A Letter of No Impediment (LNI) is a document issued by the government of Lesotho that confirms that there are no legal impediments to a person getting married. It is also known as a “Certificate of No Impediment” or “Certificate of Freedom to Marry”.
Why Do You Need a Letter Of No Impediment?
If you are a foreigner planning to get married in Lesotho, you will need to obtain an LNI. This document is required by law and is necessary to prove that you are free to marry and that there are no legal impediments to your marriage.
Without an LNI, your marriage in Lesotho will not be recognized as legal, and you will not be able to register your marriage or obtain a marriage certificate.
Who Can Apply For a Letter Of No Impediment?
Any person who is free to marry can apply for an LNI. This includes both Lesotho citizens and foreigners. However, if you are a foreigner, you will need to provide additional documentation to prove your eligibility to marry.
You will need to provide proof of your identity, such as a passport or national ID card, and proof of your marital status, such as a divorce or death certificate if you have been previously married.
How To Apply For a Letter Of No Impediment
To apply for an LNI in Lesotho, you will need to visit the Ministry of Home Affairs in Maseru, the capital city of Lesotho. You can obtain an application form from the Ministry of Home Affairs or download it from their website.
You will need to fill out the application form and submit it along with the required documents, such as your passport, proof of identity, and proof of marital status.
You will also need to pay a fee to obtain the LNI. The fee varies depending on your nationality and the length of time it takes to process your application.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Letter Of No Impediment?
The processing time for an LNI in Lesotho varies depending on your nationality and the complexity of your application. However, it typically takes between 3-5 business days to process an application.
If you need your LNI urgently, you can request expedited processing for an additional fee.
Conclusion
A Letter of No Impediment is an important document that is required for foreigners who wish to get married in Lesotho. It confirms that there are no legal impediments to your marriage and is necessary to register your marriage and obtain a marriage certificate.
If you are planning to get married in Lesotho, ensure that you obtain an LNI and follow the necessary legal requirements to ensure that your marriage is recognized as legal.
