For many NRIs planning to marry abroad or verify their single status for visa, immigration, or marriage registration purposes, a Bachelorhood Certificate is an essential legal document. Understanding the process, eligibility, and documentation required in India can save time and prevent unnecessary complications later. If you’re unsure where to start, India For NRI provides complete assistance to help NRIs obtain a bachelorhood certificate in India quickly, legally, and without travel hassles.
What Is a Bachelorhood Certificate?
A Bachelorhood Certificate, sometimes referred to as an Unmarried Certificate or Single Status Certificate, is an official declaration confirming that an individual has never been married under Indian law. For NRIs, this certificate is often required by foreign authorities for marriage registration, fiancé visas, or immigration applications.
In simple terms, this document legally proves that you are single and have no existing marriage registered anywhere in India or abroad. It helps prevent issues of bigamy and ensures legal compliance for marriages conducted outside India.
Why Do NRIs Need a Bachelorhood Certificate?
For Indian citizens living abroad, this certificate is a crucial requirement in many countries before marriage registration. Embassies, consulates, or foreign marriage bureaus often demand it to ensure that both partners are legally eligible to marry.
Some common scenarios where NRIs need a Bachelorhood Certificate in India include:
Marrying a foreign national abroad
Applying for a fiancé or spouse visa
Registering marriage under foreign jurisdiction
Verifying single status for immigration or permanent residency
Countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, the UAE, and several European nations strictly enforce this rule. Submitting incorrect or incomplete documentation can delay or even cancel your application.
Documents Required to Obtain a Bachelorhood Certificate in India
While the exact requirements can differ by state or embassy, the following documents are generally needed:
Self-declaration or affidavit stating unmarried status
Valid Indian passport and visa copy (for NRIs)
Address proof in India (Aadhaar, voter ID, or family address)
Birth certificate or educational certificate for age verification
Two passport-size photographs
Proof of Indian citizenship
If you are currently residing abroad, the affidavit confirming your bachelorhood status can be notarized and attested at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate. After that, it must be sent to India for further attestation and verification by authorities such as the District Magistrate or SDM office.
Step-by-Step Process to Get a Bachelorhood Certificate in India
The procedure can feel complicated for NRIs unfamiliar with Indian documentation workflows. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
Drafting the Affidavit
Prepare an affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper declaring that you are unmarried. The affidavit must include your full name, parent’s name, passport details, and current address.Attestation by Notary or Embassy
If you’re abroad, visit your nearest Indian embassy or consulate to get the affidavit attested. In India, the notary public or executive magistrate can attest it.Submission to SDM or District Authority
The attested affidavit is then submitted to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or District Magistrate (DM) office where your Indian address is located.Verification and Approval
The magistrate verifies your documents and affidavit. In some cases, a brief background check or police verification may be required.Issuance of Certificate
Once verification is complete, the Bachelorhood Certificate is issued on official letterhead with government seals and signatures.
Attestation and Apostille for International Use
For countries that are members of the Hague Convention, the Bachelorhood Certificate must be apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India. If your destination country is not a member, embassy attestation will be required instead.
This process certifies the authenticity of your document so it can be legally recognized by foreign authorities. Professional support from India For NRI ensures smooth attestation and MEA handling without repeated visits or delays.
How India For NRI Helps You
Handling Indian documentation from abroad is often frustrating — endless forms, unclear procedures, and delayed responses from government offices. That’s where India For NRI becomes a reliable partner.
We provide complete end-to-end support to NRIs for legal documentation, including obtaining bachelorhood certificates in India, marriage certificates, succession certificates, property registration, and power of attorney documentation.
Our process is transparent and secure. Once you share your details and required documents, our legal team verifies everything and coordinates with Indian authorities to complete the attestation and certification process. You receive regular updates and a digitally scanned copy before the original certificate is shipped to your foreign address.
Common Mistakes NRIs Should Avoid
Submitting unsigned or incomplete affidavits – Always ensure your affidavit is notarized or embassy-attested.
Providing incorrect address details – The local jurisdiction must match your Indian address proof.
Skipping apostille or attestation – Without these, foreign authorities may reject your document.
Relying on unauthorized agents – Unverified intermediaries can cause serious legal issues or document rejection.
Time Frame and Validity
Generally, obtaining a Bachelorhood Certificate in India takes 10 to 20 working days, depending on document completeness and attestation type. The certificate has no fixed expiry but should ideally be used within six months from the date of issue for international procedures, as most embassies prefer recent documentation.
Why Choose a Verified NRI Legal Partner
A trusted agency like India For NRI not only ensures accuracy but also protects you from fraudulent practices. Our team consists of verified lawyers, government liaisons, and documentation experts who handle every case with confidentiality and precision.
Whether you need help with bachelorhood certificates, succession certificates, or property transfer formalities, we ensure smooth execution for NRIs worldwide.
