Documents Needed for a US Citizen to Marry a Korean
What You Should Prepare in the United States Before Coming to Korea
If you are a US citizen planning to marry a Korean partner, preparation starts long before you walk into a Korean district office. While some documents are issued in Korea, several key papers are much easier and safer to prepare in the United States first.
As a Korean local who has seen many international couples struggle with last-minute paperwork, I can say this clearly: preparing the right documents in the US can save you weeks of stress in Korea. Below is a realistic, step-by-step breakdown of what Americans should prepare before flying over.
Marriage in Korea Is About Legal Proof, Not Romance
In Korea, marriage is a legal registration. Your ceremony, rings, and photos mean nothing legally until the paperwork is accepted. Because of this, Korean offices focus heavily on documentation that proves identity, marital status, and legal capacity to marry.
For US citizens, this proof often begins in the United States.
1. Valid US Passport
This sounds obvious, but it matters more than people expect. Your US passport must be valid and consistent with all other documents. The spelling of your name must match exactly across your passport, affidavit, and translations.
If your passport will expire soon, renew it before starting the marriage process. Korean offices do not make exceptions.
2. Certified Copy of Birth Certificate
While not always requested, many district offices ask for a birth certificate from US citizens. It is strongly recommended to prepare this in advance.
You should obtain a certified copy issued by the state where you were born. Hospital souvenir certificates are not accepted. Once obtained, this document may later need a Korean translation and, in some cases, an apostille.
3. Divorce Decree or Death Certificate (If Applicable)
If you were previously married, you must prove that the marriage legally ended. This is non-negotiable.
Prepare an official divorce decree or final judgment from the US court, or a death certificate if your former spouse passed away. These documents should be official copies, not online printouts. Preparing them in advance avoids major delays later.
4. Apostille for US Documents
Some Korean offices require US documents to carry an apostille under the Hague Convention. Apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State in the state where the document originated.
While not every district office demands apostilles, having them prepared adds an extra layer of security and reduces the risk of rejection.
5. Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry
This document is usually issued at the US Embassy in Seoul, not in the United States. However, preparation still starts at home.
Before visiting the embassy, make sure you clearly know your marital history, including exact divorce dates if applicable. Any inconsistency between your affidavit and your documents can cause problems.
Some Americans also choose to prepare a sworn statement in the US, but the embassy affidavit is the most widely accepted option in Korea.
6. Official Translations into Korean
All US documents must be translated into Korean. While translations can be done in Korea, preparing clean, professional translations in advance can save time.
Some offices require notarized translations. Always check whether notarization is needed before submitting documents.
7. Additional Supporting Documents (Optional but Helpful)
Some couples prepare extra documents to avoid questions later. These may include a certificate of single status issued by a state authority, proof of address, or name change records if your legal name has changed.
These are not always required but can be helpful in complex cases.
8. Documents You Will Complete in Korea
Once in Korea, you and your partner will submit a marriage registration form at the local district office. Two adult witnesses must sign. These witnesses can be foreigners and do not need to be Korean citizens.
At this stage, your previously prepared US documents become the foundation of the registration.
9. Why Preparation in the US Matters So Much
US citizens often underestimate how much Korean administrative offices value documentation. Korea prioritizes clarity, consistency, and official proof over verbal explanations.
Preparing documents in the US gives you more control, fewer surprises, and far less back-and-forth with local offices.
Final Thoughts from a Local Perspective
Marrying a Korean as a US citizen is not difficult, but it rewards careful planning. If you arrive in Korea with your documents already prepared, translated, and organized, the legal process becomes straightforward.
Think of paperwork as your first joint project as a couple. Done right, it sets the tone for everything that follows.