Expat’s Guide to Getting Married in Singapore
Singapore is an international hub with a vibrant multicultural society, and getting married there is an appealing option for many expats. Whether you're marrying a Singaporean citizen, a fellow expat, or someone from another country, the process is clear, well-regulated, and relatively straightforward. This guide provides an overview of the steps, legal requirements, and key considerations when getting married in Singapore.
1. Eligibility to Marry in Singapore
Before you begin planning your wedding, it’s important to understand the basic requirements for getting married in Singapore.
General Requirements:
Age: Both parties must be at least 21 years old. If either party is between 16 and 21 years old, they may marry with parental consent (and approval from the Singapore Court).
Single Status: Both individuals must be unmarried or legally divorced (a valid divorce certificate will be required). If either person is widowed, a death certificate of the deceased spouse must be presented.
Mental Capacity: Both parties must be mentally sound and able to understand the nature of marriage.
Consent: Both parties must give their free and voluntary consent to marry.
Special Conditions for Foreign Nationals:
If one or both parties are foreigners, additional conditions apply:
Residence in Singapore: You do not have to be a Singaporean citizen or permanent resident to marry in Singapore. However, at least one party must be in Singapore legally at the time of registration (this includes both long-term visitors and short-term visitors such as tourists).
Marriage Registration Office: Foreigners can only marry at a Registered Solemnizer (an official appointed by the Singapore government) and must adhere to certain protocols related to documentation.
Residency Requirement for Foreign Nationals: If both parties are foreign nationals, one of them must have been in Singapore for at least 21 days before the wedding to be eligible for marriage. The residency requirement is waived for Singapore Permanent Residents and citizens.
2. Marriage Registration Process
The actual process of registering your marriage in Singapore involves a few key steps.
Step 1: Notice of Marriage
You must file a Notice of Marriage with the Registry of Marriages (ROM). This notice must be submitted at least 21 days before the wedding but no more than 3 months in advance. It can be filed online or in person at the ROM.
Online Filing: If both parties are in Singapore, you can file the notice online through the ROM website. The website will guide you through entering your details and uploading any required documents.
In-Person Filing: If you're unable to file online, you can submit the notice in person at the ROM.
Documents required to file the notice include:
Passport or NRIC (National Registration Identity Card): For both parties. If you are a foreigner, provide your passport.
Legal Proof of Single Status: This can be a statutory declaration or a certificate of no impediment to marriage, which is required if either party is widowed or divorced. It can be obtained from your home country’s embassy in Singapore.
Parental Consent (if applicable): If one party is under 21 years old, you will need a letter of consent from the parents, and in some cases, the approval of the Family Court may be required.
Once the Notice of Marriage is submitted, the Registry will process your application. After approval, you will receive a Marriage Certificate once the marriage is solemnized.
Step 2: Solemnization
After filing the notice, you can proceed to the Solemnization of the marriage. This is when your marriage is officially recognized under Singapore law.
You have two options:
Civil Solemnization: A public ceremony conducted by a registered Solemnizer at the ROM or another venue. This option is most commonly used.
Religious Solemnization: If you're having a religious wedding ceremony (e.g., Christian, Muslim, Hindu), the solemnization can be carried out by a registered religious celebrant.
Solemnizers: A solemnizer is someone authorized by the Singapore government to officially marry couples. For civil marriages, you can choose a Marriage Officer or a Solemnizer from a list provided by the ROM. For religious weddings, the officiant must be a registered celebrant with the appropriate religious body.
During the solemnization, you and your spouse will declare your vows in front of your witnesses and the solemnizer. Your marriage is then legally binding.
Step 3: Issuance of Marriage Certificate
After the marriage ceremony, the solemnizer will file the solemnization details with the Registry of Marriages. You will then receive your Marriage Certificate. This document serves as the official proof of your marriage and is required for all legal and administrative processes related to your marital status.
3. Marriage Certificate & Legal Considerations
Marriage Certificate:
Once the marriage is solemnized, the official Marriage Certificate will be issued. This certificate is required for various purposes:
Changing name: If either spouse chooses to change their surname after marriage.
Visa and immigration matters: If you are applying for a dependent visa or residency for your spouse.
Tax filing: To file taxes as a married couple (if relevant).
Inheritance and property rights: Your marriage certificate will be used for any legal rights or claims.
Marriage under Different Jurisdictions
If you and your spouse are both foreign nationals, your marriage registered in Singapore is generally recognized in most countries. However, you may need to check if your home country requires additional documentation, such as an apostille or translation, for recognition purposes.
4. Marriage for Different Nationalities: Things to Know
Marriage for Foreigners in Singapore
As a foreign national, getting married in Singapore is straightforward, as long as you fulfill the legal requirements. Foreigners who plan to marry in Singapore will need to provide extra documentation such as proof of single status, and in some cases, legal documents that may need to be notarized or translated.
Marriage Between a Singaporean and Foreigner
If one party is Singaporean, the process is similar. However, the Singaporean citizen will need to provide their NRIC, and the foreigner will need to provide their passport and proof of single status. Additionally, if the foreigner is on a tourist visa, they must meet the residency requirement (be in Singapore for 21 days prior to marriage).
5. Marriage Benefits & Legal Rights for Expats
Getting married in Singapore offers a number of benefits and legal rights for expats:
Spousal Rights:
Visa: After marriage, the non-Singaporean spouse can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass or Dependent Pass to live and work in Singapore (provided the sponsor is a Singaporean citizen or permanent resident).
Financial Support: Married couples are entitled to a more favorable tax treatment, and there are also financial advantages when it comes to property ownership and joint accounts.
Inheritance: Married couples have inheritance rights in Singapore, including entitlement to a share of their spouse’s estate, even if no will is left.
Divorce Rights:
In the event of divorce, both parties have equal rights to divide assets, child custody, and spousal maintenance, as per Singapore’s family law.
6. Marriage Registration Fees
Notice of Marriage Fee: The fee for submitting a Notice of Marriage is SGD 42 for a simple marriage registration.
Solemnization Fees: Civil solemnization fees vary depending on the type of solemnizer and venue. ROM's solemnization at their venue is SGD 220, while other solemnizers may charge their own fees.
7. Same-Sex Marriage and Civil Unions
As of now, same-sex marriages are not legally recognized in Singapore, and the legal framework does not support civil unions for same-sex couples. Any changes to this law would require significant political and legal reform.
Getting married in Singapore is an efficient and well-organized process for expats. Whether you're marrying a Singaporean or another foreign national, the legal framework is clear, and the requirements for documentation and processing are straightforward. By understanding the steps, residency requirements, and legal implications, you can easily navigate the process and ensure your marriage is officially recognized in Singapore and abroad.
