The Single Status Certificate: 20 Questions NRIs Need Answered Now

Planning a wedding abroad or preparing for a move overseas often means dealing with a document that doesn’t officially exist in India: the Single Status Certificate. Also called a bachelorhood or “no impediment” certificate, it proves you are legally free to marry.

The process is essentially a sworn affidavit that must be attested by Indian authorities. For NRIs, though, this can feel like a maze of paperwork, jurisdiction issues, and practical hurdles. Here are 20 of the most pressing questions—and their answers—to help you get it done right.

Part 1: The NRI Remote Application Challenge

1. How do I get a single status certificate if I’ve been abroad for 10+ years and don’t have a recent Indian address?
Your permanent address on your passport is what matters. Even if it’s outdated, that jurisdiction handles your application. You’ll provide an affidavit with your current overseas address, but the processing happens through the court or SDM office tied to your passport address.

2. Can my parents or a family member apply on my behalf? What kind of Power of Attorney is needed?
Yes. You’ll need a Special Power of Attorney (PoA) specifically authorizing them. This PoA must be notarized and/or apostilled where you live, then submitted in India.

3. Is it mandatory to appear in court myself, or can a service handle it remotely?
You don’t have to be there. A professional service can draft the affidavit, coordinate with your family or an agent, and manage the attestation and apostille. NRIWAY, for example, provides a fully remote service for NRIs.

4. What if I don’t have living relatives in India to act as witnesses?
You’ll need two credible witnesses—neighbors, acquaintances, or other references—who can confirm your marital status. Services like NRIWAY can help arrange alternatives if you don’t have relatives.

5. What’s the difference between a certificate from a court and one from an SDM?
Both are valid. Courts carry more weight legally, but the SDM route is faster and usually accepted abroad once apostilled. Check the requirements of the country where you’re marrying.

Part 2: Navigating Specific Marital and Legal Scenarios

6. I’m divorced. What extra documents do I need?
Your affidavit must state you are divorced. You’ll need your Divorce Decree Absolute, which also requires attestation or apostille.

7. I’m widowed. Do I need to apostille the death certificate too?
Yes. Your affidavit must state you are widowed, and you’ll submit an attested or apostilled death certificate.

8. I had a child out of wedlock. Does that matter?
No. The certificate only verifies your marital status, not whether you have children.

9. My divorce case is still pending. Can I get the certificate?
No. You’re legally married until the divorce decree is finalized.

10. Do I need a single status certificate even if I’m marrying another Indian abroad?
Yes. It’s a requirement of the foreign authority, not based on your partner’s nationality.

Part 3: Legal and Document-Related Issues

11. My documents show different versions of my mother’s name. What do I do?
Get an Affidavit of Name Change/Identity linking the two names. This affidavit must be notarized and submitted as support.

12. What should the affidavit say? Do I need a lawyer to draft it?
A template may work, but a lawyer ensures it meets state-specific rules. It should include your parents’ names, address, passport details, and a clear single-status declaration. Services like NRIWAY provide vetted templates.

13. What if my affidavit is rejected?
Common reasons: incorrect format, mismatched details, lack of evidence, or lamination. To avoid this, align all documents and get them checked professionally before submission.

14. How do I handle mismatched names or spelling errors in my documents?
Prepare an Affidavit of Mismatch in Names, notarized and attached with your application.

15. Is notarization enough, or does the certificate need MEA apostille?
For any Hague Convention country, MEA apostille is mandatory. A notary stamp alone won’t be accepted.

Part 4: Process and Logistics

16. How long does it take, and are fast-track options available?
Usually 4–8 weeks, including drafting, attestation, and apostille. Agencies offer fast-track services for an extra cost.

17. How much does it cost, and what hidden fees should I expect?
End-to-end services range from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000+. Hidden fees may include courier, notarization, apostille, and affidavit drafting. Reputable providers like NRIWAY give upfront, transparent quotes.

18. Can I apply in a different state from the one on my passport?
No. The jurisdiction is tied to your permanent passport address.

19. How long is an apostilled certificate valid?
While the apostille itself doesn’t expire, most countries require a certificate issued within the last 3–6 months. Delays may mean getting a new one.

20. Can the Indian Embassy abroad issue the certificate?
No. Embassies cannot issue it. They may notarize certain documents, but the certificate itself must come from India. That’s why most NRIs use professional services like NRIWAY.

Related Posts

A guide for getting Transcript from Madras University

16-09-2022

Name addition to the Birth Certificate. How is that possible?

16-09-2022

Nine things to know for an NRI purchasing property in India

16-09-2022