The Importance and Use of Letters of No Impediment for Overseas Marriages

Plotting to get hitched abroad? Then get familiar with a vital document referred to as the Letter of No Impediment. Essentially, this certificate verifies your marital status – whether you are single, divorced, or widowed – and confirms that there are no legal obstacles to your planned marriage.

In certain instances, this document may require an apostille or attestation. It proves a smoother process if you plan to marry in a country which is part of the Hague Convention than those requiring attestation.

If you envisage tying the knot in nations such as New Zealand, Australia, or England, it is obligatory to obtain an Apostilled Letter of No Impediment. However, if the nation of your choice is not part of the Hague Convention, you may require an authentication certificate. This process could be lengthier and involves three separate stages. Despite a country’s Hague Convention status, a Letter of No Impediment remains a fundamental requirement for securing your permits and visas.

Delving into the Details of Letters of No Impediment

This document has distinct aliases depending on the regional nomenclature. They can be referenced as:

All these official titles endorse that your records have been thoroughly examined and show no pre-existing marital ties.

In South Africa, the Department of Home Affairs issues these letters or certificates, which ordinarily have a validity of six months from issuance. It’s advised to reconfirm this with the demanding authority.

Procedure to Apply for Letters of No Impediment

For couples wanting to marry abroad, you can start the application process at the South African High Commission office. Expect to fill out an application form and disburse the required fee. The entire procedure could span over six months, depending upon the workload.

Considering the increasing reports of fraudulent marriages, it is recommended to confirm your marital status within South Africa. For those in need of a Letter of No Impediment for an international wedding, our team is happy to assist. Check out our pricing, and feel free to contact us through our official Letter of No Impediment webpage.