An unmarried certificate in Pakistan, also referred to as a single status certificate, is an essential legal document required for individuals who need to prove they are not married. It is commonly used for immigration purposes, marriage abroad, and various legal formalities where marital status verification is mandatory. This article will walk you through the unmarried certificate requirements, application process, formats, fees, and other important details.
What Is an Unmarried Certificate?
An unmarried certificate (or single status certificate) is a legal declaration confirming that an individual has never been married or is currently single. In Pakistan, this certificate can be issued by different authorities depending on the applicant’s location and circumstances. It is often required when applying for a foreign visa, getting married overseas, or completing official processes that demand verification of single status.
Who Needs a Single Status Certificate in Pakistan?
This certificate is typically needed by:
- Individuals intending to get married abroad
- Pakistani citizens applying for spousal visas
- Students or professionals going abroad where marital status needs to be clarified
- Foreign embassies requesting proof of single status
Unmarried Certificate Requirements in Pakistan
To obtain the certificate, applicants must fulfill the following unmarried certificate requirements:
- Valid CNIC or NICOP (for overseas Pakistanis)
- Affidavit of Single Status (on stamp paper, attested by a notary public)
- Application Form (specific to the authority you’re applying to)
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Proof of Residence (utility bill, rental agreement, etc.)
- Parental or Guardian Declaration (in some cases, especially for females)
- Union Council or NADRA-issued family registration certificate (if required by authorities)
Note: Requirements may vary slightly depending on whether you’re applying through the Union Council, Foreign Office, or another official channel.
How to Apply – Unmarried Certificate Application Process
The unmarried certificate application process can be completed through local authorities such as Union Councils or with assistance from lawyers or agents. Here is a general overview of the steps:
- Prepare Your Affidavit
Draft a sworn affidavit confirming your unmarried status. This must be signed and attested by an Oath Commissioner or Notary Public. - Attach Supporting Documents
Collect all required documents as mentioned above, including your CNIC copy and photos. - Submit the Application
Submit your completed form and documents to the local Union Council, NADRA office, or concerned court authorities, depending on local rules. - Verification Process
Your claim will be verified by officials, and in some cases, they may cross-check with the family registration system. - Issuance of Certificate
Once verified, you will be issued the Unmarried Certificate on official letterhead, with proper stamp and signature.
Unmarried Certificate from Union Council
The most common way to obtain the certificate is through your local Union Council. They are authorized to issue various civil documentation, including certificates confirming marital status. You may be required to present your Family Registration Certificate (FRC) issued by NADRA, and an affidavit stating you are unmarried.
If you are a resident of a different city, some Union Councils may require you to provide a domicile certificate or proof of residence.
NADRA Unmarried Certificate – Does NADRA Issue It?
Technically, NADRA unmarried certificate is a term people often use, but NADRA does not directly issue an unmarried certificate. However, NADRA plays an important role through its Family Registration Certificate (FRC) system. The FRC can help establish your family status, which may support your application for a certificate through another authority like the Union Council or court.
Unmarried Certificate Format in Pakistan
The unmarried certificate format in Pakistan varies depending on the issuing authority, but typically includes:
- Applicant’s full name and CNIC number
- Father’s or guardian’s name
- Confirmation of unmarried status
- Purpose of the certificate (e.g., for marriage abroad or visa)
- Date of issuance
- Official stamp and signature
This certificate is usually written in English or Urdu, depending on the requirements of the applicant or the foreign authority where it is being submitted.
Single Status Certificate Apostille and Attestation
When you need to submit your single status certificate abroad, the document must be attested or apostilled. Here’s how:
- Foreign Office Attestation: Get your certificate attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan.
- Embassy Legalization: If the destination country is not a Hague Apostille member, you must also get it attested by the embassy of that country.
- Single Status Certificate Apostille: For countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention, only an apostille from the Foreign Office is needed.
This process ensures that your unmarried certificate is legally valid and recognized in other countries.
Unmarried Certificate Fees in Pakistan
The unmarried certificate fees in Pakistan vary depending on the issuing authority and whether you’re applying directly or through a legal service provider. Here’s a rough breakdown:
| Service Type | Estimated Fees (PKR) |
| Union Council | 500 – 1,000 |
| Notary Attestation | 500 – 1,000 |
| Lawyer / Agent Service | 2,000 – 10,000 |
| Foreign Office Attestation | 2,000+ |
| Embassy Legalization | Varies by country |
Note: These are estimated costs and can vary based on city, urgency, and service provider.
Single Status Certificate Cost – Summary
The total single status certificate cost can range from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 15,000+, especially if you need urgent processing, foreign attestation, or embassy verification. If you’re managing it yourself without legal help, the cost is minimal, mostly consisting of affidavit stamp papers and minor fees.
Unmarried Certificate Pakistan Sample
A typical unmarried certificate Pakistan sample would look like this:
Government of Pakistan – Union Council Certificate
This is to certify that Mr./Ms. [Name], son/daughter of [Parent Name], holding CNIC No. [12345-1234567-1], is confirmed to be unmarried as per official records.
This certificate is issued upon the applicant’s request for legal purposes and is valid for use in [Country].
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Stamp & Signature of Authority
You can request a specific format based on the requirements of the embassy or institution requesting the certificate.
Final Thoughts
A single status certificate in Pakistan or unmarried certificate is a crucial document for many legal and international processes. Knowing the application steps, fees, requirements, and format helps ensure a smoother experience. Whether you’re getting married abroad, applying for a visa, or handling legal matters, this document can save you time and trouble.
If you’re unsure where to begin, consider consulting a legal expert to help you prepare the correct unmarried certificate format in Pakistan, meet the unmarried certificate requirements, and handle apostille or attestation steps efficiently.
FAQs
Can I apply for an unmarried certificate online in Pakistan?
Currently, there is no centralized online system. However, some Union Councils in major cities offer limited online services. Most applicants still need to appear in person or authorize a lawyer.
How long does it take to get an unmarried certificate?
Processing time ranges from 2 to 7 working days, depending on the issuing body and your documents.
Is it mandatory to get the unmarried certificate attested?
If the document is for international use, attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and/or Apostille is required.
Can overseas Pakistanis apply for a single status certificate?
Yes, overseas Pakistanis can apply through the Pakistan embassy or via an authorized lawyer in Pakistan with a power of attorney.
Is a single status certificate the same as a celibacy certificate?
Yes. Both terms are used interchangeably depending on the country requesting the document.
