The certificate of non-impediment, commonly known as a Letter of non-impediment in South Africa, is a vital document of significant importance in legal matters relating to the marital status of South African citizens who wish to marry overseas. Planning to tie the knot abroad? Understanding everything you need to know about the South African Letter of No Impediment is crucial. The purpose of the Certificate of Non-Impediment is to certify that the South African person named in the Letter of No Impediment is not currently married and that they are permitted to marry under South African law. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about the South African Letter of No Impediment, its requirements, processing time, contents, the process of obtaining it and possible alternatives to South African laws and regulations.
The requirements for obtaining a Letter of No Impediment.
South African citizens planning to marry foreign nationals may need a Letter of No Impediment from the foreign country’s authorities, while those who have ended their marriages can determine eligibility through a divorce decree.
So, let’s dive into everything you need to know about the South African Letter of No Impediment. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process of obtaining it:
- Gather Required Documents such as South African identification (ID card or passport), Birth certificate and additional documents related to marital status (e.g., divorce decree or the prior spouse’s death certificate, if applicable).
- Locate your nearest Department of Home Affairs office, request and fill out the application form for a Letter of No Impediment called the DHA-1155 form. If someone under 18 wishes to get married, they must obtain written approval from parents, legal guardians, the commissioner of Child Welfare, or a court, present it using Form DHA-32, provide an ID card or passport, and complete the DHA-1155 form in black ink.
- To process the Letter of No Impediment, submit your application form and necessary documents and pay the applicable fees, which may vary and are currently set at R90 in Home Affairs.
- The South African Letter of No Impediment may take up to six months to process after submission, with authorities determining the processing time based on the individual’s circumstances.
- Once your application is processed and approved, return to the Home Affairs office to collect the Letter of No Impediment. Check the document for accuracy and verify the validity period.
- If you plan to marry in another country, check with the authorities or embassy of that country to ensure the Letter of No Impediment meets their specific requirements.
Alternatives of Letter of no impediment
If, for some reason, you cannot obtain the letter of no impediment, alternative documents or procedures may be available based on the country’s regulations. Here are some possible alternatives:
- Affidavit of Single Status: Some countries accept an affidavit or sworn statement attesting to one’s single status. A legal authority might need to notarize or certify this affidavit.
- Certificate of Non-Impediment: Some countries issue Certificates of Non-Impiment or Certificates of No Marriage, similar to Letter of No Impediment, for the same purpose.
- Statutory Declaration: If obtaining a South African Certificate of Non-Impediment is impossible or proves difficult, individuals can pursue other options. A Statutory Declaration is an alternative document that confirms your freedom to marry. To obtain this document, you must declare in front of a notary public and obtain legalization accordingly.
- Death certificate or divorce decree: If you were previously married, a divorce decree or death certificate may be sufficient proof of eligibility to remarry.
For example, South African couples planning to marry in the UK require a Letter of No Impediment from South African authorities to prove their legal eligibility. If obtaining this document is difficult, they may choose another option based on their intended location or country’s requirements.
Apostille for letter of no impediment.
Authorities issue an apostille certification for documents intended for use in countries under the Hague Apostille Convention. This aims to verify the origin of official documents like marriage and birth certificates, ensuring their validity for international use.
Suppose you intend to use the Letter of No Impediment in a Hague Apostille Convention member country like the Netherlands. To use the Letter of No Impediment in the Netherlands, you will need an Apostille certificate attached to it. The certification guarantees recognition and acceptance of the Letter of No Impediment without requiring additional authentication. Individuals can obtain apostille certificates in South Africa directly from the South African High Court and (DIRCO) in Pretoria.
There you have it! Everything you need to know about the South African Letter of No Impediment. Understanding it will hopefully ensure a smoother journey to saying “I do” across South Africa’s borders. Always check the latest information and requirements of the relevant authorities so you can confidently embark on your marriage journey. Here’s to love, unions and overcoming bureaucratic hurdles with grace!
Global Apostille Services!
Validating South African documents, such as the letter of non-impediment, outside the country requires obtaining a South African apostille to ensure their legality. Global Apostille provides an express DIRCO apostille service to expedite the process of obtaining documents, which typically takes 4-6 weeks. Our service is the fastest in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Gauteng. We also provide urgent translation services from any South African language to English and vice versa. Additionally, we provide same-day translation from Spanish, German, French, and Portuguese into English and vice versa. Our team of licensed and professional translators guarantees a secure and private translation and apostille service. For more information on our services, please feel free to contact us. Tel: 012 348 3134| Mobile: 081 347 6060 | Email: info@apostillelegalisation.co.za
4 thoughts on “Everything you need to know about the South African letter of no impediment.”
Do I need a letter of no impediment to get married in South Africa if I am a South African?
SO A PERSON FRIM OVER SEA CANT GET A LETTER OF NON IMPEDENT IN SOUTH AFRICA
I have the same question.
Good day Bon,
Thank you for reaching out, the letter of no impediment is primarily required
for those who wish to marry overseas, outside South Africa.