Key points
This case in 30 seconds
- Situation
- The client had moved to the UK and needed a marriage certificate for a spouse visa application.
- Approach
- We helped him apply by post for a certified copy of the marriage certificate, and reminded him to check locally first whether an apostille was needed.
- Result
- Once the certified copy arrived by post, it was used together with the visa application. Posting from overseas costs an extra HK$70.
Three points for handling this well
- Even from overseas, you can still apply by post for a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
- For an overseas postal application, remember to allow for the extra HK$70.
- Before posting, check whether the local authority requires an apostille.
Background
The client had moved to the UK some time ago.
He was applying for a spouse visa.
The visa required a marriage certificate as part of his application.
- He was not sure whether a certified copy could be used for a visa application
- He did not know that an overseas postal application costs extra
- He was not sure whether a certified copy used overseas needs any extra steps
He had searched online, but different websites said different things, and he did not know whether to check the apostille requirement first or submit the application first.
He wanted to post the application as soon as possible, but did not want to have to start again because he had missed a local requirement.
Being overseas, the first thing to work out is how to apply for a certified copy by post and what the local apostille requirement is.
Why apply by post and check the apostille requirement first?
In this case we chose to apply for the certified copy by post and check the local apostille requirement first, because he was overseas and could not easily go to the Marriage Registry in person.
How can I apply for a certified copy from overseas?
From overseas you can still apply to the Marriage Registry for a “certified copy of marriage certificate”: usually 7 working days, HK$280 per copy.
For a marriage registered in Hong Kong, you need the marriage certificate to file for divorce, apply for a spouse visa, or deal with an estate or insurance.
You can apply in person, by post, or online through GovHK (Form MR10).
What is different when applying from overseas?
Applying by post from outside Hong Kong costs an extra HK$70. If you ask for airmail return, postage is charged separately.
What is the difference between applying in Hong Kong and posting from outside Hong Kong?
| Applying in Hong Kong | Outside Hong Kong | |
|---|---|---|
| How to apply | In person, by post or online through GovHK (Form MR10) | By post or online through GovHK (Form MR10) |
| Fees | Certified copy HK$280 per copy (including HK$140 search fee) | Certified copy HK$280 per copy (including HK$140 search fee), plus HK$70 |
| How to collect | Collect in person or by post | Airmail return costs extra postage |
| Time needed | Generally 7 working days | Usually 7 working days, not counting postal time |
With the certified copy in hand, the next step in this case is to use it together with the visa application.
What should I watch for when using a certified copy overseas?
It depends on the local requirements.
Before posting, remember to check whether the local authority requires an apostille.
Similar situations may also relate to “Preparing for divorce and finding the marriage certificate is missing” or “Married in the Mainland and lost your marriage certificate”, which are worth reading too.
Once you know how to handle both at the same time, what remains is how each stage works in practice.
How we helped
From the first consultation until the certified copy is used with the visa application, the same dedicated consultant follows your case, and our help comes in three stages.
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Stage 1: applying by post from overseas
After the first consultation
At the first consultation, the dedicated consultant learns about his situation overseas and confirms that what he needs is a certified copy of the marriage certificate.
We helped him submit the application by post, and reminded him of the extra charge for posting from overseas.
Being overseas, applying by post is the key to this step.
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Stage 2: checking the apostille requirement
After the application is submitted
While waiting for the certified copy, we reminded him to check locally whether the visa procedure requires an apostille.
The dedicated consultant explained how to find out and prepare, based on where he lives.
Checking before posting avoids wasting time going back and forth.
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Stage 3: collecting and using the certified copy
Once the certified copy was ready
When the certified copy arrived, we reminded him to check the details on it against the original record.
Once the certified copy was ready, it was submitted together with the visa application, so there was no need to handle the two separately.
Matching the certified copy with the visa application was the key step in this case.
Throughout, the client could phone the dedicated consultant at any time, in Cantonese, Mandarin or English.
For every document, we first explain its contents and what needs following up.
We are a divorce consultancy. We help you organise information, prepare documents and understand the procedure. If your case needs legal advice or a representative in court, we will tell you honestly and help you make other arrangements.
With the three stages joined up, this was the outcome.
Outcome
He had moved to the UK and needed a marriage certificate for his visa application; he applied by post from overseas, paying an extra HK$70.
Checking before posting whether the local authority requires an apostille was the key step in this case.
Because he was overseas, the certified copy was handled by post, and the extra charge was allowed for from the start.
For him, the biggest difference was this: once the certified copy arrived, it could be used together with the visa application.
Throughout, the dedicated consultant reminded him, based on where he lives, of the arrangements for collecting and using the certified copy.
If the local apostille requirement is not checked first, you often have to spend more time on extra formalities once the certified copy arrives.
He now has the certified copy ready and is using it with his visa application, which was what he cared about most from the start.
How does the procedure change if your situation is different?
The approach in this case reflects the fact that he was overseas. If your situation is different, the approach will change too.
Married in the Mainland: Hong Kong only holds records of marriages registered in Hong Kong. A Mainland marriage certificate must be replaced through the Mainland marriage registration authority.
For this situation, see the case “Married in the Mainland and lost your marriage certificate”.
Unsure about apostille: Even with the certified copy in hand, check locally whether an apostille is required before deciding on the next step.
Visa also needs other documents: If your visa application also needs other Hong Kong documents, you are welcome to ask us first.
Three things you can do first in a similar situation
- From overseas, you can apply by post for a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
- For an overseas postal application, remember to allow for the extra charge.
- Before posting, check whether the local authority requires an apostille.
FAQ
How can I apply for a certified copy of my marriage certificate from overseas?
You can apply in person, by post, or online through GovHK (Form MR10).
Is there an extra charge for an overseas postal application?
Applying by post from outside Hong Kong costs an extra HK$70. If you ask for airmail return, postage is charged separately.
Do I need an apostille before using a certified copy abroad?
It depends on the local requirements.
Before posting, remember to check whether the local authority requires an apostille.
Must a visa application include a marriage certificate?
For a marriage registered in Hong Kong, you need the marriage certificate to file for divorce, apply for a spouse visa, or deal with an estate or insurance.
Who can apply for a certified copy of a marriage certificate?
The parties to the marriage, the parents or guardians of a party under 18, and anyone holding a party’s consent letter can apply.
How long after applying do I have to collect the certified copy?
If you do not collect it within 6 months of the application date, the application is cancelled.
Do you give legal advice or represent clients in court?
We are divorce consultants. We help you gather information, prepare documents and understand the procedure.
If your case needs legal advice or court representation, we will tell you honestly and help you make other arrangements.
Illustrative case: this page is adapted from similar cases we have handled. The people and details have been changed, and it is not a record of an identifiable client.
Every case is different, and the time taken and the result will vary. This page is general information only. It is not legal advice and is not a promise about your case.
