Planning to get married in Hong Kong as a foreigner? This article provides a detailed guide on how to perform a marriage registration for foreigners in Hong Kong SAR.
Whether you’re a foreigner marrying another foreign national or seeking an alternative to obtaining a marriage certificate in China, Hong Kong offers a viable solution. Find out the necessary documents, procedures, and where you can celebrate your marriage.
Understanding the Requirements
To apply for marriage, the marrying parties need to present their passports. If either party has been previously married, they must provide valid documents proving the termination of those marriages.
In the case of a widow or widower, a certified or sealed copy of the death certificate and marriage certificate should be submitted along with the notice of marriage.
Documents Required for Application
To successfully complete the marriage application, you’ll need the following documents:
- Passports of both marrying parties.
- Valid proof of termination of any previous marriages.
- Certified or sealed copy of the death certificate and marriage certificate (for widows/widowers).
- Notarized and apostilled divorce or death certificate (for documents outside Hong Kong SAR or Macau SAR).
Notarization and Apostille Process
In Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR, the apostille system is recognized. However, mainland China doesn’t participate in this system. If the divorce or death occurred in mainland China, a local notary can provide the required authentication. The process is similar to document notarization and authentication, except that instead of a Chinese consulate or embassy stamp, the highest national level of government stamp from the relevant country can serve as the appropriate apostille. For example, the Secretary of State can provide the apostille for documents from the USA.
Minimum Marriage Age and Consent
The minimum marriage age in Hong Kong is 16. However, for individuals aged between 16 and 21, written consent from a parent or legal guardian is required.
Procedure for Giving Notice of Intended Marriage
To initiate the marriage registration process, one of the marrying parties should send a written request, at least 15 calendar days and no more than three months before the wedding day, to the Marriage Registration and Records Office. The request should be addressed to:
The Marriage Registration and Records Office
3/F, Low Block
Queensway Government Offices
66 Queensway
Hong Kong
Alternatively, you may request the Notice of Intended Marriage form and information sheet via email from the Immigration Department at enquiry@immd.gov.hk or by contacting the hotline at (+852) 2824 6111 (available daily from 7 am to 11 pm).
Once both parties have completed the notice form, it should be signed and authenticated by a Notary Public in the city where the parties reside in mainland China. If the marrying parties live in different cities, the form only needs to be authenticated by a Notary Public from the city of the party who gives the notice.
The authenticated notice, along with the completed information sheet and supporting documents, should be sent by registered airmail or submitted through a contact person in Hong Kong or a civil celebrant of marriages to the Marriage Registration and Records Office. A bank draft of HK$305, payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,” should accompany the documents as the fee for giving notice of intended marriage.
Note that if the bank draft is not in Hong Kong currency, an additional bank handling commission of HK$100 for currency exchange is required. Sending cash by airmail is prohibited.
In summary, follow these steps to inform the Hong Kong Government of your upcoming marriage:
- Request a Notice of Intended Marriage form from the Hong Kong Marriage Registration and Records Office.
- Have the signatures of both parties authenticated by a Notary Public.
- Prepare a bank draft for the prescribed fee payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.”
- Write a letter requesting a marriage ceremony appointment and attach it to the completed Notice of Intended Marriage form.
- Send the completed form, bank draft, and letter by registered airmail to the Hong Kong Marriage Registration and Records Office.
Online Resources
To simplify the process, the following online resources are available:
- Online appointment booking for giving of notice of intended marriage
- Online submission of information required for registration of marriage
Where Can You Get Married in Hong Kong?
Marriages in Hong Kong SAR can be celebrated in three different locations:
- At the marriage registry, with the ceremony conducted by the Registrar of Marriages.
- In a licensed place of worship, officiated by a competent minister.
- At any other place in Hong Kong, with the ceremony conducted by a civil celebrant of marriages.
If you choose to celebrate your marriage at the marriage registry, you can indicate your preferred date and registry location on the information sheet. The Hong Kong Marriage Registration and Records Office will confirm the appointment for your marriage ceremony after receiving the authenticated notice, prescribed fee, and supporting documents.
Keep in mind that the marriage registry has a quota limit for appointments. To ensure alternative arrangements, provide multiple preferences for the marriage appointment and an accessible email address for communication.
For marriages taking place in a licensed place of worship or officiated by a civil celebrant of marriages, consult with the respective officiating minister or celebrant for the specific date, time, and location of the wedding. Make sure to obtain a Certificate of Registrar of Marriages before the ceremony takes place.
Registration of Marriage
Upon arrival in Hong Kong, both marrying parties should visit the Marriage Registration and Records Office during office hours or meet with a civil celebrant. Remember to bring your travel documents and the originals of the previously submitted documents.
The party giving the notice must make an affidavit before the Registrar or civil celebrant, affirming that there are no legal hindrances to the marriage due to kinship, affinity, or any other lawful reasons. Allow ample time for the civil celebrant to forward the affidavit to the Registrar for the issuance of the Certificate of Registrar of Marriages.
Note that no marriage ceremony can take place in a licensed place of worship or be officiated by a civil celebrant without the Certificate of Registrar of Marriages.
By following these guidelines and completing the necessary steps, you’ll be well-prepared to register your marriage as a foreigner in Hong Kong. Congratulations on your upcoming union!