Marriage and family relationships involving foreign elements means a relationship in which at least one partner is a foreigner or an overseas Vietnamese; or in which the partners are Vietnamese citizens but the basis for establishing, changing or terminating that relationship are governed by a foreign law; or the relationship arises abroad or the property related to that relationship is located abroad.

The marriage and family relationship with foreign elements encompasses marriage; recognition of father or mother; child adoption; guardianship; divorce; and annulment of an illegal marriage between a Vietnamese citizen and a foreigner, or between foreigners permanently residing in Vietnam; It also includes recognition of marriage, divorce, and parent and child adoption, between Vietnamese citizens with each other or with foreigners that have been performed by a competent foreign authority.