Gettign Married in Cape Town, South Africa

[dwheels76 5,459]

Having a friend inquiring about this. Her fiance' is Nigerian and lives in SA and they say he needs a notarized letter of non-impediment from Nigeria before they can marry.

Would this be by chance the Bachelorhood certification or something?

How does one go about getting this if they are in SA? He thought he could send his family to pick up in Nigeria but not sure.

Any information on a smooth wedding would be appreciated.

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

Yes, that is the bachelor certificate as we know it in Nigeria.

I am pretty sure his family can get it for him with a copy from his passport and notarize it.

[Confusedtinybird 41]

Not sure how they would get that from from Nigeria if someone is living in South Africa. I guess this is a requirement from Nigeria? But, here is the link to Home Affairs with the requirements:

Have your friend look at the Department of Home Affairs link.

http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/index.php/marriage-certificates

Documents required to enter into a marriage

On the day of the marriage a couple must present the following documents to the person officiating at the wedding:

• Identity documents(for each person getting married)
• If a foreign national is marrying a South African citizen, they should both present their valid passports as well as well as a completed BI-31 Form (Declaration for the Purpose of Marriage, Letter of no impediment)
• If the wedding is for a minor (a person under the age of 18 years), the written consent of both parents/ legal guardian or the Commissioner of Child Welfare or a judge should be submitted on Form DHA-32 as well. If the minors getting married are under the ages of 18 for boys or 15 for girls, the written consent from the Minister of Home Affairs will also be required
• If any of the persons getting married are divorced, then the final decree of divorce should be furnished
• If any of the persons getting married are widowed, the deceased spouse’s death certificate must be submitted.

[cam0803 3]

It's a requirement by the South African government. If you're not a citizen of South Africa, you must provide a notarized certificate of bachelorhood/notarized letter of non impediment from the country where you are a citizen, before you can marry in South Africa. All other requirements are met, just need to know how and where to get it from for Nigeria, and if family can do it since he is not there to get it himself due to living in South Africa.

[Confusedtinybird 41]

Ok I know many foreigners that have been married in South Africa that did not have to provide this. But, mamay something has changed. It is also not listed on Dept of Home Affairs as something that is requested. I would just double check with someone (home affairs or the minister) to make sure it is required.

This is the only thing I could find http://www.southafrica-newyork.net/homeaffairs/marryinginSA.htm

a notarized declaration by the party concerned to the effect that the person is not aware of any lawful impediment to the proposed marriage.

Good luck!

[cam0803 3]

Not sure how they would get that from from Nigeria if someone is living in South Africa. I guess this is a requirement from Nigeria? But, here is the link to Home Affairs with the requirements:

Have your friend look at the Department of Home Affairs link.

http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/index.php/marriage-certificates

Documents required to enter into a marriage

On the day of the marriage a couple must present the following documents to the person officiating at the wedding:

• Identity documents(for each person getting married)
• If a foreign national is marrying a South African citizen, they should both present their valid passports as well as well as a completed BI-31 Form (Declaration for the Purpose of Marriage, Letter of no impediment)
• If the wedding is for a minor (a person under the age of 18 years), the written consent of both parents/ legal guardian or the Commissioner of Child Welfare or a judge should be submitted on Form DHA-32 as well. If the minors getting married are under the ages of 18 for boys or 15 for girls, the written consent from the Minister of Home Affairs will also be required
• If any of the persons getting married are divorced, then the final decree of divorce should be furnished
• If any of the persons getting married are widowed, the deceased spouse’s death certificate must be submitted.

Our minister said he can not marry us without this. It's listed as a requirement in the post above on the second bullet point after declaration of purpose of marriage.

[Confusedtinybird 41]

Hi,

I did some research because I was curious it looks like it is a kinda new requirement. It looks some people have had luck with the Embassy issuing this letter. I would try the Embassy.

[cam0803 3]

Hi,

I did some research because I was curious it looks like it is a kinda new requirement. It looks some people have had luck with the Embassy issuing this letter. I would try the Embassy.

Thank you. Will check with the Nigerian embassy in Johannesburg to see if there is anything they can do.

[Confusedtinybird 41]

Hi,

Here is an excellent thread where people ask where to get this letter http://www.expat-blog.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=150211

It looks like people have also had success with a marriage officer helping with the letter. There are also some phone numbers you can contact if the Embassy isn't helpful.

[cam0803 3]

Hi,

Here is an excellent thread where people ask where to get this letter http://www.expat-blog.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=150211

It looks like people have also had success with a marriage officer helping with the letter. There are also some phone numbers you can contact if the Embassy isn't helpful.

Thank you very much! Very appreciated.

[Confusedtinybird 41]

Your welcome! Hope it works out.

Good luck!

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

http://www.nairaland.com/440717/where-get-bachelor-single-certificate

In the link are some suggestions on where to go to get the 'single status certificate' in Nigeria or a sworn affidavit.

I don't think SA cares if it is a sworn notarized letter he types himself or typed by an official or if it is a certificate with a raised stamp seal

from a registry.

Family was able to get us ours with a passport page, my fiance is also out of the country and could not get it himself.

If the embassy is unable to help then try like we did trough a friend or family.

[cam0803 3]

http://www.nairaland.com/440717/where-get-bachelor-single-certificate

In the link are some suggestions on where to go to get the 'single status certificate' in Nigeria or a sworn affidavit.

I don't think SA cares if it is a sworn notarized letter he types himself or typed by an official or if it is a certificate with a raised stamp seal

from a registry.

Family was able to get us ours with a passport page, my fiance is also out of the country and could not get it himself.

If the embassy is unable to help then try like we did trough a friend or family.

Thank you. Very helpful and have an idea of where his Mom can go to get this taken care of now.

[Confusedtinybird 41]

Hi Cam0803,

Any luck with this?