At La Classe Translation Private Limited, we specialize in offering professional documentation, attestation, and legalization services for individuals across the world. One of the most frequently requested services today is Unmarried Certificate Apostille, especially for people planning to study, work, settle, or get married abroad.
This detailed guide provides a complete and easy-to-understand explanation of:
- What an unmarried certificate is
- Why unmarried certificate apostille is required
- The apostille process
- Required documents
- Processing time and cost
- Importance of professional apostille services
What is an Unmarried Certificate?
An Unmarried Certificate is an official document issued by an authorized body such as local municipal authorities, a notary public, or state government offices. It certifies that a person is single at the time of issuance.
This certificate clearly states that:
- The individual has never been married, OR
- The person is currently legally single after divorce or widowhood
For Indian citizens and many others worldwide, this document is commonly required for:
- International marriages – when planning to marry a foreign national abroad
- Work visas – proof of single status for long-term employment permits
- Residency permits – background checks by immigration authorities
- Study abroad – scholarship processing or dependent visa cases
However, simply having the certificate is not enough if you plan to use it outside India. It must be properly authenticated through Unmarried Certificate Apostille.
What is Unmarried Certificate Apostille?
Unmarried Certificate Apostille refers to the official authentication of your unmarried certificate under the Hague Convention of 1961. More than 120 countries are members of this convention and accept apostilled documents instead of lengthy embassy legalization.
The apostille is a special square-shaped sticker or stamp placed on your certificate by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India. It confirms that:
- The signature on your document is genuine
- The seal and stamp on the certificate are authentic
- The issuing authority is legally recognized
This process ensures that your unmarried certificate becomes legally valid and internationally accepted in all Hague Convention countries.
Why Do You Need Unmarried Certificate Apostille?
The requirement for Unmarried Certificate Apostille Services arises in several situations:
- Marriage Abroad – Many foreign governments require legal proof that you are single before allowing marriage registration.
- Visa Processing – Work visas, dependent visas, and family visas often require proof of marital status.
- Legal Residency – Immigration authorities may ask for background verification documents.
- International Adoption – In certain cases, unmarried status proof may be required.
Without apostille, your unmarried certificate may be rejected by foreign authorities.
From Whom is the Apostille for an Unmarried Certificate Issued?
In India, the final apostille is issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). However, the process involves multiple verification stages before MEA authentication:
- Notary Attestation – Initial verification of the document
- State Home Department / SDM Attestation – State-level authentication
- MEA Apostille – Final international legalization
For other countries, similar government departments such as foreign ministries or consular services handle this process.
Step-by-Step Process of Unmarried Certificate Apostille
The process of obtaining an Unmarried Certificate Apostille in India involves the following steps:
Step 1: Obtain the Unmarried Certificate
You must first obtain the certificate from:
- Local municipal authority
- District magistrate office
- State government office
- Indian Embassy/Consulate (if living abroad)
Step 2: Notarization
A registered notary verifies and stamps the document.
Step 3: SDM / State Attestation
The document is authenticated by the State Home Department or Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM).
Step 4: MEA Apostille
Finally, the Ministry of External Affairs affixes the apostille stamp, making the certificate valid for international use.
This complete process ensures that your unmarried certificate is properly legalized and accepted abroad.
Documents Required for Unmarried Certificate Apostille
To apply for Unmarried Certificate Apostille, you typically need:
- Original unmarried certificate
- Photocopies of the certificate
- Passport copy of the applicant
- Address proof (Aadhaar card or other valid ID)
- Passport-size photographs
Additional documents may be requested depending on the country or purpose.
How Long Does the Apostille Process Take?
On average, the Unmarried Certificate Apostille process takes around 5 to 15 working days, depending on:
- State of document issuance
- Workload at the MEA
- Whether applied directly or through a professional agency
Delays may occur if documents are incomplete or require extra verification.
Countries Where Apostille is Accepted
An unmarried certificate apostille is valid in all Hague Convention member countries, including:
* United States
* United Kingdom
* France
* Germany
* Italy
* Spain
* Netherlands
* Australia
* Japan
* South Korea
* UAE (from 2023, after joining the Hague Convention)
Embassy attestation may be required instead of apostille only in case if your country is not the part of Convention of Hague.
Conclusion
The unmarried certificate apostille is an essential step for anyone planning to marry, work, or live abroad. Without it, your certificate may not be recognized by foreign authorities, causing unnecessary delays or rejection of your application. Although the process may seem complicated due to multiple levels of verification, professional services can make it seamless, accurate, and stress-free.
At La Classe Translation Private Limited, we specialize in offering end-to-end support for document apostille and legalization. With our expertise, you can be assured that your unmarried certificate apostille will be completed efficiently, saving you time and effort.
How many times can an unmarried certificate be apostilled?
Apostille is done once on the original document, and it remains valid unless the document itself expires.
Can I get an unmarried certificate apostille if I am divorced?
Yes. You may need to provide your divorce decree as supporting proof.
Is embassy attestation required after apostille?
No, for Hague Convention countries, apostille is sufficient. For non-Hague countries, embassy attestation may be necessary.
Can I apply for an unmarried certificate apostille from abroad?
Yes, Indian Embassies and professional agencies can assist you with the process while you are living abroad.
How long is the apostille valid?
In most cases, the apostille is valid permanently. However, some countries or institutions may require the certificate to be recent (within 6–12 months).
CONTACT LA CLASSE TRANSLATION PRIVATE LIMITED :
Website: www.laclasse.in
Phone No: +91-9315762227
Mail: manohar.roshan@laclasse.in