A Single Status Certificate is an essential legal document for Indian citizens planning to marry outside India. It confirms that the applicant is unmarried, divorced, or widowed and legally eligible to marry. Many foreign authorities require this certificate as part of marriage registration or visa processing, along with proper attestation services in India.
Foreign governments and immigration departments request this document to prevent fraudulent or multiple marriages. It serves as proof that there are no legal obstacles to marriage under Indian law.
This certificate is commonly required for:
Marriage registration abroad
Spouse or fiancé visa applications
Family residency permits
Immigration and legal verification
A Single Status Certificate is issued in the form of a sworn affidavit. It is usually prepared on stamp paper and notarized by an authorized notary. While it is not issued directly by a central authority, it becomes officially valid after completing the required legalization process.
If the destination country is a member of the Hague Convention, the certificate must undergo Single Status Certificate Apostille in India.
For non-Hague countries, embassy or consular legalization may be required as per the destination country’s regulations.
The standard documents include:
Passport copy
Address proof
Date of birth proof
Passport-size photographs
Notarized unmarried status affidavit
Applicants who are divorced or widowed must submit additional legal proof such as a divorce decree or death certificate.
The processing time usually ranges from 7 to 15 working days.
Although the certificate has no fixed expiry in India, most foreign authorities accept it only if issued within the last 3 to 6 months.
Obtaining a Single Status Certificate is a critical step when planning an international marriage. Ensuring correct documentation and timely legalization helps avoid delays or rejection abroad. For reliable guidance and end-to-end support, you can explore services offered by PEC Attestation Services.