce Rejected?
If you got married abroad but haven’t completed the marriage annotation procedure in Vietnam, the law won’t recognize you as legally married in Vietnam. This leads to complications in filing for divorce, registering assets, claiming insurance, inheritance, etc.
In other words, without the marriage annotation, Vietnamese authorities might interpret that the marriage never existed or has been annulled — making your divorce application invalid.
What Is a Marriage Annotation – And Why Is It Important?
A “marriage annotation” is the process of recording a foreign marriage into Vietnam’s civil registry system, so that the marriage is officially recognized in Vietnam.
This procedure is essential if:
You want to file for a legal divorce in Vietnam.
You need to register assets, insurance, taxes, or prove your marital status.
You want to avoid being misunderstood as single or unlawfully divorced under Vietnamese law.
What to Do If Your Divorce Is Rejected Due to Missing Marriage Annotation?
Step 1: Immediately Complete the Marriage Annotation in Vietnam
1. Prepare the Required Documents
Marriage annotation application form (according to Circular 04/2020/TT‑BTP)
A certified copy of the foreign marriage certificate, legalized, and translated into Vietnamese
If submitted by post or online: certified copies of personal documents (ID card, passport, etc.)
2. Where to Submit?
Submit your documents to the District People’s Committee (UBND) where you reside. If the documents are valid, the Justice Department will process, enter the marriage into the civil registry, and issue a marriage annotation extract.
3. Processing Time?
Typically between 5–10 working days. If document verification is required, it won’t exceed 10 working days.
Step 2: Once the Marriage Annotation Extract Is Issued, Proceed With the Divorce Process in Vietnam
Now that your marriage is legally recognized, you can file for divorce with the appropriate court or administrative body as required by law.
If you already divorced abroad, you’ll need to complete a similar divorce annotation procedure — but this step is now more straightforward, thanks to the prior marriage annotation.
Quick Summary – Rejected Divorce Due to Missing Marriage Annotation?
No marriage annotation → Invalid divorce application: Immediately complete marriage annotation at your local District People’s Committee.
Incomplete or invalid documents → Application returned: Prepare all required and certified paperwork (application form, proof documents, certifications, etc.).
After successful annotation: Proceed with a divorce annotation (if divorced abroad) or file for divorce at the court.
Final Notes
This isn’t just about paperwork — marriage annotation is the key to protecting your legal rights, helping you avoid unnecessary legal headaches. If your divorce request was denied due to the absence of a marriage annotation, it’s time to take action.
Prepare your documents, complete the annotation, and move forward with a valid and lawful divorce process.
DEDICA is here to support you throughout your legal journey. With a friendly, professional approach and deep knowledge of Vietnamese law, we’re ready to assist you — from marriage annotation and divorce annotation to the complete divorce procedure.
Contact DEDICA Law Firm for expert legal consultation!
📞 Hotline: (+84) 39 969 0012 (Available on WhatsApp, WeChat, and Zalo)
🏢 Head Office: 144 Vo Van Tan Street, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City (144 Vo Van Tan Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City)
🕒 Business Hours: Monday – Friday (8:30 AM – 6:00 PM)
Reach out today for a free initial consultation with our team of professional lawyers!
