How do I register a marriage when a Korean and a foreigner get married?

To register a marriage between a Korean and a foreigner, you visit a city (district), eup, or myeon office (시(구)·읍·면 사무소) in person. You must submit the report form together with documents from the foreign spouse.

How to report

• The couple's own intention is important, so an agent cannot report on your behalf.
• There is no set deadline for reporting.
• You can report at the city (district), eup, or myeon office of your registered domicile, or of the reporting person's address or current location.
• Under the Family Relations Registration Act (가족관계등록법), a marriage takes effect only after it is reported. The report must be a written form signed by both spouses and 2 adult witnesses.

Documents to prepare

1. Marriage report form
2. Proof of the foreigner's nationality (copy of passport or Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증))
3. If you marry in the Korean way: the original Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry (혼인성립요건구비증명서) of the foreigner (for Chinese citizens, a certificate of unmarried status)¹
4. If you married first in the foreign way: a copy of the marriage certificate¹
5. ID of the person reporting¹

💡 Helpful information

• A child's family name and clan origin (본) follow the father in principle. If you agreed to follow the mother's name and origin, submit the written agreement together.
• Koreans living abroad can also report at the local Korean diplomatic mission (재외공관) in that area.
• The type of foreign documents and the way to authenticate them differ by country. Before you visit, be sure to check with the office or the Foreigner Support Center (외국인종합안내센터) at 1345.