Civil records registration means registering births, marriages and deaths that occurred in the United States with the Tonga authorities. Essential for citizens of Tonga living abroad whose family events happen in the U.S.
Tonga consulates processing civil records
What can be registered?
- Birth registration: children of Tonga parents born in the U.S. can be registered as Tonga nationals
- Marriage registration: marriages of Tonga citizens (or mixed marriages) celebrated in the U.S.
- Death registration: death of Tonga nationals in the U.S.
- Divorce registration: U.S. divorce decrees for those married in Tonga
Required documents
- Original U.S. vital record (birth/marriage/death certificate)
- Apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state
- Certified translation to the official language of Tonga
- Passport and ID of the Tonga citizens involved
- Application form completed
How to register
Most Tonga consulates require an appointment to file civil records. The consulate then forwards the registration to the Tonga civil registry office.
Some consulates accept mail-in applications for civil records. Check the official site of your consulate.
Costs and processing times
Registration fees: typically free or $10-$50 per record. Processing time at the consulate: 2-4 weeks; final registration in Tonga can take additional months.