The process to Prove You Are Single Through Singlehood or a Bachelorhood Certificate

Do you know that a Single Status Certificate or Bachelorhood Certificate is often required for visa applications, especially for marriage-related processes?

Today, singlehood holds great importance abroad, particularly when marrying a foreigner. The Single Status Certificate is an essential document for registering a marriage in Hague Convention countries.

In regions like Europe, the US, and South America, you will be asked to provide a singlehood or single status certificate with an MEA Apostille when marrying a foreigner.

This certificate helps the foreign country verify the candidate’s marital status and age. Apostille’s attestation ensures the details in the documents are correct and genuine.

The Single Status Certificate will clarify whether you are single, married, divorced, or a widow. Therefore, obtaining an affidavit of single status is essential.

4 Simple Steps to Get MEA Apostille on Your Documents

1. Register on the Apostille Portal: Begin by registering on the official Apostille portal.
2. Collect All Documents: Gather all the documents you need to apostille.
3. Submit Documents: Submit the original or photocopies of your documents.
4. Receive Documents: Receive your documents with the apostille delivered directly to your home.

Necessary Documents for Indians to Get a Singlehood or Single Status Certificate

Here are the required documents for a single status or bachelorhood certificate:

1. Affidavit: A single status affidavit stating you are free to marry.
2. Address Proof: Either Aadhar Card or Passport.
3. Birth Proof: Documents such as birth certificate or schooling certificate.
4. Parental Letter: A letter from your parents stating you are single, attached with their Aadhar cards.
5. Divorce Certificate: Required if you are a divorcee.
6. Death Certificate: Required if you are a widow.

What is a Single Status Affidavit?

An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by taking an oath. A single status affidavit declares your marital status, date of birth, and passport details. The person who creates the affidavit is called the deponent, and it is used as evidence in courts.

Process of Getting the Single Status Certificate Apostille for an Indian

1. Affidavit Creation: A notary can draw up the affidavit. It needs to be attested by the State Home Department or Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM).
2. Attestation: The attested affidavit is then sent to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for apostille.
3. MEA Apostille: If marrying in a Hague Convention country, the MEA apostille is sufficient. For non-Hague countries, Embassy Attestation is also required.

State and SDM Verification for Unmarried Certificate

• State Attestation: It is a longer process, usually three to four weeks.
• SDM Verification: This is a faster process and is recommended unless the country specifies state attestation.

Why is Apostille Needed for an Unmarried Certificate?

Many countries do not accept simple notarized documents due to fraud concerns. An apostille stamp adds authenticity and legal validity to the document, saving time and speeding up the process.

When is Singlehood Apostille Needed?

• Marrying a Foreigner: Required to prove single status.
• Divorced Individuals: Required along with a Divorce Decree Apostille.
• Widowed Individuals: Required along with a Death Certificate Apostille.
• Employment Visa: Required for verifying single status for employment abroad.

The Ministry of External Affairs legalizes the single status certificate with an apostille sticker, valid for six months.

For your legal needs, contact Legal Light Consulting. We offer comprehensive services to ensure your documents are properly attested and ready for international use. Visit: www.legallightconsutling.com