There are several changes in local laws in the new year that affect some U.S. citizens living here.

Marriage procedures for foreigners in Korea have been streamlined starting this year.

Until recently, South Korea required foreigners getting married in Korea to obtain not only an Affidavit of Marriageability (“single statement”) but also two additional certificates.

This required three United States Embassy notary services, resulting in a $150 fee for each U.S. citizen getting married in Korea.

Now, ward offices registering a marriage involving a foreigner will only require that U.S. citizens provide the Affidavit of Marriageability form.

The two certificates bearing the seal of the ward office will be replaced by a “Proof of Processing” form showing the names of the bride and groom, along with the date and place of marriage, bearing only the seal of the issuing office.

The embassy’s involvement in this new process will be limited to the issuance of the Affidavit of Marriageability.

This will make the marriage process in Korea easier and less expensive for U.S. citizens.