Single Status Certificate Legalization for the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
A Single Status Certificate (also known as a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage) is an essential personal document for individuals who need to confirm that they have never been married. This certification is often required when applying for marriage abroad, family sponsorship, residency, or legal procedures in the UAE.
Proper legalization ensures that the document is officially recognized by UAE authorities and can be used for all legal and administrative purposes.
Understanding Single Status Certificate Legalization
Legalization is the formal process that validates a document for international use.
For a Single Status Certificate issued in the United States, this process confirms the authenticity of the applicant’s unmarried status through a sequence of certifications — from notarization and state authentication, to verification by the U.S. Department of State, and finally legalization by the Embassy of the UAE in Washington, D.C.
This ensures that the document is legitimate and suitable for use in all UAE administrative, family, and legal procedures.
Why Single Status Certificate Legalization Is Required for the UAE
Legalized Single Status Certificates are required in the UAE for:
Marriage registration with UAE authorities
Residency or dependent visa applications
Legal proceedings involving marital or family status
Family sponsorship or immigration formalities
Personal Document Legalization Processing Time & Fees.
| Service | Fees | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Service fee | $100 | - |
| U.S. Department of State fee | $20 | 9 |
| Embassy of UAE fee | $140 | 8 |
| Total | $260 | 17 business days |
Step-by-Step Single Status Certificate Legalization Process
Notarization:
The applicant must first prepare and notarize a Single Status Affidavit affirming that they are currently unmarried.State Certification:
After notarization, the document must be certified by the Secretary of State in the state where notarization occurred. This confirms the notary’s signature and seal are authentic.U.S. Department of State Authentication:
The document is then sent to the Office of Authentications at the U.S. Department of State to verify the state certification.UAE Embassy Legalization:
Finally, the authenticated certificate is submitted to the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, where the official seal is affixed, confirming its validity for use in the UAE.
Key Requirements and Important Notes
Only original notarized and state-certified documents are accepted.
Photocopies or notarized-only versions cannot be legalized.
UAE residents and passport holders must include a copy of their UAE passport when submitting the certificate.
Processing times may vary; expedited services are available for urgent cases.
Conclusion
Legalizing a Single Status Certificate for the UAE ensures that an individual’s unmarried status is officially recognized under UAE law. Proper authentication enables marriage registration, visa applications, and other personal or family-related legal procedures to proceed smoothly and without delay.