Foreigners Marrying in Singapore: What You Need to Know

Summary

This video discusses the legal requirements for foreigners and experts getting married in Singapore. Key points include age restrictions, no same-sex marriages, and the necessity for at least one spouse to be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident. The process involves filing a notice of marriage, a 21-day notice period, and solemnization. Long-term residency and potential divorce considerations are also highlighted.

Takeaways

• 🇸🇬 At least one spouse must be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, and one should be physically present in Singapore for at least 15 days before filing the notice of marriage.
• 🔢 Both parties must be at least 21 years old to marry in Singapore; parental or guardian consent is needed if one is under 21, and a special marriage license is required for those under 18.
• 🏳️‍🌈 Singapore currently only recognizes marriage between a man and a woman, with no legal recognition of same-sex marriages.
• 📝 Filing a notice of marriage is the first step, done online with the Registry of Marriages, providing details about the spouses and their two witnesses.
• ⏳ The notice of marriage must be filed at least 21 days before the intended marriage date, with a window of 3 months after filing for the actual marriage date.
• 💒 Most marriages in Singapore are solemnized at the Registry, but ceremonies elsewhere require separate approval from a solemnizer.
• 🏙️ Foreigners marrying Singaporeans do not automatically gain citizenship or permanent resident status; they must consider a long-term visit pass (LTVP) for continued residence and work.
• 💔 Divorce in Singapore generally requires a marriage of at least three years, but exceptions can be made in cases of extreme hardship or cruelty.
• 🏛️ Singapore courts have jurisdiction over a divorce if either spouse is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, or if one spouse has been a habitual resident in Singapore for at least 3 years before filing for divorce.
• 🏦 A prenuptial agreement can provide clarity on financial rights, matrimonial property, and divorce planning, especially beneficial in cross-national marriages.

Q & A

What are the basic requirements for a foreigner to marry a Singaporean citizen?

At least one of the spouses must be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, and at least one should be physically present in Singapore for at least 15 days before filing the notice of marriage.

What is the minimum age requirement for marriage in Singapore?

Both parties must be at least 21 years old to marry in Singapore. If one person is below 21, parental or guardian consent is necessary. Marrying someone under 18 requires a special marriage license.

Is Singapore open to same-sex marriages?

No, Singapore currently only recognizes marriage between a man and a woman.

What is the process for filing a notice of marriage in Singapore?

One must file an online notice of marriage with the Registry of Marriages, providing all necessary details about the spouses and their two witnesses.

How long must the notice of marriage be filed before the intended marriage date?

The notice of marriage must be filed for at least 21 days before the intended marriage date.

What is the typical location for marriage ceremonies in Singapore?

Most marriages in Singapore are solemnized at the Registry of Marriages. If a ceremony is to be held elsewhere, separate approval from a solemnizer is required.

Does marrying a Singaporean automatically grant a foreigner citizenship or permanent resident status?

No, Singapore does not grant citizenship or permanent resident status to foreigners marrying Singaporeans.

What is a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) and why might a foreign spouse need it?

An LTVP is a pass that allows a foreign spouse to live, work, and reside in Singapore. It is valid for one year and is applied for through the Ministry of Manpower.

Under what conditions can a couple be eligible for divorce in Singapore?

In general, divorce is granted if the spouses have been married for at least three years. Exceptions can be made in cases of extreme hardship or cruelty.

What is the jurisdiction for divorce proceedings in Singapore?

Singapore courts have jurisdiction over a divorce if either spouse is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident at the start of the divorce proceedings, or if one spouse has been a habitual resident in Singapore for at least 3 years before filing for divorce.

Why might a couple consider a prenuptial agreement before marrying in Singapore?

A prenuptial agreement can provide clarity on financial rights and savings, protect matrimonial property, and facilitate the passing of assets to children from previous marriages. It can also be helpful in divorce planning, especially if a couple plans to turn to a court in their home country.