International Marriage: Basic Principles
For an international marriage to be legally valid, both parties must meet the marriage conditions prescribed by the laws of their own countries. The marriage must then be reported to an administrative agency so it is recorded on the family relation register. After marriage, legal matters follow the laws of the countries of both spouses, or the law of habitual residence, or the law of the country most closely related to them.
Nationality After Marriage
- Korean nationals do not lose Korean nationality by marrying a foreigner. They may or may not acquire the spouse's nationality depending on that country's laws.
- Foreigners do not automatically acquire Korean nationality by marrying a Korean national. They may qualify for naturalization and permanent residence after receiving an F-6 (Marriage Migrant) visa and meeting certain requirements.
- Marriage between two foreigners follows the laws of their respective countries. Contact the relevant embassies for details.
Marriage Report: Korean National + Foreign Spouse
If Married in Korea
Required documents:
- The foreign spouse's marriage prerequisite certificate and its Korean translation (for Chinese nationals: a single status certificate, its translation, and family relation register)
- Marriage report form signed or sealed by both parties and two adult witnesses
- Copy of IDs of the two witnesses
- IDs of both parties (foreign spouse's passport and alien certificate)
Note: Required documents vary by nationality. Check with the Gu Office before visiting.
If Already Married Abroad
Required documents:
- Certified copy of marriage certificate from the foreign authority, plus Korean translation
- Foreign spouse's notarial certificate of nationality (family register, birth certificate, passport copy, etc.)
- Marriage report form signed by both parties and two witnesses
- IDs of both parties who make an appearance
Important Notes
- Marriage must be reported to both the Korean Gu Office and the foreign spouse's country's embassy/consulate.
- Failure to report within three months without good cause may result in a fine.
- Both husband and wife should visit the Immigration Office together to apply for F-6 (Marriage Migrant) or F-5 (Permanent Resident) visa.
Marriage Between Two Foreigners
Both parties prepare required documents including marriage prerequisite certificates from their embassies, IDs, and information of two witnesses. File the marriage report at the Gu Office having jurisdiction over your address to obtain a certificate of marriage registration.
International Marriage Guidance Program
Korean nationals who intend to marry a national of a notified country (China, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Thailand) must complete the International Marriage Guidance Program before the F-6 visa can be issued.
Exemptions apply if: the Korean national stayed in the foreign spouse's country for 6+ months and dated them; the foreign spouse has legally stayed in Korea for 91+ days and dated the Korean national; or the spouse is pregnant, gave birth, or has other humanitarian reasons.
Details: Immigration and Social Integration Network (www.socinet.go.kr)
International Divorce
Divorce by Agreement
The governing law is determined in this order: (1) same nationality of both spouses, (2) same habitual residence, (3) the place most closely connected with both spouses. If the governing law allows consensual divorce, the couple may divorce by agreement.
If one spouse is a Korean national with habitual residence in Korea, they may report a divorce by agreement under Korean law.
Judicial Divorce
A divorce decree from a foreign court is effective in Korea if it meets the conditions of the Civil Procedure Act. To report a divorce based on a foreign court's decree, submit: a certified copy of the divorce decree, a certificate of finality of judgment, and Korean translations of both.
Key Contacts
- Immigration Contact Center: 1345
- Danuri Helpline (multicultural families): 1577-1366
- Check required documents for F-6 visa with the Immigration Office — requirements vary by nationality and timing.