Planning to Marry Abroad? Get Your Single Status Certificate Apostille or Attestation Done Right
Congratulations on your decision to marry abroad! This exciting journey marks the beginning of a new chapter. However, amidst the celebration, navigating the legal paperwork can seem daunting.
A critical document you will need to prove you are legally free to marry is a Single Status Certificate. But obtaining the certificate is only half the battle—it must then be authenticated for international use through either an Apostille or Attestation.
At Legal Light Consulting, we specialize in providing reliable Single Status Certificate Apostille and Attestation services across India. We guide you through every step, from the initial notarization to the final MEA Apostille or Embassy legalization, ensuring your document is accepted globally.
What is Single Status Certificate Apostille and Attestation?
Understanding the difference between these two processes is the first step to a smooth experience.
Single Certificate Apostille
An Apostille is a simplified authentication certificate for countries that are members of the Hague Convention of 1961. The Single Certificate Apostille is a sticker issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India that validates your Single Status Certificate for use in any other Hague member country. It eliminates the need for further embassy legalization.
Ideal for: The USA, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Australia, Spain, and most European nations.
Single Certificate Attestation
For countries not part of the Hague Convention, a more detailed process is required. Single Certificate Attestation involves a chain of verifications to prove the document’s authenticity, culminating in attestation by the respective foreign embassy in India.
Ideal for: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, China, Thailand, and other non-Hague nations.
Why You Need a Single Status Certificate for International Marriage
Getting married abroad? Whether you’re an Indian citizen or NRI, most countries require proof that you are legally single — this is called a Single Status Certificate (also known as Bachelorhood Certificate, Unmarried Certificate, or Certificate of No Impediment).
This document is mandatory for:
- ✅ Marriage registration abroad
- ✅ Spousal visa applications (K-1, CR-1, UK, Australia, etc.)
- ✅ Immigration & residency processes
At Legal Light Consulting, we offer end-to-end Apostille & Attestation services across India — from notary to MEA to embassy — with doorstep delivery worldwide.
Single Status Certificate: Apostille vs Attestation
| Type | For Which Countries? | Final Step |
|---|---|---|
| Apostille | Hague Convention Countries (USA, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Australia, Japan, etc.) | MEA Apostille Sticker |
| Attestation | Non-Hague Countries (UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, China, etc.) | MEA + Embassy Legalization |
Why is Single Status Certificate Apostille/Attestation Required?
This authenticated document serves several critical legal purposes:
-
Marriage Abroad: It is a mandatory requirement for registering a marriage in most foreign countries, providing proof to local authorities that you are not currently married.
-
Marriage Visa Processing: Embassies require this authenticated certificate to process spousal visas, such as a Family Reunion or Marriage Visa.
-
Immigration Applications: It supports various immigration processes where your marital status is a determining factor.
-
Legal Proof: It serves as irrefutable legal evidence of your unmarried status for all international legal and administrative purposes.
Our Streamlined Process in India
Process for Single Status Certificate Apostille (For Hague Countries)
-
Notary Attestation: We begin by drafting and getting your Single Status affidavit notarized.
-
State Home Department Attestation: The document is submitted to the respective State Home Department for authentication of the notary’s signature.
-
MEA Apostille: The final and crucial step where the MEA applies the Apostille sticker, making the document valid for the destination country.
Average Time Frame: 2-3 working days*
Process for Single Status Certificate Attestation (For Non-Hague Countries)
-
Notary Attestation: Initial notarization of the affidavit.
-
Home Department Attestation: Authentication at the state level.
-
MEA Attestation: The MEA verifies the state department’s seal (this is an attestation, not an Apostille).
-
Embassy Attestation: The final and most specific step, where the embassy of the destination country (e.g., UAE, Saudi Arabia) attests to the document, making it valid in their jurisdiction.
Average Time Frame: 2-3 working days* (varies by embassy)
*Timeframes are subject to change based on state government and embassy processing speeds.
Documents Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Single Status Certificate | Issued by SDM or Court |
| Passport Copy | Front + back (valid) |
| Aadhaar / Address Proof | For Indian residents |
| Affidavit | We draft & notarize |
| Divorce/Death Certificate | If previously married |
Documents Required
To initiate the process, you will typically need:
-
Original Single Status Certificate issued by the SDM or a competent court.
-
Passport Copy of the applicant.
Countries That Require Apostille (Hague Members)
| Country | Notes |
|---|---|
| USA | Accepted by USCIS, Courts |
| UK | Home Office approved |
| Germany, France, Italy, Spain | May need translation |
| Australia, New Zealand | DIAC & BDM accepted |
| Japan, South Korea | City Hall registration |
| Switzerland, Netherlands, Austria | Civil registry |
Countries That Commonly Require Single Status Certificate Attestation
If you are getting married in or moving to a country that is not a member of the Hague Convention, you will need the full attestation process. Common countries include:
-
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
-
Saudi Arabia
-
Qatar
-
Kuwait
-
Thailand
-
Malaysia
-
China
-
Vietnam
-
Egypt
-
Ethiopia
View the full list of countries on our website.
Countries That Require Full Attestation (Non-Hague)
| Country | Embassy in Delhi |
|---|---|
| UAE | UAE Embassy |
| Qatar | Qatar Embassy |
| Kuwait | Kuwait Embassy |
| Saudi Arabia | Saudi Embassy (Apostille accepted in some cases since 2022) |
| Thailand | Thai Embassy |
| Malaysia | Malaysian High Commission |
| China | Chinese Embassy |
| Egypt | Egyptian Embassy |
| Vietnam, Taiwan, Ethiopia | Respective Embassies |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a Single Status Certificate?
It is an official document proving you are not married and legally eligible to marry abroad. Also called:
- Bachelorhood Certificate
- Unmarried Certificate
- Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)
- Eligibility to Marry
Mandatory for marriage, spousal visa, and immigration.
2. Do I need Apostille or Attestation?
| Apostille | Attestation |
|---|---|
| For Hague Countries (USA, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Australia, Japan, etc.) | For Non-Hague Countries (UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, China, etc.) |
| Only MEA Sticker | MEA + Embassy Legalization |
3. What is the process for Apostille?
- Notary Attestation (Affidavit)
- State Home Department
- MEA Apostille (New Delhi)
Time: 2–3 working days after SDM issuance Fast-Track: 24–48 hours
4. What is the process for Attestation?
- Notary Attestation
- State Home Department
- MEA Attestation
- Embassy Legalization (in Delhi)
Time: 2–3 working days + 3–10 days (embassy) We book priority slots
5. Can I get it without visiting India?
Yes — 100% remote!
- NRIs: Notarize affidavit at Indian Consulate abroad or Notary Public
- Send scanned docs via WhatsApp/email
- We handle SDM → State → MEA → Embassy → Courier
- Delivered to your address abroad
6. What documents are required?
- Original Single Status Certificate (from SDM/Court)
- Passport Copy (front + back)
- Aadhaar / Address Proof
- 2 Photos
- Affidavit (we draft)
- Divorce/Death Certificate (if previously married)
7. Which countries accept Apostille?
Popular ones:
- USA, UK, Canada, Australia
- Germany, France, Italy, Spain
- Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria
- Japan, South Korea, Poland
- New Zealand, Portugal, Oman
No embassy step needed
8. Which countries require Full Attestation?
- UAE, Qatar, Kuwait
- Saudi Arabia (some cases)
- Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam
- China, Taiwan, Egypt
- Ethiopia, Indonesia, Bangladesh
Embassy legalization mandatory
9. How long does it take?
| Service | Time |
|---|---|
| Apostille | 2–3 days (after SDM) |
| Attestation | 5–15 days (incl. embassy) |
| Super Fast | 24–48 hours (extra charge) |
10. Can the certificate be delivered abroad?
Yes — secure global courier
- DHL / FedEx
- Delivered to: USA, UK, UAE, Australia, Germany, Japan, etc.
- 3–5 days after final stamp
- Live tracking provided
11. Do you provide translation?
Yes — certified translations:
- Arabic (UAE, Qatar, Saudi)
- German, French, Italian, Spanish
- Japanese, Korean, Thai Accepted by embassies & foreign registries.
12. Can I get it if I was previously married?
Yes — if legally divorced or widowed Submit:
- Divorce Decree or Death Certificate We update affidavit: “Applicant is divorced/widowed and free to marry”
13. Why choose Legal Light Consulting?
All-India Coverage
Any state, any SDM |
NRI Specialists
Consulate support |
Doorstep Service
No office visit |
Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees
24/7 Support | WhatsApp, Email, Call |
Need It Fast? 📱 +91-9999641341 (WhatsApp / Call) 📧 info@legallightconsulting.com 🌐 www.legallightconsulting.com
Legal Light Consulting – LLC Lawyer “Your Single Status. Legally Proven. Delivered Worldwide.” Educational FAQ | Contact Us for Professional Legal Help
Why NRI Choose Legal Light Consulting?
| ✅ 100% Remote | No office visit | | ✅ All-India Service | Any state, any SDM | | ✅ NRI-Friendly | Consulate notarization support | | ✅ Doorstep Delivery | USA, UK, UAE, Australia, Europe | | ✅ Translation Add-on | Arabic, German, French, Spanish | | ✅ 24/7 Support | WhatsApp, Email, Call |
Get Your Documents Attested Today!
Whether you need an Apostille for Italy, France, Germany, or the USA, or a full Embassy Attestation for the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or Qatar, Legal Light Consulting has the expertise to get it done right.
Our expert team ensures a smooth, quick, and transparent document legalization process. We offer doorstep service for your convenience and keep you informed at every stage.
Don’t let document authentication delay your international dreams.
Contact Legal Light Consulting today for reliable legal help and get your documents apostilled or attested quickly and securely.
Get Your Documents Legalized Today!
Whether you need:
- Apostille for USA, UK, Germany, Italy, France
- Attestation for UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Thailand
We make it fast, secure, and hassle-free.
Contact Us Now 📱 +91-9999641341 (WhatsApp / Call)
📧 info@legallightconsulting.com
🌐 www.legallightconsulting.com
