Zimbabwe - Obtain a Single Status Certificate(NonMarriage Certificate)

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Procedure

It is advisable to follow the guidelines that certain authorities deem necessary. Those wishing to marry overseas will need special documentation. First, couples will have to present a declaration that is processed by your local office where marriage documents are produced. This must be from the state where you live in Zimbabwe. On this statement will be recorded the fact that there has not be any marriage in recent years.

Due to the fact that these types of documents are sought for foreign involvement one will need the local or state registrars account or declaration to be authenticated to work abroad.

• Visit the Registrar General's Department
• Present the required documents.
• Pay the applicable fee.

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Required Documents

• Original birth certificate and a copy thereof.

Office Locations & Contacts

Registrar General's Department
Central Registry Office
Makombe Building
Harare
Zimbabwe
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.rg.gov.zw/
Offices

Diplomatic Missions abroad

Eligibility

In order for non-nationals to marry in a foreign country you will most likely be required to produce legal documentation from your country of citizenship verifying single status and that you are free to marry. This is known as a 'Certificate of No Impediment', 'Certificate de Coutume', 'Certificate of Nulla Osta' or a 'Certificate of Freedom to Marry'.

Fees

• A statutory fee in case of a male US$0.5 per year calculated from 13th birthday to date. In case of a female, US$0.5 per year calculated from the 11th birthday to date.
• A non-marriage certificate fee of US$30.

Validity

Explain the time until which the certificate/document is valid.
e.g. Birth Certificate Valid Forever

Documents to Use

Please attach documents which can be used by people who would like to follow this procedure.    

Sample Documents

Please attach sample completed documents which would help other people who would like to follow this procedure.

Processing Time

The processing time is one week.

Related Videos

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications. 
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Instructions

If you are planning to marry in another country, you may be required to obtain a Certificate of Non-Impediment. This document has many different names such as Declaration of Non-Impediment to Marry, Statutory Declaration of Single Status, Affidavit of Intended Marriage, Statement In-Lieu of Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage Abroad, Certificate de Coutume, a Certificate of No Impediment, Certificate of Nulla Osta, Certificate of Freedom to Marry or just free to marry.

The Bride & Groom to be married must provide from their country of Citizenship, individual Certificates of non impediment or Certificate of Single Status/Sworn Affidavit, as proof that they are both indeed single and eligible to marry. This is also called an affidavit of single status or negative statement of marriage. This document can be obtained at the Bureau of Vital statistics in their city they reside.

Required Information

• Full Name
• Passport or ID number
• Place and Date of Birth
• Nationality
• Gender
• Statement
• Date
• Signature of the person who declares
• Signature of the witnesses

Need for the Document

This page contains information on how to obtain a single status certificate in Zimbabwe. It is a confirmation of a person's marital status where a Zimbabwean national intends to marry abroad.

A Single Status Certificate also referred to as a No Marriage Affidavit, Certificate of Freedom to Marry or Certificate of No Impediment, is a sworn statement saying that you are eligible to marry.

Overseas marriage authorities often require further evidence that the party is free to marry. Such evidence may be a statement from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages that there is no record of the person having been previously married or a 'Single Status Certificate' or 'No Records Result'.

Information which might help

What services can Zimbabwean citizens expect from Consular Officers?

• Receiving applications from Zimbabweans in the Diaspora for passports, Temporary Travel Documents (TTDs), birth certificates, police clearance certificates and non-marriage certificates.
• Through liaison with the Registrar Generals office, Consular Officers verifies the marital status of Zimbabweans wishing to marry abroad.
• Receive documents from Zimbabwean Embassies and relatives of deceased nationals abroad for clearances with relevant authorities before importation of remains.
• Tracing relatives of deceased and distressed nationals abroad with the assistance of the police or contact details provided.
• Facilitating Consular visits for Embassies or relatives to visit their nationals imprisoned in Zimbabwe.
• Assistance in evacuation of Zimbabweans in cases of political turmoil or some other disasters.
• Assist families under certain circumstances by facilitating the transfer of funds to family members in distress abroad.
• Provide guidance in collaboration with the Department of social welfare on matters relating to adoptions.
• Provide assistance and guidance to foreign representatives regarding their nationals in Zimbabwe.
• Receiving general consular inquiries from Zimbabwean and foreign nationals.

Other uses of the Document/Certificate

This document will most likely be required as a supporting document if you are getting married in a foreign country.

This document can also be required for employment in a foreign country.

External Links

Zimbabwe Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Registrar General's Department Website

Zimbabwe's Web Portal

Others

These certificates vary in the length of time they are valid for, which can sometimes only be a few months. Certain countries require that certificates be no older than 2 or 3 months at the time of your wedding. Therefore, it is important to check the requirements which apply to your circumstances and pay particular attention to timelines when you apply for a Certificate of No Impediment.

Please also be aware that a standard Single Status Certificate or Certificate of No Impediment may be insufficient on its own to allow a marriage to take place in a foreign country. You may be required by the foreign authorities to comply with the following, so please ensure that you allow sufficient time for processing.

• Certificates may need to be translated.
• Certificates may need to be endorsed or exchanged for a locally acceptable version issued by your Embassy or Consulate in the country where you will marry.
• Certificates may need to be legalized i.e. stamped with an official stamp known as an Apostille.
• Certificates may require that witnesses swear an Affidavit stating that you are free to marry and that this is appended.