Letter of No Impediment to Marry South Africa

 


If you plan to get married outside South Africa or need to prove you are legally single, you will need a Letter of No Impediment to Marry. This document confirms that you are not currently married and that there is no legal obstacle preventing you from entering into marriage.

At Immigration Assist, we help South Africans obtain their Certificate of No Impediment quickly and easily; whether you are abroad or living locally.

You can start your application today by visiting our Contact Page or view more on our UK Immigration Services page.

What Is a Letter of No Impediment to Marry?

A Letter of No Impediment (sometimes called a Certificate of No Marriage or Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage) is an official confirmation from the South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) that you are not currently married under South African law.

It is often required by foreign authorities before you can register a marriage abroad.

This document is essential if you are:
• Getting married overseas
• Marrying a foreign national in South Africa
• Applying for a spousal visa
• Needing proof that you are single or divorced

For more information, visit the official Department of Home Affairs site.

How to Get a Letter of No Impediment in South Africa

Obtaining your Letter of No Impediment involves several steps:

  1. Submit a formal request to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
  2. Provide your South African ID or passport.
  3. Include details of your previous marriage, if applicable, and your divorce decree or death certificate.
  4. Wait for DHA to verify your marital status.
  5. Receive your certificate once issued.

If you are here locally or abroad, Immigration Assist can apply for your Letter of No Impediment on your behalf and courier it to you anywhere in the world.

How Long Does a Letter of No Impediment Take?

Processing times vary depending on DHA workload, but typically it takes 12 to 20 weeks. In some cases, it may take longer if records need to be verified manually.

Immigration Assist monitors the progress of your application and ensures it is delivered in about 2 weeks and securely once complete.

What Documents Are Needed for a Letter of No Impediment

Before applying, you will need:
• A clear copy of your South African ID or passport
• Your marriage certificate and divorce decree, if applicable
• Proof of address
• A completed DHA application form (we supply this for you)

We check that everything is correct before submission, reducing the risk of rejection or delays.

Certificate of No Impediment for Marriage Abroad

If you are planning to get married overseas, most foreign governments will ask for an authenticated or apostilled Letter of No Impediment.

Once issued by DHA, Immigration Assist can have your certificate apostilled at DIRCO (the Department of International Relations and Cooperation) for international use.

This makes it legally recognised in countries such as the UK, Australia, and many EU states.

What Makes a Marriage Invalid in South Africa

A marriage may be considered invalid if:
• One or both parties were already married
• One party was underage and lacked legal consent
• The marriage officer was not authorised
• The marriage was entered into under duress or fraud

Your Letter of No Impediment helps prevent any issues related to marital status or bigamy when marrying overseas.

Why Use Immigration Assist

Applying directly through Home Affairs can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially if you are overseas.

With Immigration Assist, you get:
Expert handling of your application

Expedited processing time frames


Direct submission to DHA
Progress tracking and communication
Secure courier delivery worldwide
Optional apostille or legalisation services

We make it simple, fast, and stress-free to get your Certificate of No Impediment to Marry.

Apply for Your Letter of No Impediment Today

Let Immigration Assist help you obtain your official Letter of No Impediment quickly and correctly.

📞 Contact us today or visit our Blog for more helpful guides on South African and UK documentation, visas, and citizenship.

Need Help?

Don’t let paperwork delays derail your plans. Let Immigration Assist handle your Non Impediments quickly, professionally, and with peace of mind.

📧 Email: dean@immigrationassist.co.za 

📞 Call/WhatsApp: Dean +27 82 973 0454

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