Getting married is a significant milestone in one’s life. However, before tying the knot, couples must obtain several documents to comply with legal requirements. One of these essential documents is a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI). In this article, we’ll discuss what a CNI is, its significance, and the process of obtaining it in Indonesia.
What is a Certificate of No Impediment?
A Certificate of No Impediment is a legal document that states a person is legally eligible to marry and has no legal impediments to do so. It is also known as a Single Status Certificate, Certificate of Freedom to Marry, or No Marriage Record Certificate. The document confirms that a person is not married, divorced, or in a civil partnership in their home country or anywhere else. A CNI is a requirement in many countries for foreigners intending to get married.
Most countries require a CNI when marrying a foreign national, and Indonesia is no exception. The CNI must be issued by the embassy or consulate of the foreigner’s home country in Indonesia and must be submitted to the Civil Registry Office (Kantor Catatan Sipil – KCS) along with other documents.
Why is a Certificate of No Impediment significant?
A CNI is significant because it confirms that a person is free to marry and that there are no legal impediments to their marriage. It is essential to establish the legal status of the couple intending to marry to avoid any legal issues in the future. Moreover, having a CNI makes the process of obtaining a marriage license much more straightforward and faster. It also ensures that the marriage will be recognized by the law and is not void or invalid.
How to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment in Indonesia
Obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment in Indonesia is a straightforward process, but it requires some time and effort. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Contact the embassy or consulate of the foreigner’s home country in Indonesia
The first step is to contact the embassy or consulate of the foreigner’s home country in Indonesia. The embassy will provide the necessary information and documents required to apply for a CNI. The embassy will also issue the CNI once the application is approved.
Step 2: Prepare the required documents
The following documents are required to apply for a CNI:
- A valid passport and a copy of the passport
- Proof of residency in Indonesia
- Proof of single status (e.g., a statement from the embassy or consulate, birth certificate, or divorce certificate)
- Two passport-sized photos
- Application form
- Payment of the applicable fee
Step 3: Submit the application to the embassy
Once the documents are prepared, the application must be submitted to the embassy or consulate of the foreigner’s home country in Indonesia. The embassy will then process the application and issue the CNI if the application is approved.
Step 4: Submit the CNI to the Civil Registry Office
After obtaining the CNI, it must be submitted to the Civil Registry Office (Kantor Catatan Sipil – KCS) along with other required documents to obtain a marriage license. The CNI is valid for six months from the date of issuance.
Conclusion
A Certificate of No Impediment is an essential document required to get married in many countries, including Indonesia. It confirms that a person is legally eligible to marry and has no legal impediments to do so. Obtaining a CNI is a straightforward process that requires some time and effort, but it ensures that the marriage will be recognized by the law and is not void or invalid. Couples intending to get married in Indonesia must obtain a CNI to comply with legal requirements and avoid any legal issues in the future.
