Getting married is a significant milestone in anyone’s life. It’s a union between two people who love each other and want to spend forever together. But, before you can get married in Singapore, you need to get a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI).
What Is a Certificate of No Impediment?
A Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) is a document that proves that you are free to get married. It’s also called a Certificate of Marriageability. It’s issued by your home country’s embassy or high commission in Singapore.
The CNI is an essential document that you need to submit to the Registry of Marriages (ROM) in Singapore when you apply for a marriage license. The ROM requires this document to ensure that you are legally free to get married.
Who Needs a Certificate of No Impediment?
If you are a foreigner who wants to get married in Singapore, you need a CNI. Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and foreigners who are already married don’t need a CNI.
If you’re Singaporean or a permanent resident, you need to provide your NRIC or passport details when you apply for a marriage license. If you’re a foreigner who is already married, you need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate.
How Do You Get a Certificate of No Impediment?
If you’re a foreigner who wants to get married in Singapore, you need to get a CNI from your home country’s embassy or high commission in Singapore. You need to provide the embassy or high commission with the following documents:
- Your passport
- Your birth certificate
- Your divorce certificate (if you’re divorced)
- Your spouse’s death certificate (if you’re a widow or widower)
The embassy or high commission will then issue you with a CNI if they’re satisfied that you’re free to get married. The process usually takes around three to four weeks.
What If You Can’t Get a Certificate of No Impediment?
If you can’t get a CNI from your home country’s embassy or high commission, you need to provide a letter of affirmation. The letter of affirmation is issued by the embassy or high commission if they can’t issue a CNI.
You need to provide the embassy or high commission with the same documents as you would for a CNI. The embassy or high commission will then issue you with a letter of affirmation if they’re satisfied that you’re free to get married. The process usually takes around three to four weeks.
What Happens After You Get Your Certificate of No Impediment?
Once you get your CNI, you need to submit it to the Registry of Marriages (ROM) in Singapore when you apply for a marriage license. You can apply for a marriage license online or at the ROM.
You need to provide the ROM with the following documents:
- Your CNI
- Your passport
- Your birth certificate
- Your divorce certificate (if you’re divorced)
- Your spouse’s death certificate (if you’re a widow or widower)
The ROM will then issue you with a notice of marriage. The notice of marriage is valid for three months. You need to get married within this period.
In Conclusion
Getting a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) is an essential step if you’re a foreigner who wants to get married in Singapore. The process takes around three to four weeks, so make sure you plan accordingly. Once you get your CNI, make sure you submit it to the Registry of Marriages (ROM) when you apply for a marriage license.
Remember, getting married is a significant milestone in your life. Make sure you follow all the necessary procedures to ensure that your wedding day is perfect.
