Media type · A statement that no known legal obstacle to the marriage exists
Certificate of no impediment
A document from the home authority stating there is no known obstacle to the marriage.
Key facts
| What it is | A statement that no known legal obstacle to the marriage exists |
|---|---|
| Who issues it | The home civil registry or the consular office |
| Check before paying | Whether the destination accepts it, how long it is valid and whether it needs an apostille or translation |
A document with an expiry date
The certificate reflects the registry’s record at the date of issue. Receiving authorities often accept it only within a window, so ordering it too early can waste the fee.
If the certificate must be legalised or translated, add those steps to the timeline. The issuing office and the receiving office may have different ideas about the required format.
Frequently asked questions
What if one of us was married before?
The registry may need proof that the previous marriage ended. That document may also need translation or legalisation.
Is a sworn declaration enough?
In some destinations. Ask the receiving authority which document it accepts, and whether a declaration must be made locally.