What procedures are required in Korea to marry a foreigner?

To marry a foreigner in Korea, you must first file a marriage report at the city, district, town, or township office (시·구·읍·면사무소). Under the Family Relations Registration Act (가족관계등록법), a marriage takes legal effect only when it is reported. Holding a wedding ceremony alone does not make you a legal couple. If your foreign spouse wants to live in Korea with you, the marriage immigration (F-6) visa process follows.

Marriage report documents (marriage in the Korean way)

• Marriage report form — available at the district office or community center (주민센터).
• Original certificate of eligibility to marry (혼인성립요건구비증명서) of the foreigner — for Chinese citizens, this is a certificate of single status. You get it from your home country's embassy or government.
• Copy of a document proving the foreigner's nationality — a passport or Alien Registration Card.
• ID of both people
• Signatures of 2 witnesses — report with a document signed together by 2 adult witnesses.

If you already married abroad, submit a copy of the marriage certificate and a copy of a document proving nationality (passport or registration card).

Steps

1. The foreign spouse prepares the certificate of eligibility to marry in their home country. Korean translation and notarization may be needed.
2. Both of you visit the district office or community center at the Korean spouse's registered domicile (등록기준지) or home address. Reporting through an agent is not allowed. There is no time limit for reporting.
3. When the marriage relation certificate (혼인관계증명서) is issued, the marriage is recorded in the Korean spouse's family relations register (가족관계등록부).
4. If the foreign spouse is abroad, prepare the F-6 visa application.

Preparing for the F-6 visa

The Korean spouse is the inviter. You usually need the documents below.

• Basic documents (application form, passport, photo, fee)
• Invitation letter for the foreign spouse, letter of guarantee, statement of marriage background
• Korean spouse's basic certificate, marriage relation certificate, and family relation certificate (all detailed versions), and resident registration copy (주민등록등본)
• Housing documents — if you own the home, a real estate registry copy (등기부등본). If you rent, a registry copy and a copy of the lease contract.
• Income documents, Korean language ability documents, documents proving your relationship
• Criminal record certificate and health certificate — do not submit if you are exempt.

⚠️ International Marriage Guidance Program

If you invite a spouse from China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, or Thailand, the Korean spouse must take this training.

• The training is 4 hours. Apply on the Social Integration Information Network (www.socinet.go.kr).
• Submit the completion certificate when you apply for the visa, or write the completion number on the invitation letter. The certificate is valid for 5 years.
• Some people are exempt. For example, you were together while staying legally in Korea for 91 days or more, or you have a humanitarian reason such as pregnancy or childbirth.

Documents for the marriage report can differ by nationality. Before you go, check the required documents with the district office or 1345. An F-6 visa is not guaranteed to be approved. If you tell me your spouse's nationality, I can give more guidance based on that country.