Why Do You Need a Marriage Certificate for Travel or Immigration?
When applying for a visa or planning to emigrate, a marriage certificate is more than a formality. It proves your legal relationship status to immigration authorities. Without it, your application can be delayed or denied—especially if your spouse is included on your visa.
Abridged vs Unabridged: Which One Do You Need?
Most visa or emigration applications require an unabridged marriage certificate. This version includes full details of both spouses and is recognized internationally. The abridged version is usually not accepted for official use abroad, especially for travel, study, or residency purposes.
What Happens If You Don’t Have the Right Certificate?
Unfortunately, many South Africans only realize they need the unabridged version when it’s already too late. Visa applications get stalled. Emigration timelines are pushed back. It’s frustrating and expensive. Save yourself the stress by getting the correct version from the start.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Unabridged Certificate?
In 2025, Home Affairs can take 6 weeks to 6 months to process these requests. If you’re planning to move, start early. If you’re already abroad or short on time, Doc Assist can help fast-track your marriage certificate so you don’t miss your deadline.
What If You Got Married Years Ago?
It doesn’t matter if your marriage was 6 months or 30 years ago. You can still apply for a marriage certificate, even if it was lost, damaged, or never collected. The key is submitting the correct paperwork and knowing how to deal with Home Affairs’ red tape.
Can You Use an Apostilled Copy?
Yes, many countries require your marriage certificate to be apostilled for legal use abroad. That means it’s authenticated by DIRCO or the High Court. Doc Assist can get both your certificate and apostille handled without you ever needing to visit an office.
Doc Assist Takes the Stress Out of Emigration Paperwork
You focus on planning your new life—let Doc Assist handle the paperwork. Our team makes sure your marriage certificate is accurate, complete, and ready for emigration or visa applications. We do the running around so you don’t have to. Reach out to us today and let’s simplify the process together.