When it comes to visa procedures and the marriage registration process in foreign countries, getting a single status certificate apostille in India becomes mandatory to prove that you are legally unmarried.
If you hold an Indian citizenship and are planning to marry someone abroad, this certificate of no marriage record (CENOMAR) acts as proof of your single marital status.
This post explains everything about how to get a single status certificate or unmarried certificate in India.
But before diving into the details, we need to answer the question you got: What is a single status certificate?
What is a Single Status Certificate/Unmarried Certificate?
A single-status certificate is also known as a no impediment or celibacy certificate, or a singlehood affidavit. It is mainly required when you are in a Hague Convention country and want to get married there.
Basically, the single status certificate is legal proof that you were not previously married in your own country or in any other Nation. Besides that, the certificate also proves the status of the individual candidate, such as whether they are single, divorced, or a widow.
It is also an eligible certificate for everyone who wants to get married in another nation to a citizen of their native country.
Let’s understand with an example: if you hold an Indian citizenship, living in Spain, and register a marriage there, you’ll need Certificado de Soltería (Certificate of No Impediment). It is an official document proving you are legally free to marry, often requiring a notarized affidavit for an unmarried certificate and then an MEA apostille for easy worldwide recognition.
In many Indian states, you can apply for the single status certificate online through the E-governance portal or by visiting the Tahsildar’s office directly. However, the application process may take time because the document must be verified and issued by the local authority before an apostille. Some countries, such as Italy, specifically prefer a single status certificate instead of an affidavit for marriage-related documentation.
These documents usually have a validity for a limited lifespan of 3 to 6 months from the date of issue.
Initially, whenever you travel to a foreign country, it can also be considered one of the crucial documents, just like a divorce certificate. So, in this article, we will cover the documents required to get an unmarried certificate.
So stay tuned.
If you’re planning to marry a citizen of Nigeria, you may need to provide a spinsterhood certificate apostille for Nigeria to prove that you have no spouse in your native country or any other nation.
Why You Need a Single Status Or Bachelorhood Certificate?
This apostilled single status certificate can help you in various international procedures.
Marrying Abroad: Some countries ask for this certificate if you marry there. Suppose you are planning to get settled or marry in countries like Italy, Austria, Poland, Taiwan, etc., so first you will need to verify your single status certificate from your State Home Department Officials. Thereafter, your document will be accepted by MEA. So you should always understand the process of the country where you are planning to settle.
Legal Needs: It might be necessary for visa applications or other legal processes
Job Visa: Some companies may ask for a single marital status certificate from applicants applying for overseas employment.
Legal Name Change: Needed while updating marital status on official records.
Widowed Remarriage: If your spouse passed away, authorities require proof of your single status and your spouse’s death certificate.
Required Documents Checklist for Single Status Certificate Apostille
The bachelorhood certificate is not a complex document to get, but the absence of any of the following documents can delay the process. Ensure the collection of the right documents to speed up notarization, state validation, and the final MEA apostille.
Mandatory Documents
Required for application
Single Status Affidavit
Sworn single status affidavit
Address Proof
Address proof like an Aadhar card or a passport
Birth Proof
Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or matriculation certificate
Parents’ Consent Letter
Parents’ consent letter (NOC stating applicant is single with the intent to marry)
Parents’ ID Proof
Parents’ ID proof (for affidavit)
Conditional Documents
If applicable
Divorce Certificate
Original divorce certificate if divorced.
Death Certificate
Death certificate if widowed.
These documents are only required based on your marital history.
What is the Process of the Single Status Certificate Apostille in India?
Collect Documents
Begin by assembling all necessary documents. The most crucial document is the affidavit, where you declare your single status, including details like your name, parents’ names, birth date, passport copies, issuing and expiring date, your birth place, passport issued place, address, passport number, and other details mentioned in the passport.
You’ll need:
- Proof of age and identity (such as a birth certificate)
- Proof of identity (like a passport or Aadhaar card)
- Address proof (like utility bills or voter ID)
- Few passport-sized photographs (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
Notarization
With your affidavit ready, the next step is to have a notary attestation. This involves visiting a local notary public, where they will verify the authenticity of your affidavit. The notary will stamp your affidavit, making it legally recognized.
SDM Attestation
After notarization, you must take your documents to the nearest Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office. You will submit your notarized affidavit and the other collected documents for verification here. The SDM office will check the originality of your documents. Then, upon satisfactory verification, they will attest to them with an official seal and signature. This SDM attestation adds another layer of authenticity to your documents.
MEA Attestation
The next step involves taking your attested documents to the Ministry of External Affairs. The MEA Attestation plays a crucial role in further verifying and attesting your documents. This step is vital for the international recognition of your Single Status Certificate. It will ensure acceptance in other countries.
Apostille (If Needed)
This step is not mandatory. But you may need to get your documents apostilled if your destination country mandates it.
The apostille is a form of authentication issued to documents for use in countries participating in the Hague Convention of 1961. If the country where you intend to use the certificate is a member of this convention, you must undergo the Apostille process. The process involves getting a special stamp from the MEA. We at HRDAttestation provide apostille services in various cities of India, such as Apostille Services in Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad, and many more.
Translation (If Necessary)
If you present your Single Status Certificate in a non-English speaking country, you may need a certified translation of your documents. This involves document translation of your documents by a certified translator to ensure they are accepted in the country of use. If you are travelling to Spain, then you might need to have Spanish Sworn Translation services to get your certificate and documents translated from English to Spanish.
Embassy Attestation (If Necessary)
If the country where you are submitting your document is not a member of the Hague Convention or if you are going to any Gulf countries, then after the MEA apostille, you will also need the Embassy attestation of that country.
After completing the whole process, wait for 10 to 15 days. We’ll deliver it to your doorstep, and you can also track your unmarried certificate status in real-time.
Cost and Time for Getting a Single Status Certificate Apostille in India
The estimated time and cost are not certainly fixed for an unmarried certificate because it depends on the document verification process timeline, and the country you’re willing to showcase an attested document.
STANDARD PROCESSING
3 – 5 Days
COST DETAILS
Notary/Affidavit: INR 100–350
Apostille: INR 3500–4500
Embassy: Depends on appointment
Factors Influencing Timeline:
Weather you need Same-Day or in a normal time.
Time for HRD / SDM attestation.
Some countries take long time for verification, while others don’t
Varying state timelines.
The amount of MEA processing documents.
Unmarried Certificate Format – Single Status Certificate Format
Those who want to prove they have a single status or no marriage record can follow the format below to get a single status certificate. After that, this certificate proves that an individual is eligible to marry abroad.
Before we go into the format, here we will give some important details that should be included in the affidavit.
How Does an Apostille Appear on a Single Status Affidavit?
Here’s the preview or example of a single status certificate apostilled with a stamp.
Important Points You Must Consider
Start Early: This process can take time. Start at least a month before you need the certificate.
Double-check Documents: Make sure all your documents are correct and current.
Apostille: Check if you need an Apostille stamp. Not all countries require it.
Know the Difference between a Single Status
Single Status Certificate
Simply put, a single status certificate is an official government-issued document that verifies an applicant’s legal marital status.
It is usually required for:
- Abroad marriage registration
- Spouse visa applications
- Immigration purposes
- International legal procedures
This certificate usually requires attestation or an apostille for international use.
Single Status Affidavit
Simply put, a single status affidavit is a self-declared legal statement made by an individual declaring their marital status.
It is commonly used when:
- A country accepts a sworn declaration instead of a government certificate
- Additional supporting proof is needed
- The official certificate is unavailable or delayed
It is usually prepared on stamp paper and notarized by a Notary Public.
If you can’t decide which one to choose? Well, my short answer is that it depends on the country and the purpose.
Some countries only ask for an affidavit, while others strictly require a government-issued Single Status Certificate with an apostille.
Where to Apply for a Single Status Certificate?
Need Help Getting a Single Status Certificate?
- Local government offices like the Suvidha Kendra or the DC office
- Indian embassies, if you are an NRI (Non-Resident Indian)
- You can contact us for guidance
You can also share details and requirements with our team at HRDAttestation to reduce the hassle of document legalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an attestation or an apostille needed for a single status certificate?
Yes, definitely! You must need a single status certificate apostilled by the MEA to use in Hague Convention countries like the USA, UK, and most of Europe. Just like that, some GCC countries like the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia require an attested document from the Embassy.
Do I need an affidavit to get a unmarried certificate in India?
Yes, whatever you call it, a notarized affidavit (often called a singlehood or bachelorhood affidavit) is generally the primary document required to get a unmarried certificate.
What is the validity of an attested Single Status certificate?
Simply put, the validity of a single status is generally 6 months, but it depends on many factors, including your concerned country and its regulations.
Who can issue an unmarried certificate in India?
It can be issued by the Tahsildar or local authority and requires apostille or attestation as per the destination country.
Can a divorced person apply for a single status certificate?
Yes, a divorced person can also apply by providing supporting divorce documents and declarations.
Can NRIs get a single status certificate from India?
Yes, NRIs can obtain the certificate through authorized representatives or professional attestation agencies in India.
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