A Single Status Affidavit (also called Single Status Certificate, Unmarried Affidavit, Certificate of No Impediment, or Bachelorhood Certificate) is a sworn declaration stating you’re legally free to marry. For Indian expats (NRIs), this document is often required when getting married abroad — from the US and UK to Australia, UAE, Canada, and EU countries
It proves you are not currently married (or properly divorced/widowed) and eligible to enter into a lawful marriage overseas. Missing this can lead to major setbacks — from marriage refusal to visa delays to legal complications
Beyond weddings, it may also be required for partner visas, residency permitting, or legal matters like inheritance .
Who Needs It?
Unmarried Indian expats planning to tie the knot abroad.
Divorcees or widows/widowers — to declare no ongoing marital obligations.
People applying for spouse visas, inheritance abroad, or legal partnerships in foreign countries.
✅ Step-by-Step: How to Get a Single Status Affidavit in India
1. Draft the Affidavit
Write a statement including:
- Full name, date/place of birth, passport number
- Marital status (e.g., “I have never been married” or “I am widowed/divorced and have no dependent”)
- Sometimes, parent affidavit confirming your status is also required
2. Print on ₹100 Stamp Paper & Notarize
Affidavit must be printed on non-judicial stamp paper (commonly ₹100) and notarized by a public notary or SDM/Commissioner
3. SDM or Magistrate Attestation
Bring notarized affidavit with photo ID (e.g., passport, Aadhaar) to the SDM/District Magistrate for official stamping and verification
Required documents:
- Passport and Aadhaar
- Address proof (utility bills, voter ID)
- Photo(s)
- Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable)
4. MEA Apostille / Attestation
Submit the SDM‑stamped affidavit to MEA for apostille if the destination is a Hague‑Convention country. If not, embassy legalization may be needed
5. Foreign Embassy Legalization (if required)
For non-Hague countries (e.g. UAE, some Middle Eastern nations), further attestation by the foreign country’s embassy in India is required
6. Translation (if needed)
Some countries require an official translation of the affidavit into their local language .
| Step | Timeline | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Draft & Notarization | 1–2 days | ₹50–350 (Reddit) |
| SDM Attestation | 1–3 days | ₹200–3,000 |
| MEA Apostille | 5–10 days | ₹50–7,000 (varies) |
| Embassy Legalization | 1–3 days extra | Varies by embassy |
👉 Start the process at least 4–6 weeks before your planned marriage or visa submission, to avoid delays.
💡 Pro Tips: Smooth Sailing
- Parent affidavit can bolster your application, especially for certain countries
- Use authorized outsourcing agencies for MEA attestation — doing it yourself isn’t allowed
- Keep extra photocopies and forgeries handy
- Confirm exact embassy requirements (apostille vs. legalization) — rules vary widely.
- If you’re abroad, you can get affidavits notarized locally (e.g., via embassy, notary public) and apostilled through the ministry there
- Some countries accept simplified affidavits instead of formal certificates, but always verify with local law .
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping apostille — essential for Hague countries.
- Wrong stamp paper value — use correct ₹100 non-judicial stamp.
- Not verifying embassy needs — apostille vs. legalization confusion can delay.
- Using general affidavit templates — ensure content meets foreign legal requirements.
✅ Final Checklist
Before sending or submitting your affidavit:
- Printed on correct stamp paper and notarized
- Affidavit includes full personal details + clear declaration
- SDM/Magistrate attested + stamped by Home Dept (if required)
- MEA apostilled (or embassy legalized)
- Translated (if needed)
- Verified with destination authority
With this done, your Single Status Affidavit will smooth the way for marriages, visas, and legal processes abroad — giving you confidence and peace of mind.