Cape Verde - Obtain Capacity to Marry / Single Status Certificate

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Procedure

Apply In Person (Citizen – Non citizen)

1. To apply for Single Status Certificate, the applicant has to approach the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – link
2. The applicant has to visit the office with the request letter.
3. An application form will be provided to the applicant by the concerned officer. (if required)
4. The applicant has to fill in all the necessary details in the application form. (Incomplete applications are not accepted)
5. Make sure that the applicant has attached all the necessary documents that are mentioned in the “Required Documents” section of this page.
6. The applicant has to attach the photocopies of the required documents along with the application form while submitting.
7. Submit all the documents with the completed form to the concerned officer.
8. The applicant has to pay the fee as per the authority’s request.
9. After receiving the application, the concerned authority will check the submitted application and document set. #If all are in place, the application will be accepted.
10. Then the application will be processed further. All the updates on the application status will be sent via SMS.
11. For further details for completing the procedure, the applicant follows the instruction given by the officer.
12. This entire process can be completed within 15 – 30 days or as per the timeline advised by the respective department authority.

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Required Documents

Generally, both spouses must able to present their identification document and birth certificate.

They are also required to bring along a witness, who can attest that the applicant has the capacity to marry.

• Identity Card
• Certificate of Residence
• Birth Certificate
• Declaration of NIF
• Fianc (e) Foreign (a)
• Passport

Authenticated birth certificate at the Embassy or Consulate of the country of origin

Matrimonial capacity certificate issued (by the Central records after order of the General Director) in the country of origin, duly authenticated, the embassy or consulate of their country of origin or issued by the Directorate General of Registries and Notaries

Office Locations & Contacts

Directorate General of Registries and Notaries Identification
Avenue OAU - Achada de Santo Antnio
CP 205
Tel: 2 60 99 00/9930/9929
Fax: 62 2 33 50
Ministry of Justice Website

Local Contact Numbers

List of diplomatic missions of Cape Verde

Eligibility

• Citizens of Cape Verde who intends to marry abroad
• Foreign citizens who intends to marry in Cape Verde.

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'.

Fees

Explain the fees structure which is required for obtaining the certificate/document.

Validity

The Capacity to Marry / Single Status Certificate is valid for 3 months.

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

Please explain processing time taken in obtaining the document/certificate.

Related Videos

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications. 
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Instructions

Applications are submitted to the Registry Office. Check for locations where you can submit your application.

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'.

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.

Required Information

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

Need for the Document

Some countries would require a "Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage" to be submitted before you can proceed with the actual marriage ceremony. The Certificate states that the applicant is single and has the capacity to enter into marriage.

Information which might help

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.

Other uses of the Document/Certificate

The Bride & Groom to be married must provide from their country of Citizenship, individual Certificates of non impediment, 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.

External Links

• Cape Verde Government Web Portal:

https://portoncv.gov.cv/portal/page?_pageid=118,188596&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&p_dominio=25&p_menu=28&p_item=131&p_ent_det=690#

Cape Verde Government Website

Ministry of Justice Website

Others

Through a sworn affidavit the applicant confirms that they are who they claim to be. The Single Status Letter or Affidavit says that they are able and free to marry among other things. Bear in mind that one fact about the Single Status Affidavit is that it is not a government document; rather, it is a letter from the affiant signed in front of a notary public. An interesting fact about this type of document is that there are many names given for it. For example look at this list: "Single Status Statutory Declaration" or a "Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage" or a "Single Status Certificate" or "Free-to-marry statement".