What if I didn't report my marriage?

Report as soon as possible. Late reporting is allowed and the Philippine Embassy/Consulate will still accept your Report of Marriage even if years have passed. However, the longer you wait, the more complications may arise with legal matters, property rights, and benefits. There may be additional requirements for late registration, so contact the consulate for guidance.

Is my foreign marriage automatically valid in the Philippines?

If the marriage is valid under the laws of the country where it was celebrated, it is generally recognized as valid in the Philippines under the principle of lex loci celebrationis . However, it must still be reported to the Philippine Embassy/Consulate and registered with PSA to be reflected in Philippine civil registry records.

What about marriages in countries that allow same-sex marriage?

Same-sex marriages are not recognized under Philippine law, even if they are valid in the country where they were performed. The Philippine Family Code defines marriage as between a man and a woman. Therefore, same-sex marriages cannot be reported or registered with PSA.

Can I report at any Philippine Embassy?

Ideally, you should report at the Philippine Embassy/Consulate that has jurisdiction over the place where the marriage was celebrated. However, other Philippine Embassies or Consulates may also accept the report, especially if you have relocated. Contact the consulate nearest to you to confirm if they will process your Report of Marriage.

What if my foreign spouse can't come to the consulate?

Generally, both spouses are required to personally appear at the consulate. However, some consulates may offer alternatives such as allowing a signed affidavit or special power of attorney if the foreign spouse cannot attend due to valid reasons (e.g., work, health issues, distance). Contact the specific consulate to ask about their policy on this matter.

How do I update my civil status in Philippine records?

After PSA registration of your marriage, you can order a PSA Marriage Certificate and use it to update your civil status with other government agencies such as SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, COMELEC (voter registration), your employer, and banking records. Each agency will have their own process, but the PSA Marriage Certificate is the primary document needed.

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How to Report a Marriage Abroad

Updated: May 2026Na-update: Mayo 20267 min read7 minutong basahin

Filipino citizens who get married abroad must report their marriage to the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate. This Report of Marriage ensures the marriage is recognized under Philippine law and is registered in the Philippine civil registry through PSA. Without reporting, the marriage may not be reflected in Philippine records, which can cause problems with property rights, spousal benefits, visa applications, and other legal matters.

Cost

Varies by consulate

Typically $25-75 USD

Timeline

2-4 weeks at consulate

3-6 months for PSA registration

Key Fact

Must be valid

Under the laws of the country where it was performed

⚠ Important: The marriage must be valid under the laws of the country where it was celebrated. Same-sex marriages performed abroad are NOT recognized under Philippine law regardless of reporting.

Who Should Report?

Filipino married to Filipino abroad
Filipino married to a foreigner abroad
Must be reported at the Philippine Embassy/Consulate with jurisdiction over the place of marriage

Requirements

#	Document	Details
1	Report of Marriage Form	Obtained from the Philippine Embassy/Consulate
2	Original Marriage Certificate	From the foreign country (with official English translation if not in English)
3	PSA Birth Certificates	Of Filipino spouse(s)
4	CENOMAR from PSA	Certificate of No Marriage Record of Filipino spouse(s)
5	Valid Passports of Both Spouses	Original + photocopy of data page
6	Valid ID of Foreign Spouse	If applicable (e.g., driver's license, national ID)
7	Marriage License or Equivalent	From the foreign country
8	Divorce/Annulment Decree	If either spouse was previously married
9	Photos of Both Spouses	Passport-size photos
10	Consular Fee	Varies by consulate, typically $25-75 USD

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Contact the Nearest Philippine Embassy/Consulate

Find Your Nearest Embassy/Consulate:- Visit the DFA website for a list of Philippine
  Embassies and Consulates worldwide
- Contact them via email or phone
- Ask about specific requirements (may vary by post)
- Schedule an appointment if required
Confirm the Following:- Accepted payment methods (cash, card, money order)
- Office hours and walk-in vs. appointment policy
- Any additional local requirements
- Processing timeline at that specific consulate

Step 2: Obtain the Official Marriage Certificate

From the Foreign Country:- Request the official/certified marriage certificate
- This is issued by the local civil registrar or
  equivalent authority where the marriage took place
If Not in English:- Have it officially translated to English
- Translation must be certified/notarized
- Some consulates accept translations done by
  accredited translators only
Authentication/Apostille:- Some consulates require the foreign marriage
  certificate to be apostilled or authenticated
- Check with the specific embassy/consulate

Step 3: Prepare All Required Philippine Documents

PSA Birth Certificate:- Order online at PSA Serbilis
  (https://www.psaserbilis.com.ph)
- Or request through a relative in the Philippines
- Must be on PSA security paper (SECPA)
CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage):- Also from PSA Serbilis
- Proves the Filipino spouse was not previously
  married in Philippine records
- Processing: 4-6 business days (online order)
If Previously Married:- Divorce Decree (for foreign spouse)
- Annulment Decree (for Filipino spouse, if applicable)
- Court order must be recognized in PH

Step 4: Both Spouses Personally Appear at the Embassy/Consulate

Personal Appearance:- Both spouses must appear in person
- Bring original documents plus photocopies
- Bring valid passports for identification
At the Consulate:- Fill out the Report of Marriage form
- Sign the form in front of consular officer
- Both spouses sign the documents
- Consular officer may interview the couple
What to Expect:- Processing time at the consulate: 1-2 hours
- Oath-taking may be required
- Bring original + 2 photocopies of all documents

Step 5: Submit Report of Marriage and Pay Consular Fee

Submit All Documents:- Report of Marriage form (completed and signed)
- Foreign marriage certificate (original)
- PSA Birth Certificate(s)
- CENOMAR
- Passport copies
- All other supporting documents
Pay Consular Fee:- Typically $25-75 USD (varies by post)
- Check accepted payment methods
- Get an official receipt
Receive Acknowledgment:- Get a copy of the filed Report of Marriage
- Ask for an estimated timeline for PSA registration
- Keep all receipts and copies for your records

Step 6: Embassy Forwards to PSA for Registration

After Submission:- The Embassy/Consulate processes the report
- Documents are forwarded to PSA in the Philippines
- PSA registers the marriage in the civil registry
PSA Registration Timeline:- Typically 3-6 months for PSA to process
- May take longer depending on volume
- You can check PSA status online after a few months
After PSA Registration:- You can order a PSA Marriage Certificate
- This is the Philippine-registered copy
- Use it to update other Philippine records
- Update civil status with SSS, PhilHealth,
  Pag-IBIG, employer records, etc.

Complete Example: Ana and James's Marriage in the US

Ana (Filipina) married James (American) in Los Angeles, California. After their wedding, they went to the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles to report the marriage. They submitted the US marriage certificate issued by the LA County Registrar along with all the required documents. The consular fee was $50. The consulate processed the report and forwarded it to PSA. Five months later, the marriage was registered with PSA. Ana then ordered her PSA Marriage Certificate and updated her Philippine records with SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG.

Cost Breakdown:

Consular Fee: ~$50 USD
PSA Birth Certificate: P155
CENOMAR: P210
Total: ~P365 + $50 USD + local fees

Frequently Asked Questions

Important Reminders

Report promptly: Report the marriage as soon as possible after the wedding ceremony
Both spouses must appear: Personal appearance of both husband and wife is generally required
Original documents: Bring original documents plus at least 2 photocopies of each
English translation: If the marriage certificate is not in English, provide a certified English translation
PSA documents must be recent: Some consulates require PSA documents issued within the last 6 months
Keep copies of everything: Retain copies of all submitted documents and receipts for your records
Follow up with PSA: After 3-6 months, check if PSA has registered the marriage by ordering a PSA Marriage Certificate
Fees vary: Consular fees differ from one embassy/consulate to another, so confirm the exact amount beforehand
Update other records: Once PSA registration is complete, update your records with SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and other agencies

Need Help?

DFA Main Office: (02) 8834-4000
DFA Website: https://dfa.gov.ph
Find a Philippine Embassy/Consulate: DFA Directory of Embassies and Consulates
PSA Serbilis: https://www.psaserbilis.com.ph
PSA Hotline: (02) 8737-1111

Disclaimer

This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the DFA you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest DFA first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.

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