Affidavit of Single Status in Canada - What It Is and How to Get One for Marriage Abroad

If you’re planning to get married in another country, you’ll likely be asked to prove that you are legally free to marry. In Canada, this is typically done through an Affidavit of Single Status (sometimes called a Certificate of Freedom to Marry).

This document is a sworn statement confirming that you are not currently married. It must be signed in front of a Notary Public and is often required by foreign authorities before they allow a marriage to be registered.

What Is an Affidavit of Single Status?

An Affidavit of Single Status is a legal declaration where you confirm under oath that:

• You are not currently married

• You are legally eligible to marry

• The information provided is true

Because it is a sworn statement, signing it falsely can have legal consequences.

Why It’s Required for Marriage Abroad

Many countries require proof that a foreign national is not already married before allowing marriage registration. This helps prevent:

• Bigamy

• Fraudulent marriages

• Legal disputes

Authorities rely on this affidavit as official confirmation of your marital status.

Countries That Commonly Require It

This document is commonly required in countries such as:

• India

• Philippines

• Italy

• Germany

• UAE

• Mexico

• South Korea

Requirements may vary depending on the specific region or local authority, so always confirm in advance.

What the Affidavit Includes

A properly prepared Affidavit of Single Status typically contains:

• Full legal name (as per passport)

• Date and place of birth

• Current address

• Citizenship or residency status

• Declaration of being single

• Marital history (if applicable)

• Passport details

• Signature witnessed by a Notary Public

Some countries may also require the name of your future spouse to be included.

If You Were Previously Married

Divorced

You must declare your divorce status and provide:

• Divorce certificate or court order

This may also need notarization and apostille.

Widowed

You must declare your status and provide:

• Death certificate of your former spouse

Do You Need Apostille?

In most cases, yes.

Since many countries requiring this affidavit are part of the Hague Convention, your affidavit will need:

1. Notarization

2. Apostille

This ensures the document is legally accepted abroad.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare your affidavit (do not sign it yet)

2. Visit a Notary Public with your ID

3. Sign the document in front of the notary

4. Get it notarized

5. Apply for apostille (if required)

6. Translate the document (if needed by the destination country)

When Translation Is Required

If the destination country uses a different language, you may need:

• Certified translation

• Translator’s affidavit

This ensures the document is understood and legally valid.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Signing the affidavit before notarization

• Missing supporting documents (divorce/death certificate)

• Skipping apostille when required

• Not checking country-specific requirements

• Using incorrect or incomplete formats

FAQs

How long is the affidavit valid?

Usually 3–6 months, depending on the country.

Can I prepare it myself?

Yes, but it must follow the correct format and be notarized.

Is apostille always required?

Not always, but it is required for most Hague Convention countries.

Can I get it done quickly?

Yes, notarization is usually same-day. Apostille timing depends on processing authorities.

Getting your Affidavit of Single Status right is an important step in ensuring your marriage abroad goes smoothly. Preparing it correctly, along with any required apostille or translation, helps avoid delays and complications.