In Pakistan, legal documentation for personal status is increasingly important, especially for individuals traveling abroad for education, work, or marriage. One such vital document is the Unmarried Certificate or Single Status Certificate. This certificate verifies that a person has never been married and is legally eligible to marry. Whether you need it for a foreign visa, immigration, or official matters abroad, this article provides complete guidance on the Unmarried Certificate in Pakistan, including its requirements, format, fees, and the application process.
What is an Unmarried Certificate in Pakistan?
An Unmarried Certificate—also known as a Single Status Certificate in Pakistan—is an official document declaring that a person is single and has not been previously married. This certificate is often requested by foreign embassies or immigration departments to ensure that the applicant is free to marry or eligible for residency or visa purposes.
Why Do You Need a Single Status Certificate?
Many countries require proof of single status before issuing a marriage license or granting certain types of visas. Common situations include:
- Marriage in a foreign country
- Immigration or spouse visa applications
- Employment abroad
- Residency purposes
Without a Single Status Certificate, your foreign application may be delayed or rejected.
Unmarried Certificate Requirements in Pakistan
To apply for an Unmarried Certificate in Pakistan, the applicant must meet the following basic requirements:
- Valid CNIC or B-Form of the applicant
- Affidavit stating that the applicant has never been married
- Two witnesses who can verify the applicant’s single status
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Copy of Passport (for those applying for international purposes)
- Parent or Guardian CNIC copies (if the applicant is under 18)
- Proof of residence (utility bill or domicile)
In some cases, authorities may also require a statement from the local Union Council or NADRA unmarried certificate verification.
How to Apply for an Unmarried Certificate in Pakistan
The process for obtaining an Unmarried Certificate is straightforward if the documents are prepared correctly. Here’s how you can apply:
Step 1: Draft an Affidavit
Prepare an affidavit on stamp paper stating that you are single and have never been married. This must be attested by a notary public or an oath commissioner.
Step 2: Get Witness Statements
Two witnesses must sign the affidavit, declaring under oath that they personally know you and confirm your unmarried status.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Submit the application with all required documents to the relevant government body. Depending on your region, this could be:
- Local Union Council
- NADRA (for identity verification)
- Foreign Affairs office (if apostille or attestation is needed)
Unmarried Certificate from Union Council
In many cities across Pakistan, the Union Council issues the Unmarried Certificate. This document is often accepted for local and some international use. The Union Council verifies the applicant’s status based on community records and testimonials.
The process involves:
- Submitting your affidavit and documents
- Verification from the area councilor or nazim
- Approval and issuance of the certificate
Note: Some foreign embassies may require the certificate to be translated and attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
NADRA Unmarried Certificate: Is It Available?
As of now, NADRA does not directly issue an unmarried certificate, but it plays a key role in identity verification. Most embassies and government offices accept affidavits or certificates backed by NADRA’s CNIC verification and Union Council endorsement.
In some cases, a NADRA Family Registration Certificate (FRC) may be requested to confirm the applicant’s marital status.
Unmarried Certificate Format in Pakistan
The Unmarried Certificate format in Pakistan usually includes the following information:
- Applicant’s full name
- Father’s name
- CNIC number
- Date of birth
- Residential address
- A declaration of single status
- Name and CNIC of witnesses
- Official stamp and signature of issuing authority
A Unmarried Certificate Pakistan sample might look like this:
Single Status Certificate Apostille and Attestation
If you intend to use the Single Status Certificate abroad, it must be attested or apostilled, depending on the destination country.
For Non-Hague Convention Countries:
- Attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Pakistan
- Further attestation from the respective embassy
For Hague Convention Countries:
- Single Status Certificate apostille by the designated authority (Pakistan currently does not issue apostilles but uses embassy attestation as an alternative)
Unmarried Certificate Fees in Pakistan
The Unmarried Certificate fees in Pakistan vary based on the issuing authority and purpose:
Type of Certificate | Issuing Authority | Estimated Fee (PKR) |
Local Certificate | Union Council | 500 – 1,000 |
Notarized Affidavit | Oath Commissioner | 300 – 800 |
Attestation MOFA | Ministry of Foreign Affairs | 1,000 – 2,000 |
Translation (if needed) | Certified Translator | 1,000 – 2,500 |
Apostille/Embassy Attestation | Foreign Embassy | Varies (Check embassy rates) |
The Single Status Certificate cost for international use may go up depending on attestation and courier charges.
Common Uses of Unmarried Certificates
- Applying for a fiancé(e) or spouse visa
- Studying abroad (some universities require proof of civil status)
- Employment abroad (especially in Gulf countries)
- Getting married outside Pakistan
- Immigration and family reunification cases
Final Thoughts
Obtaining an Unmarried Certificate in Pakistan may seem complicated at first, but with the right guidance and documentation, it is a manageable process. Whether you are planning to marry abroad, apply for a visa, or fulfill legal requirements, having a valid Single Status Certificate is essential.
Make sure your certificate is properly formatted, verified, and attested to avoid delays or rejections. For peace of mind, consider professional assistance to handle document preparation, attestation, and embassy submissions.