Single Status Affidavit in UAE

What is a Single Status Affidavit and Why Do You Need It?

A Single Status Affidavit is a notarized legal document. It confirms you are not currently married and face no legal obstacles to entering matrimony. In the UAE’s structured legal environment, this affidavit serves as essential proof for various official procedures.

You will typically need this certificate for several key reasons. Firstly, it is a mandatory requirement for marriage in the UAE, whether in a court, church, or other licensed venue. Secondly, some property transactions or financial agreements may request it. Finally, certain visa or residency applications for a spouse may require proof of your single status.

Understanding its purpose is the first step. The next is navigating the multi-step attestation process, which we detail in the following sections.

Securing this affidavit correctly is crucial. A single error can cause significant delays. Our team at Vesta Solutions provides expert guidance and comprehensive notary services to ensure your document is prepared, attested, and legalized without hassle, aligning with all UAE regulations.

Who Can Apply for a Single Status Certificate in the UAE?

Eligibility for a Single Status Affidavit in the UAE is generally straightforward. The applicant must be a single individual—never married, divorced, or widowed—and often must be a resident of the UAE. However, specific requirements can vary based on your nationality and the emirate’s rules.

Most applications are submitted by UAE residents. Tourists or visitors usually need to obtain this document from their home country before arrival. Furthermore, age is a factor; you must be of legal marriageable age, which is 18 years old in the UAE.

Certain professions or statuses, such as those applying for a Golden Visa for investors or professionals, may also need this as part of a broader documentation suite for family sponsorship.

Documentary Proof of Single Status

You cannot simply declare you are single; you must prove it. Acceptable proof includes a passport showing no spouse name, a national ID card, or sometimes a population register extract. For divorced individuals, the final divorce decree is necessary. Widows and widowers must provide the death certificate of their former spouse.

Step-by-Step: How to Obtain Your Single Status Affidavit in 2026

The process involves several authorities and can differ slightly between emirates like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. The following is a generalized step-by-step guide reflecting common 2026 procedures.

Step 1: Draft the Affidavit

Begin by drafting the affidavit. It must include your full name, passport number, nationality, place of residence, and a clear statement of your single status. Many legal service providers offer templates to ensure the wording meets UAE court standards.

Step 2: Notarization at a UAE Notary Public

The drafted affidavit must be signed and notarized by a licensed UAE Notary Public. You will present your original passport and Emirates ID. The notary will witness your signature and stamp the document. This step formalizes the document under UAE law.

Step 3: Attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)

After notarization, the document requires attestation from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). This can often be done online through the MOFA website or app, or at a MOFA customer happiness center. This step verifies the notary’s seal and signature for international recognition.

Step 4: Legalization at Your Home Country’s Embassy/Consulate

Next, the MOFA-attested affidavit must be taken to your home country’s embassy or consulate in the UAE. They will legalize it, confirming its validity for use in your home country’s jurisdiction. Requirements here vary widely; some embassies may require additional documents or an appointment.

Step 5: Final Attestation by Home Country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (If Required)

In some cases, particularly for use outside the UAE, your home country may require the consulate-legalized document to be further attested by their own Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You will need to check the specific requirements of the country where you plan to use the certificate.

This multi-layered process is where delays commonly occur. Vesta Solutions manages the entire attestation chain on your behalf. From drafting the correct affidavit to coordinating with notaries, MOFA, and embassies, we ensure a seamless and timely completion.

Costs, Timelines, and Practical Considerations

Planning requires a clear view of expenses and time. Costs are not fixed and depend on service fees, embassy charges, and whether you use an agent.

Estimated Cost Breakdown for Single Status Affidavit (2026)

Expected Timelines

The entire process can take 5 to 15 working days if proceeding smoothly. Notarization and MOFA attestation can often be done within 2-3 days. The most unpredictable factor is your embassy’s processing time, which can range from 24 hours to over a week.

To avoid delays, ensure all your personal documents are valid. Double-check your passport and Emirates ID expiration dates. Furthermore, always verify the latest requirements directly with your embassy, as rules can change.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Applicants often face specific hurdles. Understanding these beforehand is key to a smooth application.

A primary challenge is incorrect or incomplete affidavit drafting. Using a non-standard template can lead to rejection at the notary or MOFA stage. Always use a verified template or professional legal help.

Another frequent issue is long queues and scheduling at embassies. Some embassies have limited operating hours or require booked appointments weeks in advance. Planning ahead is crucial.

For individuals previously married, providing acceptable proof of divorce or spouse’s death is essential. These foreign documents must also be attested and translated, adding a parallel process. Integrating this with your broader estate and will planning can be prudent.

Navigating these challenges alone consumes valuable time. Vesta Solutions acts as your dedicated partner, anticipating these hurdles. We prepare flawless documents, manage appointments, and liaise directly with authorities to resolve issues proactively.

Case Study: Securing a Single Status Affidavit for a Golden Visa Holder

Background: Mark, a British software engineer holding a UAE Golden Visa based on his professional talent, planned to marry his fiancée in Dubai in early 2026. He needed a Single Status Certificate to proceed with the marriage license application.

Challenge: Mark’s demanding project schedule made it difficult for him to visit multiple government offices. Furthermore, the British Embassy required a specific appointment system, with slots booking up weeks in advance.

Solution: Mark engaged Vesta Solutions to manage the entire process. Our team:

1. Drafted and reviewed his affidavit for accuracy.
2. Arranged and accompanied him for a swift notarization in Dubai Courts.
3. Processed the MOFA attestation online the same day.
4. Secured a priority appointment at the British Embassy using established channels.
5. Collected the fully legalized document and delivered it to him.

Result: Mark received his fully attested Single Status Certificate within 7 working days, without taking significant time off work. He successfully applied for his marriage license and is now planning his wedding.

Key Takeaway: Even for busy professionals with residency like the Golden Visa, outsourcing the attestation process to experts ensures efficiency and compliance, turning a complex bureaucratic task into a simple, managed service.