Marriage in Singapore

Marriage in Singapore

DISLAIMER: THE INFORMATION IN THIS CIRCULAR RELATING TO THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS OF SPECIFIC FOREIGN COUNTRIES IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND MAY NOT BE TOTALLY 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.

VISA FOR THE SPOUSE:

The U.S. citizens must file a petition with the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security for an Immigrant Visa on behalf of the foreign spouse. If you do not normally reside in Singapore, the Petition for Immigrant Visa (I-30) must be filed for your spouse through the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security office in the United States closest to your residence.

The visa process may take from three to six months or more from the date of filing to the date of final adjudication. Any questions about filing an immigrant visa petition to bring the spouse to the United States should be directed to the nearest office of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security (check the U.S. Government listings in your phone book), the State Department Visa Office (202) 663-1225 or, while in Singapore, to the American Embassy Singapore.

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.