Getting Married in Singapore

Here, we explain all you need to know about having your wedding in Singapore. Information on the marriage process for foreigners: what to expect, where to go and the documents required for the legal process.

Marriage ceremonies in Singapore are conducted in different ways, according to religion and race. The Chinese, Malays and Indian communities have their own traditional and religious ceremonies but all marriages must be registered as Civil Marriages at the Registry of Marriages (ROM) and solemnised by an approved solemniser at the ROM or at a venue approved by the ROM.

Solemnisation outside of the ROM must be organised through one of the solemnisation "shops", who employ approved solemnisers.

Registry of Marriages (ROM)
At: 7 Canning Rise, Singapore 179869
Tele-Info Line: 6338 9987
Tel: 6338 7808
Fax: 6339 3328
Website

Eligibility

If both parties are foreigners, at least one party (not both) must have resided in Singapore for 15 continuous days before filing a notice of marriage. (For example, a person entering Singapore on 1 August will have to stay there continuously from 2 to 16 August and the earliest date to file a notice of marriage is 17 August.)

If one person is a Singaporean or Permanent Resident and the spouse-to-be is a foreigner holding a work permit or an ex-work permit holder, check with the Controller of Work Permits, Ministry of Manpower (MOM) that the marriage is permissible.

Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
At: 18, Havelock Road, #07-01, MOM Building, Singapore 059764
Tel: 6534 1511
Website

For application or information on eligibility to stay in Singapore after marriage, check with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
At: ICA Building, 10 Kallang Road (Next to Lavender MRT station), Singapore 208718
Tel: 6391 6100
Website

If the spouse-to-be is neither a work permit holder nor an ex-work permit holder, doesn't hold an employment pass and is not a permanent resident or citizen, and is in Singapore on a tourist visa, they can apply for a dependant's pass at the ICA, after the marriage has taken place.

S Pass holders need not seek marriage approval from MOM. However, the employer of the S Pass holder needs to update MOM on the marital status of their employee. The employer must inform MOM in writing (on company letterhead paper) and enclose a copy of the marriage certificate:

Ministry of Manpower, the Work Pass Division
18 Havelock Road
Singapore 059764

Filing of Marriage Notices

Marriage notices can only be filed online.

For more information from the ROM: Click here

The following information will be needed to file a marriage notice:

Identity cards or passports of both bride and groom
Identity cards or passports of two witnesses. Witnesses must be over 21 years of age
Solemnisation date and time
Address of the wedding venue
A fee must be paid

If the marriage is being solemnised outside the ROM then the name and licence number of an approved Solemniser will have to be provided.

For a listing of licensed solemnisers: Click here

A receipt will be issued, along with other important information, such as what do next, where to go and when to go to ROM to Verify the Documents (VD) and complete the Statutory Declaration (SD).

For further information on organising date, time and venue: Click here (this page also has a FAQ section)

Verification of Documents (VD) and the Statutory Declaration (SD)

A date and time a few working days before solemnisation will be allotted to you to attend the ROM for verification of documents and the Statutory Declaration (the taking of oaths). Both parties must attend together. The marriage documents will be issued at the same time if the marriage venue is at one of the ROM shops or outside the ROM.