Decree No. 24/2013/ND-CP guides the Law on Marriage and Family regarding marriage and family relations involving foreign elements.

 DECREE

Detailed Implementation of Certain Provisions of the Law on Marriage and Family concerning marriage and family relations involving foreign elements

Pursuant to the Law on Organization of the Government dated December 25, 2001;

Pursuant to the Marriage and Family Law dated June 9, 2000;

At the proposal of the Minister of Justice;

The Government promulgates this Decree to provide detailed implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Marriage and Family concerning marriage and family relations involving foreign elements.

PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Decree provides detailed implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Marriage and Family regarding marriage between Vietnamese citizens and foreigners, between Vietnamese citizens with at least one party residing abroad, and between foreigners within Vietnam; acknowledgment of parentage and filiation between Vietnamese citizens and foreigners, between Vietnamese citizens with at least one party residing abroad, and between foreigners with at least one party permanently residing in Vietnam; issuance of Certificates of Marital Status for Vietnamese citizens residing in Vietnam to register marriage with foreigners at competent authorities abroad; recognition of marriages of Vietnamese citizens settled abroad by foreign competent authorities; registration in household registers of acknowledgment of parentage and filiation of Vietnamese citizens settled abroad by foreign competent authorities; organization and operation of counseling and support services for marriages and families involving foreign elements.

Article 2. Protection of Marriage and Family Relations Involving Foreign Elements

1. In the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the rights and legitimate interests of parties in marriage and family relations involving foreign elements shall be respected and protected in accordance with Vietnamese law and international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party.

2. It is strictly prohibited to exploit marriage, acknowledgment of parentage, or filiation for the purpose of trafficking persons, exploiting labor, sexually abusing women and children, or for other profit-seeking purposes.

1. Documents issued, certified, or confirmed by foreign competent authorities for use in resolving marriage and family matters as stipulated in this Decree must undergo consular legalization, except where exempted from such legalization under international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party or under the principle of reciprocity.

Documents issued, certified, or confirmed by neighboring country competent authorities for use in resolving marriage and family matters as stipulated in Chapter IV of this Decree are exempt from consular legalization.

2. Documents specified in Clause 1 of this Article in a foreign language must be translated into Vietnamese; the translation must be authenticated with the signature of the translator in accordance with the law.

Documents issued, certified, or confirmed by neighboring country competent authorities for use in resolving marriage and family matters as stipulated in Chapter IV of this Decree only need to be translated into Vietnamese with a commitment from the translator that the translation accurately reflects the content, without the need for authentication of the translator's signature.

3. Certified copies of documents in the application file for resolving marriage and family matters involving foreign elements, and the registration file for activities of centers providing counseling and support for marriages and families involving foreign elements as stipulated in this Decree must be certified; in cases where certified copies of documents are not available, the original documents must be presented for verification.

Article 4. Responsibility for storing files and recording matters related to marriage and family with foreign elements in household registers

1. Files for resolving matters related to marriage and family with foreign elements as stipulated in this Decree must be carefully preserved and stored in accordance with the provisions of the law.

2. The registration of marriage, acknowledgment of parentage, and adoption by the People's Committee of the province/city under central jurisdiction (hereinafter referred to as the Provincial People's Committee) and the Department of Justice of the province/city under central jurisdiction (hereinafter referred to as the Department of Justice) shall be recorded in one volume of the household register and stored at the Department of Justice.

The registration of marriage, acknowledgment of parentage, and adoption by diplomatic agencies, consular agencies, and other agencies authorized to perform consular functions of Vietnam abroad (hereinafter referred to as representative agencies) shall be recorded in two volumes of the household register; after closing the register, one volume shall be kept at the representative agency where the registration was made, and one volume shall be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue certified copies in accordance with the provisions of the law.

3. After resolving the registration of marriage, acknowledgment of parentage, and adoption, the Department of Justice shall notify in writing the People's Committee of the commune, ward, town (hereinafter referred to as the Commune People's Committee) to make a note in the household register in accordance with the provisions of this Decree.

1. Individuals requesting the registration of marriage, acknowledgment of parentage, issuance of a certificate of marital status, recognition of marriage, and recording of acknowledgment of parentage in the household register of Vietnamese citizens resolved by competent authorities abroad in accordance with this Decree must pay fees as prescribed by law.

2. Registration fees for marriage, acknowledgment of parentage involving foreign elements in border areas are exempted.

Chapter II
MARRIAGE

Section 1
REGISTRATION OF MARRIAGE

Article 6. Authority for registering marriage

1. The Provincial People's Committee, where a Vietnamese citizen is registered as a permanent resident, shall register marriage between a Vietnamese citizen and a foreigner, between Vietnamese citizens where at least one party resides abroad; in cases where a Vietnamese citizen does not have or has not yet obtained a permanent residence registration but has a temporary residence registration in accordance with the law on residence, the Provincial People's Committee, where the Vietnamese citizen is registered as a temporary resident, shall register the marriage.

2. In cases where foreigners request to register marriage with each other in Vietnam, the Provincial People's Committee, where one of the parties is registered as a permanent resident, shall register the marriage; if neither party is registered as a permanent resident in Vietnam, the Provincial People's Committee, where one of the parties is registered as a temporary resident, shall register the marriage.

3. Representative agencies shall register marriage between a Vietnamese citizen and a foreigner, provided that such registration does not contravene the laws of the host country; in cases where Vietnamese citizens residing abroad marry each other, the representative agencies shall register the marriage upon request.

Article 7. Marriage Registration Documents

1. The marriage registration documents shall be prepared in one set, including the following documents from each party:

a) A marriage registration application form (in accordance with the prescribed model);

b) A certificate of marital status or a marriage registration application form with a certificate of marital status of a Vietnamese citizen issued within six months prior to the date of receipt of the documents; proof of marital status of a foreigner issued by the competent authority of the country of which they are a citizen within six months prior to the date of receipt of the documents, confirming that the person is currently unmarried;

If the foreign law does not provide for the issuance of a certificate of marital status, it shall be replaced by a sworn statement from the person confirming that they are currently unmarried, in accordance with the law of that country;

c) A certificate from a competent health organization in Vietnam or abroad issued within six months prior to the date of receipt of the documents, confirming that the person is not suffering from mental illness or any other disease that renders them incapable of understanding or controlling their actions;

d) A copy of one of the documents proving personal identity, such as a National Identity Card or Passport (for Vietnamese citizens residing in Vietnam), Passport or substitute documents such as Travel Document or Residence Permit (for foreigners and Vietnamese citizens residing abroad);

đ) A copy of the household register or temporary residence certificate (for Vietnamese citizens residing in Vietnam), Permanent Resident Certificate or Temporary Resident Certificate or Temporary Residence Certificate (for foreigners who are permanent or temporary residents in Vietnam and marry each other).

2. In addition to the documents specified in Clause 1 of this Article, depending on the specific case, the male or female party must submit corresponding documents as follows:

a) For Vietnamese citizens serving in armed forces or working directly related to state secrets, they must submit a confirmation letter from the central or provincial management agency confirming that their marriage with a foreigner will not affect the protection of state secrets or will not contravene the regulations of their sector;

b) For Vietnamese citizens who have divorced at a competent authority abroad, they must submit a certificate regarding the registration of divorce proceedings conducted abroad in accordance with Vietnamese law;

c) For Vietnamese citizens holding dual nationality, they must also provide proof of marital status issued by a competent authority abroad;

d) For foreigners who are not permanent residents in Vietnam, they must provide a certificate from a competent authority abroad confirming that they meet the conditions for marriage under the laws of their country;

đ) For foreigners who have divorced a Vietnamese citizen at a competent authority abroad, they must submit a certificate regarding the registration of divorce proceedings conducted abroad in accordance with Vietnamese law.

3. Based on specific circumstances, the Minister of Justice shall specify additional confirmation letters from the Center for Counseling and Supporting Marriages and Families with Foreign Elements regarding the counseling and support provided to Vietnamese citizens on marriages and families with foreign elements in the marriage registration documents to meet the requirements of state management over marriages and families with foreign elements.

Article 8. Procedures for submission and acceptance of registration files

1. The marriage registration file shall be submitted directly to the Department of Justice by either party if registering a marriage within Vietnam, or at the representative office if registering a marriage at the representative office.

2. The staff accepting the file shall be responsible for checking the documents in the file. If the file is complete and valid, they shall issue a receipt for the file, clearly stating the interview date and the date of result issuance.

In cases where the file is incomplete or invalid, the staff accepting the file shall guide both male and female parties to supplement and perfect it. The guidance document must clearly state the types of documents needed to be supplemented and perfected; the staff accepting the file shall sign and write their full name on the document and hand it over to the person submitting the file. The processing time for marriage registration shall be calculated from the day the valid file and fee are received.

In cases where the person requesting to submit the file does not do so at the competent authority as prescribed in Article 6 of this Decree, the staff accepting the file shall guide that person to the competent authority to submit the file.

3. The procedures for accepting the file as stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article shall also apply when accepting files for recognition of parentage, issuance of a certificate of marital status, recognition of marriage, and recording the act of recognizing parentage in the household register as prescribed in this Decree, except for the provision regarding the interview date.

Article 9. Time limit for resolving marriage registration matters

The time limit for resolving marriage registration matters in Vietnam shall not exceed 25 days from the date the Department of Justice receives a complete and valid file and fee. In cases where the Department of Justice requests the police agency to verify according to Clause 2 of Article 10 of this Decree, the time limit may be extended by no more than 10 working days.

The time limit for resolving marriage registration matters at the representative office shall not exceed 20 days from the date the representative office receives a complete and valid file and fee. In cases where the representative office requests domestic agencies to verify according to Clause 2 of Article 13 of this Decree, the time limit may be extended by no more than 35 days.

Article 10. Procedure for Resolving Marriage Registration Matters in Vietnam

1. Within 15 days from the date of receiving a complete and valid file and fee, the Department of Justice shall be responsible for:

a) Conducting direct interviews with both male and female parties at the Department of Justice's office to check and clarify their personal circumstances, willingness to marry, and understanding of each other. In cases requiring an interpreter for the interview, the Department of Justice shall designate an interpreter.

The interview results must be recorded in writing. The interviewer must clearly state their recommendation and sign the interview record; the interpreter (if present) must commit to accurately translating the interview content and sign the interview record.

If the interview results show that the two parties do not understand each other's circumstances, the Department of Justice shall schedule another interview; the re-interview shall be conducted 30 days after the initial interview.

b) Studying and verifying the marriage registration file; in cases of doubt or complaints about marriage through intermediaries for profit, fake marriages, using marriage to buy and sell people, or other fraudulent purposes, or if there are issues requiring clarification about the personal circumstances of both male and female parties or the documents in the marriage registration file, the Department of Justice shall conduct verification to clarify these issues.

2. In cases where the issues requiring verification fall under the jurisdiction of the police agency, the Department of Justice shall send a letter specifying the issues to be verified, along with a copy of the marriage registration file (unnotarized copy) to the same-level police agency requesting verification.

Within 7 working days from the date of receiving the letter from the Department of Justice, the police agency shall conduct verification of the requested issues and respond in writing to the Department of Justice.

3. After conducting interviews with both male and female parties, studying and verifying the marriage file, and considering the opinion of the police agency (if applicable), the Department of Justice shall report the results and propose a resolution for the marriage registration matter to the provincial People's Committee for decision, along with a copy of the marriage registration file.

Within 5 working days from the date of receiving the report and marriage registration file from the Department of Justice, if the provincial People's Committee Chairman finds that both male and female parties meet the marriage conditions and do not fall under the refusal to register marriage cases specified in Article 12 of this Decree, he/she shall sign the Marriage Certificate and return the file to the Department of Justice to organize the marriage registration ceremony.

In cases of refusing to register the marriage, the provincial People's Committee shall issue a document explaining the reasons and send it to the Department of Justice to inform both male and female parties.

Article 11. Marriage Registration Ceremony in Vietnam

1. Within five working days from the date the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee signs the Certificate of Marriage Registration, the Department of Justice shall organize the marriage registration ceremony.

2. The marriage registration ceremony shall be solemnly organized at the Department of Justice's office. Both male and female parties must be present when organizing the marriage registration ceremony. A representative of the Department of Justice shall preside over the wedding, requiring both parties to state their final intention regarding their voluntary marriage. If both parties agree to marry, the representative of the Department of Justice shall record the marriage in the Marriage Registration Book, request each party to sign the Certificate of Marriage Registration, the Marriage Registration Book, and hand over one original copy of the Certificate of Marriage Registration to each spouse.

3. The Certificate of Marriage Registration shall be valid from the date of the marriage registration ceremony conducted according to the ritual stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article. Issuing copies of the Certificate of Marriage Registration from the Marriage Registration Book shall be carried out by the Department of Justice upon the request of the spouses.

4. In cases where there are legitimate reasons for the male and female parties to request an extension of the time to organize the marriage registration ceremony as prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article, the date of organizing the marriage registration ceremony may be extended, but not exceeding ninety days from the date the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee signs the Certificate of Marriage Registration. If the male and female parties do not attend the marriage registration ceremony within this period, the Department of Justice shall report to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; the Certificate of Marriage Registration shall be kept in the file.

If the two parties still wish to marry each other, they must reapply for marriage registration procedures from the beginning.

Article 12. Refusal of Marriage Registration

1. Marriage registration shall be refused if it falls under any of the following circumstances:

a) One or both parties have not reached the legal age for marriage as provided by Vietnamese law;

b) The party getting married is a foreign citizen who does not meet the conditions for marriage under the laws of the country of which he or she is a citizen or resident for stateless persons;

c) The marriage is not decided voluntarily by the male and female parties;

d) There is deception or coercion in the marriage;

đ) One or both parties getting married are already married;

e) One or both parties getting married lack civil capacity;

g) The parties getting married are blood relatives within direct line or have kinship within three generations;

h) The parties getting married are currently or were previously foster parents and foster children, father-in-law and daughter-in-law, mother-in-law and son-in-law, stepfather and stepson, stepmother and stepdaughter;

i) The parties getting married are of the same sex (male marrying male, female marrying female).

2. Marriage registration shall also be refused if the results of interviews, investigations, and verifications show that the marriage is through intermediaries for profit-making purposes; fictitious marriages not aimed at building a warm, equal, progressive, happy, and sustainable family; or if the marriage is exploited for the purpose of trafficking people, exploiting labor, sexually abusing women, or for other profit-seeking purposes.

Article 13. Procedure for Marriage Registration at Diplomatic Missions

1. Within fifteen days from the date of receiving complete and valid files and fees, the diplomatic mission shall be responsible for:

a) Conducting direct interviews with the male and female parties at the diplomatic mission's office, similar to the provisions of Point a Clause 1 Article 10 of this Decree.

b) Studying and verifying the marriage registration files; in case of doubt or complaints about intermediary marriages for profit-making purposes, fictitious marriages, using marriage for human trafficking, or other profit-seeking purposes, or if there are issues requiring clarification regarding the personal status of the male and female parties or the documents in the marriage registration files, the diplomatic mission shall conduct verification to clarify the issues.

c) If it is determined that the male and female parties meet the conditions for marriage and do not fall under the refusal of marriage registration circumstances specified in Article 12 of this Decree, the head of the diplomatic mission shall sign the Certificate of Marriage Registration.

In cases of refusal of marriage registration, the diplomatic mission shall issue a written notice to the male and female parties, clearly stating the reasons for refusal.

2. If there are issues requiring verification within the jurisdiction of relevant domestic agencies, the diplomatic mission shall send a letter specifying the issues requiring verification to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to request relevant domestic agencies to verify according to their specialized functions.

Within ten working days from the date of receipt of the letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the relevant domestic agency shall carry out the verification of the requested issues and reply in writing to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to forward to the diplomatic mission.

3. The marriage registration ceremony shall be organized within five working days from the date the head of the diplomatic mission signs the Certificate of Marriage Registration.

4. The marriage registration ceremony shall be solemnly organized at the diplomatic mission's office. Both male and female parties must be present when organizing the marriage registration ceremony. A representative of the diplomatic mission shall preside over the wedding, requiring both parties to state their final intention regarding their voluntary marriage. If both parties agree to marry, the representative of the diplomatic mission shall record the marriage in the Marriage Registration Book, request each party to sign the Certificate of Marriage Registration, the Marriage Registration Book, and hand over one original copy of the Certificate of Marriage Registration to each spouse.

5. The Certificate of Marriage Registration shall be valid from the date of the marriage registration ceremony conducted according to the ritual stipulated in Clause 4 of this Article. Issuing copies of the Certificate of Marriage Registration from the Marriage Registration Book shall be carried out by the diplomatic mission upon the request of the spouses.

6. In cases where there are legitimate reasons for the male and female parties to request an extension of the time to organize the marriage registration ceremony as prescribed in Clause 3 of this Article, the date of organizing the marriage registration ceremony may be extended, but not exceeding ninety days from the date the head of the diplomatic mission signs the Certificate of Marriage Registration. If the male and female parties do not attend the marriage registration ceremony within this period, the diplomatic mission shall keep the Certificate of Marriage Registration in the file.

If the two parties still wish to marry each other, they must reapply for marriage registration procedures from the beginning.

Section 2
ISSUING A CERTIFICATE OF MARITAL STATUS FOR VIETNAMESE CITIZENS RESIDING IN THE COUNTRY TO REGISTER MARRIAGE WITH FOREIGNERS AT FOREIGN AUTHORITIES ABROAD OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES ABROAD

Article 14. Authority to Issue Marriage Status Confirmation Certificate

The People's Committee of the commune where a Vietnamese citizen is registered for permanent residence shall issue the Marriage Status Confirmation Certificate for such person to process marriage registration with a foreigner at the competent authority of that foreign country.

In cases where a Vietnamese citizen does not have or has not yet obtained a permanent residence registration but has a temporary residence registration in accordance with the law on residence, the People's Committee of the commune where such person is registered for temporary residence shall issue the Marriage Status Confirmation Certificate.

Article 15. Procedures for Issuing the Marriage Status Confirmation Certificate

1. The dossier for issuing the Marriage Status Confirmation Certificate shall be established in one set, including the following documents:

a) Application form for the Marriage Status Confirmation Certificate (in accordance with the prescribed model);

b) A copy of one of the documents proving personal identity such as Identity Card, Passport, or other valid substitute documents;

c) A copy of the household register or temporary residence certificate of the applicant.

If a Vietnamese citizen has been divorced at a competent authority of a foreign country, they must submit a confirmation document regarding the entry into the civil status book of the divorce proceedings conducted abroad in accordance with Vietnamese law.

2. The dossier for issuing the Marriage Status Confirmation Certificate shall be submitted directly to the People's Committee of the commune with the authority stipulated in Article 14 of this Decree by the applicant.

3. Within two working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid dossier and fees, the People's Committee of the commune shall send a request for comments to the Department of Justice along with one set of the dossier.

4. Within ten working days from the date of receipt of the request from the People's Committee of the commune, the Department of Justice shall conduct verification and examination and provide a response to the People's Committee of the commune along with returning the dossier; if refusing to process, the Department of Justice shall explain the reasons in writing to the People's Committee of the commune to inform the applicant.

5. Within two working days from the date of receipt of the approval document from the Department of Justice, the Chairman of the People's Committee of the commune shall sign the Marriage Status Confirmation Certificate and issue it to the applicant.

6. Based on specific circumstances, the Minister of Justice shall prescribe additional procedures for interviewing to issue the Marriage Status Confirmation Certificate for Vietnamese citizens residing in Vietnam who wish to register their marriage with a foreigner at the competent authority of a foreign country abroad.

Section 3
RECOGNITION OF THE MARRIAGE OF VIETNAMESE CITIZENS THAT HAS BEEN RESOLVED BY COMPETENT AUTHORITIES ABROAD OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES ABROAD

Article 16. Conditions and Forms for Recognizing the Marriage of Vietnamese Citizens Resolved by Competent Authorities Abroad

1. The marriage between Vietnamese citizens or between a Vietnamese citizen and a foreigner resolved by a competent authority of a foreign country abroad, in compliance with the laws of that country, shall be recognized in Vietnam, provided that at the time of marriage, the Vietnamese citizen does not violate the provisions of Vietnamese law on marriage conditions.

In cases where there is a violation of Vietnamese law on marriage conditions, but at the time of requesting recognition of the marriage, the consequences of such violation have been remedied or recognizing the marriage would be beneficial to protect the rights of women and children, such marriage shall also be recognized in Vietnam.

2. Recognition of the marriage as prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article shall be recorded in the Marriage Registration Book according to the procedures stipulated in Article 17 of this Decree.

Article 17. Competence, procedure, and formalities for recording in the marriage registration book the marriage of Vietnamese citizens that has been resolved by competent authorities abroad

1. The Department of Justice at the place of permanent residence registration of Vietnamese citizens shall carry out the recording in the Marriage Registration Book of the marriage of Vietnamese citizens that has been resolved by competent authorities abroad (hereinafter referred to as "recording the marriage in the book"). In cases where Vietnamese citizens do not have or have not yet obtained permanent residence registration but have temporary residence registration in accordance with the law on residence, the Department of Justice at the place of temporary residence registration of Vietnamese citizens shall carry out the recording of the marriage in the book.

The representative agency shall record the marriage of Vietnamese citizens residing in the receiving country.

2. The file for recording the marriage in the book shall be established in one set, including the following documents:

a) Application form for recording the marriage in the book (in accordance with the prescribed model);

b) A copy of the document certifying the marriage issued by the competent authority abroad;

c) A copy of one of the documents proving personal identity, such as Identity Card, Passport, or other valid substitute documents;

d) A copy of the household register or temporary residence certificate of the person making the request.

In cases where the recognition of the marriage between a Vietnamese citizen and a foreigner involves a divorce of the Vietnamese citizen or the foreigner from another Vietnamese citizen previously resolved by a competent authority abroad, a Certificate confirming the recording in the household register of the divorce proceedings conducted abroad must be submitted in accordance with Vietnamese law.

3. The file for recording the marriage in the book must be submitted directly to the competent authority as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article by one of the two parties to the marriage.

4. The time limit for resolving the recording of the marriage in the book is five working days from the date when the Department of Justice or the representative agency receives a complete and valid file and fees. In cases requiring verification, the time limit may be extended by no more than five working days.

In cases where the recording of the marriage in the book is refused, the Department of Justice shall respond in writing to the person making the request, clearly stating the reasons.

5. After completing the recording of the marriage in the book, the Director of the Department of Justice shall sign and issue to the person making the request a Certificate confirming the recording of the marriage in the household register (in accordance with the prescribed model).

Chapter III
ADOPTION OF FATHER, MOTHER, CHILD

Section 1
REGISTRATION OF ADOPTION OF PARENTS AND CHILDREN

Article 18. Conditions for adoption of father, mother, child

1. The adoption of father, mother, child between Vietnamese citizens and foreigners, between Vietnamese citizens if at least one party resides abroad, and between foreigners if at least one party is permanently resident in Vietnam as provided for in this Decree can only be carried out if both the adopter and the adoptee are alive at the time of submitting the file, the adoption is voluntary, and there is no dispute over the adoption.

2. If the adoptee is an underage child, the consent of the current mother or father is required, except in cases where they have died, disappeared, or lost civil capacity. If the underage child is nine years old or older, the adoption requires the consent of the child.

3. An adult child adopting a father does not require the consent of the mother, and adopting a mother does not require the consent of the father.

4. In cases where an underage child adopts a father, the mother shall handle the adoption procedures for the child; if adopting a mother, the father shall handle the procedures for the child. In cases where an underage child adopts a father and the mother has died, disappeared, or lost civil capacity, or adopts a mother and the father has died, disappeared, or lost civil capacity, the guardian shall handle the adoption procedures for the child.

Article 19. Authority to Register Acknowledgment of Parentage and Child

1. The Department of Justice at the place of permanent residence registration of the person being acknowledged as parent or child shall recognize and register the acknowledgment of parentage and child as prescribed in Article 18 of this Decree.

In cases where the person being acknowledged as parent or child is a Vietnamese citizen without or not yet having a permanent residence registration but with a temporary residence registration as prescribed by the law on residence, the Department of Justice at the place of such temporary residence registration shall recognize and register the acknowledgment of parentage and child.

2. The representative agency in the receiving country shall recognize and register the acknowledgment of a foreigner accepting a Vietnamese citizen residing in that country as parent or child, provided that such registration does not contravene the laws of the receiving country.

In cases where a Vietnamese citizen residing abroad acknowledges another Vietnamese citizen residing abroad as parent or child, the representative agency in the country of residence of either party shall recognize and register the acknowledgment of parentage and child.

Article 20. Documents for Acknowledgment of Parentage and Child

1. The documents for acknowledgment of parentage and child shall be prepared in one set, including the following papers:

a) Application form for registering acknowledgment of parentage and child (as prescribed);

b) A copy of one of the papers proving personal identity, such as Identity Card or Passport (for Vietnamese citizens residing within the country), Passport or substitute documents like Travel Document or Residence Card (for foreigners and Vietnamese citizens residing abroad);

c) A copy of Birth Certificate of the person being acknowledged as child in case of acknowledging a child; of the person acknowledging parent in case of acknowledging parent;

d) Evidence proving the parent-child relationship (if available);

đ) A copy of Household Registration Book or Temporary Residence Book (for Vietnamese citizens residing within the country), a copy of Permanent Resident Card (for foreigners permanently residing in Vietnam) of the person being acknowledged as parent or child.

2. The documents for acknowledgment of parentage and child must be submitted directly to the competent authority as prescribed in Article 19 of this Decree by the person making the request.

Article 21. Time Limit for Resolving Acknowledgment of Parentage and Child

The time limit for resolving acknowledgment of parentage and child shall not exceed twenty-five days from the date when the Department of Justice or the representative agency receives complete valid documents and fees.

If verification is required according to Clause 3 of Article 22 or Point a of Clause 1 of Article 23 of this Decree, the above period may be extended by up to ten working days.

Article 22. Procedure for Resolving Acknowledgment of Parentage and Child in Vietnam

1. Immediately upon receipt of complete valid documents and fees, the Department of Justice shall have the responsibility to study and examine the documents, post the acknowledgment of parentage and child notice at its office for seven consecutive days, and simultaneously send a letter requesting the People's Committee of the commune where the person being acknowledged as parent or child has permanent residence to post the acknowledgment of parentage and child notice.

2. Upon receipt of the request letter from the Department of Justice, the People's Committee of the commune shall have the responsibility to post the acknowledgment of parentage and child notice at its office for seven consecutive days. If there are complaints or reports about the acknowledgment of parentage and child, the People's Committee of the commune must immediately report to the Department of Justice.

3. In cases of doubt or complaints or reports about the acknowledgment of parentage and child, or if there are issues requiring clarification regarding the personal identity of the parties involved or the documents in the file, the Department of Justice shall conduct verification.

4. If it is determined that the parties involved meet all conditions for acknowledgment of parentage and child, the Director of the Department of Justice shall sign the Decision recognizing the acknowledgment of parentage and child.

In cases where recognition of the acknowledgment of parentage and child is refused, the Department of Justice shall notify the person making the request, specifying the reasons for refusal.

5. Within five working days from the date the Director of the Department of Justice signs the Decision recognizing the acknowledgment of parentage and child, except in cases of legitimate reasons where the parties involved request otherwise, the Department of Justice shall deliver the Decision recognizing the acknowledgment of parentage and child to the parties involved and record it in the register of acknowledgment of parentage and child. When delivering the Decision recognizing parentage and child, both the acknowledging party and the acknowledged party must be present.

Article 23. Procedure for recognizing the act of acknowledging father, mother, or child at representative agencies

1. Within twenty days from the date of receiving complete and valid files and fees, the representative agency shall be responsible for:

a) Studying and examining the file on the acknowledgment of father, mother, or child; in cases of doubt or complaints about the acknowledgment of father, mother, or child, or issues requiring clarification regarding the identity of the parties involved or the documents in the file, the representative agency shall conduct verification;

b) If it is determined that the parties meet all conditions for the acknowledgment of father, mother, or child, the head of the representative agency shall sign the Decision to recognize the act of acknowledging father, mother, or child.

In case of refusal to recognize the act of acknowledging father, mother, or child, the representative agency shall send a notification letter to the person making the request, clearly stating the reasons for the refusal.

2. Within five working days from the date the head of the representative agency signs the Decision to recognize the act of acknowledging father, mother, or child, except in cases where there are legitimate reasons and the parties have requested otherwise regarding the time, the representative agency shall deliver the Decision to recognize the act of acknowledging father, mother, or child to the parties and record it in the register of acknowledgment of father, mother, or child. When delivering the Decision to recognize father, mother, or child, both the party acknowledging and the party being acknowledged must be present.

Section 2
RECORDING IN THE HOUSEHOLD REGISTRY THE ACT OF ACKNOWLEDGING FATHER, MOTHER, OR CHILD OF VIETNAMESE CITIZENS RESOLVED BY FOREIGN AUTHORITIES

Article 24. Recording in the household registry the act of acknowledging father, mother, or child of Vietnamese citizens resolved by foreign authorities

The act of acknowledging father, mother, or child between Vietnamese citizens or between Vietnamese citizens and foreigners, which has been resolved by foreign authorities, shall be recorded in the household registry in accordance with Article 25 of this Decree.

Article 25. Competence, procedure, and formalities for recording in the household registry the act of acknowledging father, mother, or child of Vietnamese citizens resolved by foreign authorities

1. The Department of Justice, where the Vietnamese citizen is registered as a resident, shall record in the household registry the act of acknowledging father, mother, or child of Vietnamese citizens resolved by foreign authorities (hereinafter referred to as recording the act of acknowledging father, mother, or child). In cases where Vietnamese citizens do not have or have not yet obtained a resident registration but have a temporary residence registration in accordance with the law on residence, the Department of Justice, where the Vietnamese citizen is temporarily registered, shall record the act of acknowledging father, mother, or child.

The representative agency in the country receiving, where the Vietnamese citizen resides, shall carry out the recording of the act of acknowledging father, mother, or child.

2. The deadline for resolving the recording of the act of acknowledging father, mother, or child is five working days from the date the Department of Justice or the representative agency receives complete and valid files and fees. In cases requiring verification, the deadline may be extended by no more than five working days.

3. The file for recording the act of acknowledging father, mother, or child shall be established in one set, including the following documents:

a) Application form for recording the act of acknowledging father, mother, or child (in accordance with the prescribed model);

b) A copy of the document recognizing the act of acknowledging father, mother, or child issued by the competent authority of the foreign country;

c) A copy of one of the documents proving the identity of the person making the request, such as Identity Card, Passport, or other valid substitute documents;

d) A copy of the household register or temporary residence certificate of the person making the request.

4. The file for recording the act of acknowledging father, mother, or child must be submitted directly by the person making the request to the competent authority specified in Clause 1 of this Article.

5. After completing the recording of the act of acknowledging father, mother, or child, the Director of the Department of Justice or the head of the representative agency shall sign and issue to the person making the request a confirmation letter regarding the registration of household matters (in accordance with the prescribed model).

Chapter IV
REGISTRATION OF MARRIAGE, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF FATHER, MOTHER, OR CHILD WITH FOREIGN ELEMENTS IN BORDER AREAS

Article 26. Authority to Register Marriage, Acknowledgment of Parentage

The People's Committee at the commune level in border areas shall implement the registration of marriage and acknowledgment of parentage for Vietnamese citizens permanently residing in border areas with citizens of neighboring countries permanently residing in border areas with Vietnam, in accordance with this Decree and other laws on household registration.

Article 27. Procedure and Formalities for Registering Marriage

1. The marriage registration documents shall be prepared in one set, including the following documents from each party:

a) A marriage registration application form (in accordance with the prescribed model);

b) Certificate of marital status or Declaration of Intent to Register Marriage with confirmation of marital status for Vietnamese citizens; documents proving the marital status of citizens of neighboring countries issued by the competent authority of that country.

Documents specified herein must be issued not more than six months prior to the date of submission of the application, confirming that the person is currently unmarried or widowed.

For Vietnamese citizens who have divorced at the competent authority of a foreign country or foreigners who have divorced with Vietnamese citizens at the competent authority of a foreign country, they must submit a certificate confirming the entry into the household register of the divorce proceedings conducted abroad, in accordance with Vietnamese law.

2. The marriage registration application shall be submitted directly to the People's Committee at the commune level where the marriage is to be registered by either party to the marriage.

3. The applicant must present the following documents:

a) Border area identification card for Vietnamese citizens; if there is no border area identification card, then present documents proving permanent residence in border areas along with other personal documents for verification;

b) Personal documents or other documents for citizens of neighboring countries issued by the competent authority of that country to prove their permanent residence in border areas with Vietnam.

Within fifteen days from the date of receiving complete and valid applications, the People's Committee at the commune level shall be responsible for reviewing the applications. After reviewing the applications, the People's Committee at the commune level shall send a letter, accompanied by a copy of one set of the application (unsworn copy), to the Department of Justice to seek opinions.

5. Within five working days from the date of receipt of the letter from the People's Committee at the commune level, the Department of Justice shall examine the application and respond in writing to the People's Committee at the commune level.

In case of refusal to register the marriage, the Department of Justice shall issue a letter to the People's Committee at the commune level to notify both parties, specifying the reasons.

6. Within seven working days from the date of receipt of the approval opinion from the Department of Justice, the People's Committee at the commune level shall proceed to register the marriage as in the case of registering a marriage between Vietnamese citizens within the country, in accordance with the law on household registration.

Article 28. Procedure and Formalities for Registering Acknowledgment of Parentage

1. The acknowledgment of parentage registration application shall be prepared in one set, including:

a) Declaration of Acknowledgment of Parentage (according to the prescribed form);

b) Evidence proving the parent-child relationship (if available).

2. The acknowledgment of parentage registration application must be submitted directly to the People's Committee at the commune level where the acknowledgment of parentage is to be registered by the person making the request. When submitting the application, the person making the request must present the documents specified in Clause 3 of Article 27 of this Decree for verification.

3. Within fifteen days from the date of receiving complete and valid applications, the People's Committee at the commune level shall be responsible for reviewing the applications and posting the acknowledgment of parentage notice continuously for seven days at its office. Upon expiration of the posting period, the People's Committee at the commune level shall send a letter, accompanied by a copy of one set of the application (unsworn copy), to the Department of Justice to seek opinions.

4. Within five working days from the date of receipt of the letter seeking opinions from the People's Committee at the commune level, the Department of Justice shall examine the acknowledgment of parentage application and respond in writing to the People's Committee at the commune level.

In case of refusal to register the acknowledgment of parentage, the Department of Justice shall issue a letter to the People's Committee at the commune level to notify the person making the request, specifying the reasons.

5. Within seven working days from the date of receipt of the approval letter from the Department of Justice, the People's Committee at the commune level shall proceed to register the acknowledgment of parentage as in the case of registering acknowledgment of parentage between Vietnamese citizens within the country, in accordance with the law on household registration.

Chapter V
ORGANIZATION AND ACTIVITIES OF COUNSELING AND SUPPORT FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY WITH FOREIGN ELEMENTS

Article 29. Legal Status of the Center for Counseling and Supporting International Marriage and Family

The Center for Counseling and Supporting International Marriage and Family (hereinafter referred to as the Center) is a public service unit under the Vietnam Women's Union at the central level or the Women's Union of provinces and centrally-administered cities (hereinafter referred to as the Women's Union). The Women's Union issues a Decision to establish the Center.

Article 30. Principles of Counseling and Supporting International Marriage and Family

1. The activities of the Center must ensure the principle of non-profit, contributing to improving the health of international marriage and family relations, in accordance with the basic principles of the Vietnamese marriage and family system, and in compliance with the customs and traditions of the nation.

2. It is strictly prohibited to exploit counseling and supporting international marriage and family for purposes such as human trafficking, sexual abuse against women, or other forms of profit-seeking.

Article 31. Conditions for Establishing the Center

1. Having operational regulations ensuring the non-profit principle approved by the Women's Union.

2. Having a location, equipment, and necessary personnel to ensure the operation of the Center.

3. The person proposed to head the Center must not have a criminal record.

Article 32. Procedures for Registering the Activities of the Center and Reissuing the Registration Certificate of the Center

1. After being established, the Center must register its activities with the Department of Justice where the Center’s headquarters is located.

2. The registration dossier of the Center shall be compiled into one set, including the following documents:

a) Application form for registration of activities (in accordance with the prescribed model);

b) Copy of the Decision establishing the Center;

c) Documents proving the location of the Center’s headquarters;

d) Criminal record certificate of the person proposed to head the Center issued within the last three months from the date of receiving the dossier;

đ) Copy of the operational regulations stipulated in Clause 1, Article 31 of this Decree.

3. Within five working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Department of Justice shall issue the Registration Certificate (in accordance with the prescribed model) to the Center. In case of refusal to issue the Registration Certificate, the Department of Justice shall notify the Women's Union that established the Center in writing, specifying the reasons for refusal.

4. In case the Registration Certificate of the Center is lost or damaged and cannot be used, it shall be reissued.

Article 33. Rights and Obligations of the Center

1. The Center has the following rights:

a) To provide counseling on issues related to international marriage and family for Vietnamese citizens in accordance with the guidance of the Women's Union;

b) To provide counseling and training for Vietnamese citizens on language, culture, customs, laws on marriage and family, and immigration procedures of the country where they intend to marry a citizen of that country;

c) To provide counseling and assistance to foreigners to understand Vietnamese language, culture, customs, and laws on marriage and family;

d) To assist both parties in marriage to understand personal, family, and social circumstances of each party and other relevant issues requested by them, creating conditions for them to enter into a voluntary, equal, progressive, happy, monogamous marriage;

đ) To issue a confirmation certificate to Vietnamese citizens after providing counseling and training as stipulated in Points a and b of Clause 1 of this Article;

e) To assist both parties in completing the marriage registration dossier according to the law if requested;

g) If Vietnamese citizens or foreigners need to introduce a foreigner or a Vietnamese citizen for marriage, the Center shall carry out the introduction;

h) To implement cooperative activities with legitimate foreign counseling and support organizations for resolving issues related to marriage and family between Vietnamese citizens and foreigners in accordance with the law;

i) To receive remuneration to cover operational costs and reasonable actual expenses as prescribed by law, ensuring the non-profit principle;

k) To change the content of the Registration Certificate in accordance with Article 34 of this Decree.

2. The Center has the following obligations:

a) To conduct activities in accordance with the contents recorded in the Registration Certificate;

b) To publicly announce the remuneration rate prescribed by law;

c) To keep confidential information and materials about the private lives of the parties in accordance with the law;

d) To be subject to inspection and management by the Women's Union;

đ) To report semi-annually and annually on the Center's activities to the Women's Union and the Department of Justice where the Center is registered; to provide reports, documents, or explanations on matters related to the Center's activities when required by competent state agencies;

e) To be subject to inspection and audit by the Central Vietnam Women's Union, the Ministry of Justice, the Department of Justice where the Center is registered, and other competent authorities as prescribed by law;

g) To submit financial settlement reports on income and expenditure related to counseling and supporting international marriage and family to the Women's Union and the Department of Justice where the Center is registered;

h) Other obligations as prescribed by law.

Article 34. Amendment of the Content of the Registration Certificate for Center Activities

1. If the Center wishes to change its name or office location, it must submit a written request for annotation of changes along with the Registration Certificate for Center Activities to the Department of Justice where the activities are registered.

Within three working days from the date of receipt of the written request for annotation of changes, the Department of Justice shall directly record the changed content on the Registration Certificate for Center Activities and affix a confirmation stamp.

2. In cases where the Center wishes to change the head of the Center or the content of its activities, the Women's Union must submit a written request to the Department of Justice at the place where the Center's activities are registered, clearly stating the purpose, content, and reasons for the change, along with the Registration Certificate for Center Activities. If changing the head of the Center, there must also be a Criminal Record Certificate of the proposed replacement issued within the last three months from the date of submission of the file.

Within five working days from the date of receiving complete valid files, the Department of Justice shall directly record the changed content on the Registration Certificate and affix a confirmation stamp. In case of refusal to allow the change, the Department of Justice shall notify the Women's Union in writing and specify the reasons.

Article 35. Termination of Center Activities

1. The Center terminates its activities in the following cases:

a) The Women's Union decides to dissolve the Center;

b) The Center has its Registration Certificate for Center Activities revoked according to the decision of the competent state agency.

2. In the case of termination of activities as stipulated in Point a Clause 1 of this Article, the Women's Union must submit a written notice about the termination of the Center's activities to the Department of Justice at the place where the Center's activities are registered, at least thirty days before the date of termination of the Center's activities. The Center must return the Registration Certificate for Center Activities to the Department of Justice at the place where it was registered.

3. In the case of termination of activities as stipulated in Point b Clause 1 of this Article, the Department of Justice or another competent authority shall send the Women's Union the decision revoking the right to use the Registration Certificate for Center Activities at least thirty days before the date the Center is forced to terminate its activities.

4. Prior to the date of termination of activities, the Center is responsible for settling any debts (if any) with related organizations and individuals and resolving issues related to the termination of activities; submitting a written report to the Women's Union and the Department of Justice at the place where it was registered.

Chapter VI
STATE MANAGEMENT OF MATRIMONY AND FAMILY WITH FOREIGN ELEMENTS

Article 36. Tasks and Authorities of the Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice is responsible to the Government for unified state management over matrimony and family with foreign elements nationwide, with the following tasks and authorities:

1. Drafting and submitting to the competent state agencies for promulgation, or promulgating within its competence, normative legal documents on matrimony and family with foreign elements.

2. Guiding the People's Committees of provinces and coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to direct and guide representative offices in the implementation of laws on matrimony and family with foreign elements; disseminating, educating the law, and handling matters concerning matrimony and family with foreign elements as prescribed by law.

3. Issuing uniformly household registration books and forms for registration of household matters as prescribed in this Decree.

4. Inspecting and supervising the implementation of laws on matrimony and family with foreign elements; handling complaints and denunciations as prescribed by law; dealing with administrative violations concerning matrimony and family with foreign elements as prescribed by law.

5. Implementing statistics on marriage registrations; acknowledgment of parentage; issuance of certificates of marital status; recording marriages, acknowledgments of parentage in household registration books as prescribed in this Decree.

6. Implementing international cooperation in the field of matrimony and family with foreign elements as prescribed by law.

Article 37. Tasks and Authorities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall implement state management over marriage and family relations involving foreign elements in accordance with the provisions of the law, with the following tasks and authorities:

1. Directing representative offices in the enforcement of laws on marriage and family relations involving foreign elements, registration procedures for household records; implementing measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Vietnamese citizens abroad in marriage and family relations in compliance with the laws of the receiving country and international treaties to which Vietnam is a party.

2. Directing representative offices to conduct statistical data collection and submit periodic annual reports on the situation of marriage registrations; acknowledgment of parentage; recording of marriages, acknowledgment of parentage within the jurisdiction of the representative office as stipulated in this Decree.

Consolidating statistical data and submitting periodic annual reports on the situation of marriage registrations, acknowledgment of parentage; recording of marriages, acknowledgment of parentage within the jurisdiction of the representative office to the Ministry of Justice.

3. Updating and providing basic information about laws, culture, customs, and traditions of host countries to serve as a basis for guiding domestic communication and advisory work.

4. Inspecting and supervising the implementation of laws on marriage and family relations involving foreign elements at representative offices; resolving complaints and denunciations in accordance with the law; handling administrative violations related to marriage and family relations involving foreign elements in accordance with the law.

5. Resolving external issues arising during the implementation of international treaties on marriage and family relations to which Vietnam is a party within its authority.

6. Issuing certified copies from the original Marriage Certificate and Decision recognizing acknowledgment of parentage in accordance with the law.

7. Perform other tasks and exercise other powers as prescribed by law.

Article 38. Tasks and Authorities of Representative Offices

1. Representative offices shall implement state management over marriage and family relations, with the following tasks and authorities:

a) Implementing marriage registration, acknowledgment of parentage; recording of marriages, acknowledgment of parentage in compliance with the laws of the receiving country and international treaties to which Vietnam is a party;

b) Conducting statistical data collection and reporting to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs every six months and annually on the situation of marriage registrations, acknowledgment of parentage; recording of marriages, acknowledgment of parentage within the jurisdiction of the representative office as stipulated in this Decree;

c) Updating basic information about laws, culture, customs, and traditions of the host country and reporting to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

d) Resolving complaints and denunciations and handling administrative violations related to household registration matters in accordance with the law;

đ) Performing other tasks and authorities as prescribed by law.

2. Diplomatic officials and consular officials engaged in household registration work shall be responsible for assisting representative offices in carrying out specific tasks and authorities as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article, except for the resolution of denunciations as stipulated in Point d Clause 1 of this Article.

Article 39. Tasks and Authorities of the Ministry of Public Security

The Ministry of Public Security shall implement state management over marriage and family relations involving foreign elements in accordance with the law, with the following tasks and authorities:

1. Directing and guiding provincial public security departments, centrally-administered municipal public security departments to take the lead and coordinate with provincial justice departments to verify issues required in marriage registration files in accordance with the provisions of this Decree; issuing passports promptly and facilitating conditions for Vietnamese citizens who have been registered for marriage, recognized as parents or children to exit the country when requested.

2. Directing and implementing preventive measures and combating activities of brokering marriages for profit, behaviors exploiting marriage and acknowledgment of parentage for profit, trafficking in persons, forced labor, sexual exploitation of women and children, as well as other acts violating laws on marriage and family relations involving foreign elements.

3. Inspecting and supervising the implementation of laws on marriage and family relations involving foreign elements in accordance with the law.

4. Performing other tasks and powers as prescribed by law.

Article 40. Tasks of Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government agencies

Within their respective functions, tasks, and authorities, Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government agencies shall be responsible for coordinating with the Ministry of Justice in managing state affairs concerning marriage and family relations involving foreign elements.

Article 41. Tasks and Authorities of Provincial People's Committees

1. Provincial People's Committees shall manage state affairs concerning marriage and family relations involving foreign elements within their jurisdiction and shall have the following tasks and authorities:

a) Registering marriages involving foreign elements in accordance with this Decree;

b) Popularizing and educating the law on marriage and family relations involving foreign elements;

c) Conducting statistics and reporting to the Ministry of Justice semi-annually and annually on the registration of marriages, acknowledgment of parentage, and other relevant matters as stipulated in this Decree; recording marriages and acknowledgments of parentage in registers as required by this Decree; and monitoring the implementation of laws on marriage and family relations involving foreign elements at the local level;

d) Ensuring necessary conditions for the establishment of Centers by the Vietnam Women's Union at provincial and centrally-administered city levels; creating favorable conditions for the effective operation of these Centers; and managing the activities of such Centers within their jurisdiction;

đ) Inspecting and supervising the implementation of laws on marriage and family relations involving foreign elements within their jurisdiction; resolving complaints and accusations and handling administrative violations related to marriage and family relations involving foreign elements in accordance with the law;

e) Performing other tasks and authorities as prescribed by law.

2. Departments of Justice shall assist Provincial People's Committees in managing state affairs concerning marriage and family relations involving foreign elements at the local level; registering the acknowledgment of parentage; recording marriages and acknowledgments of parentage in registers; and performing specific tasks and authorities as stipulated in this Decree.

Article 42. Participation of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Women's Union in Managing State Affairs Concerning Marriage and Family Relations Involving Foreign Elements

The Ministry of Justice, Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government agencies, and Provincial People's Committees shall ensure that the Central Committee of the Vietnam Women's Union participates in managing state affairs concerning marriage and family relations involving foreign elements in accordance with the law. The Central Committee of the Vietnam Women's Union shall participate in managing state affairs concerning marriage and family relations involving foreign elements and shall have the following tasks and authorities:

1. Establishing Centers in accordance with this Decree and managing their operations.

2. Directing and guiding provincial and centrally-administered city-level Women's Unions to establish Centers and manage their operations.

3. Directing and guiding the organization and activities of Centers.

4. Cooperating with the Ministry of Justice to inspect and supervise the organization and activities of Centers.

5. Perform other duties and authorities as prescribed by law.

Chapter VII
IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 43. Application of this Decree in Special Cases

This Decree also applies to the registration of marriages and acknowledgments of parentage between Vietnamese citizens holding foreign citizenship and Vietnamese citizens or foreigners.

1. In cases where this Decree does not specifically provide for documents issued by competent authorities of foreign countries for the registration of marriages and acknowledgments of parentage of stateless persons or persons with dual or multiple foreign nationalities, such documents shall be determined as follows:

a) For stateless persons, it shall be documents issued by the competent authority of the country where they reside regularly;

b) For persons with dual or multiple foreign nationalities, it shall be documents issued by the competent authority of the country where they hold concurrent nationality and reside regularly. If they do not reside in any of the countries where they hold nationality, the document shall be issued by the competent authority of the country from which they hold a passport.

2. For Vietnamese citizens residing abroad, documents used for the registration of marriages, acknowledgments of parentage, recognition of marriages, and recording acknowledgments of parentage shall be documents issued by the competent authority of the country where they reside or by its representative office abroad.

Article 45. Effective Date

1. This Decree takes effect from May 15, 2013.

2. The Government Decree No. 68/2002/NĐ-CP dated July 10, 2002, detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Marriage and Family regarding marriage and family relations involving foreign elements (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 68/2002/NĐ-CP), and the Government Decree No. 69/2006/NĐ-CP dated July 21, 2006, amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 68/2002/NĐ-CP (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 69/2006/NĐ-CP) are hereby repealed.

3. Applications for the registration of marriages, acknowledgments of parentage, and recording of marriages and acknowledgments of parentage that were processed by competent authorities abroad before the effective date of this Decree shall continue to be handled according to the provisions of Decree No. 68/2002/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 69/2006/NĐ-CP.

Applications for certificates of marital status for Vietnamese citizens residing in Vietnam to marry foreigners that were received by competent authorities in Vietnam before the effective date of this Decree shall continue to be handled according to the provisions of Government Decree No. 158/2005/NĐ-CP dated December 27, 2005, on registration and management of household registration, and Government Decree No. 06/2012/NĐ-CP dated February 2, 2012, amending and supplementing certain provisions of decrees on household registration, marriage and family, and certification.

4. The Minister of Justice shall be responsible for organizing the implementation of this Decree.

5. Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, heads of government agencies, Chairpersons of all levels of People's Committees, and related organizations and individuals shall be responsible for implementing this Decree./.