MARRIAGE IN SINGAPORE

Disclaimer: The following information relating to marriage requirements of specific foreign countries is provided for general information only and may not be accurate in a particular case. Questions involving interpretations of specific foreign laws should be addressed to foreign attorneys or foreign government officials.

SUMMARY: All persons, including American citizens, who desire to marry in Singapore must do so according to Singapore law. Marriages in Singapore can be either civil or religious. In both instances a license has to be obtained from the Registrar of Marriages. Persons intending marriage, whether Singaporeans or foreigners, are required to produce passports and evidence of the termination of any previous marriages, if any, i.e. divorce decrees or death certificates.

A 15-day continuous residence in Singapore is required of one of the parties to the proposed marriage. At the end of this period, either party must file a notice of intention to marry with the Registrar of Marriages. After the notice has been filed, there is a 21-day waiting period while the banns are published. The 15-day residency period can be waived, and/or the 21-day waiting period can be shortened for "good cause." Parties to the proposed marriage need not be present in Singapore during the 21-day waiting period while the banns are published.

Anyone under 18 years of age is required to obtain a license from the Ministry of Community Development, before the marriage can take place. The couple has to apply for this license through the Registry of Marriage, Canning Rise, Singapore 0617.

If either party is between 18 and 21 years (i.e., a minor), a written consent of the parents or guardians has to be finalized personally at the Registry of Marriages, witnessed by two adults, or a Court Order permitting their marriage has to be obtained.

The marriage license is valid for 90 days. The fee is Singapore dollars 24.00 (approximately $12.00 in U.S. funds.) A blood test is not required.

Detailed information can be obtained from the receptionist at the Registry of Marriages, Canning Rise, Singapore 0617. Telephone: (65) 33-5339.

AFFIDAVIT OF ELIGIBILITY/FREEDOM TO MARRY:

Generally, American who wish to marry abroad execute a sworn statement regarding their civil status in the form of a "Affidavit of Eligibility/Freedom to Marry" before any Coordination Council for North American Affairs office in the U.S. or at the American Embassy in Singapore. In the absence of a state or national certificate of no impediment to marry, this sworn statement seems to satisfy foreign local requirements.

AFTER THE MARRIAGE, THE US CITIZEN MAY PETITION THE SINGAPOREAN SPOUSE FOR A K3 MARRIAGE VISA.

ALTERNATIVE TO MARRIAGE ABROAD:

Instead of the above procedures, it is possible to file a fiance visa petition for an alien to enter the United States as the fiancee of an American citizen. Thus, enabling the parties to marry in the United States. Note that this is only possible if you have previously physically met your fiancee. K1 Fiance Visa.

To consult a K3 marriage visa attorney, please call us at (626) 279-5341 or e-mail us at info@bccvisalaw.com. An attorney in our office would be happy to assist you.