Single Status Certificate for Indians Going Abroad: What It Is and How to Get It

What Is a Single Status Certificate?

A Single Status Certificate (also called a Certificate of Non-Marriage, Celibacy Certificate, or Affidavit of Single Status) is a document confirming that you are legally unmarried. It is required by:

• Foreign marriage registration offices (if you want to legally marry abroad)
• Some countries for dependent visa applications
• European countries for various administrative purposes
• Some professional licensing bodies

How to Get a Single Status Certificate in India

India does not have a standardized national single status certificate. Instead, the process typically involves:

Option 1: Notarized Affidavit

The most common method. You execute a sworn affidavit before a Notary Public declaring your single status. This is then attested by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or the state Home Department.

Option 2: Certificate from Municipality / Gram Panchayat

Some local bodies issue certificates of non-marriage based on their records. This is more reliable than a self-declared affidavit.

Option 3: Tahsildar Certificate

In some states, the Tahsildar (revenue officer) can issue a certificate confirming your single status based on local records.

Getting It Apostilled

For Hague countries:

• Notary


• SDM / Home Department


• MEA Apostille

For GCC countries:

• Notary


• Home Department


• MEA


• Embassy of the destination country

Italy Single Status Certificate: Special Note

Italy requires a single status certificate (stato libero) for marriage registration in Italy. The Italian process requires the certificate to be apostilled AND Italian-translated by an empanelled translator. The Italian municipality (Comune) may also require the certificate to be less than 3 months old.

What If You Are Divorced?

If you are divorced, you need a divorce certificate (decree absolute) rather than a single status certificate. The divorce certificate must be attested/apostilled separately.