what do i need to marry a foreigner in south africa

Foreign Nationals getting married

1. Passport with an entry stamp, the VISA you would need to enter into South Africa
2. Proof of your single status. As issued by your government, with apostille stamp (and translation to English if not already in English). ...
3. To marry a foreigner in South Africa there is no police clearance or proof of criminal record required.

Full Answer

Who can get married in South Africa?

How to get a marriage certificate in South Africa?

What is an unabridged marriage certificate?

How many witnesses are required for marriage certificate in South Africa?

What happens if you fail to marry in South Africa?

What is a prenuptial agreement?

What happens if you miss a marriage interview in South Africa?

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What is the fastest way to marry a foreigner?

A k-1 visa is usually the fastest way to marry a foreigner. The process may take between 5 and 10 months. In this case, you can visit your partner's home country and process the application. You will carry out the process at the U.S. embassy or consular office.

How do I register to marry someone in South Africa?

Customary marriages must be registered within three months of taking place. This can be done at any office of the Department of Home Affairs or through a designated traditional leader in areas where there are no Home Affairs offices.

What is the procedure to marry a foreigner?

Additional Or Alternative Documents Required Only From Foreigners:Proof of residency and address in India.A valid passport.Original birth certificate.Visa.Certificate of single status.Letters of no objection through the home country's embassy regarding the free consent of the parties.More items...

Can non citizens get married in South Africa?

To get married in South Africa as a foreigner (and to a South African), there are certain legalities that must take place before a marriage officer can officially marry you and register this marriage with the Department of Home Affairs.

What documents do I need to get married in South Africa?

Documentation required to apply for marriage registrationapplication form, fully completed.proof of identity of both spouses (passport/ID)proof of citizenship of both spouses (passports, citizenship certificates, naturalisation certificates, etc.)South African unabridged marriage certificate.More items...

What is the quickest way to get married in South Africa?

The fastest way to get married in South Africa is to find a Marriage Officer, make an appointment and let them take care of the rest. A Marriage Officer can come to your home or venue or you may go to the Marriage Officer. The cheapest way to get married is at Home Affairs. They will do it for free.

How much does marrying a foreigner cost?

Marriage-Based Green Card Cost The government filing fees for applying for a marriage-based green card is $1,760 for a spouse living in the United States or $1,200 for a spouse living outside the United States. Note, this does not include the cost of the medical examination, which varies from roughly $200 to $500.

What happens after you marry a foreigner?

Once you marry, your spouse can apply for permanent residence and remain in the United States while we process the application. If you choose this method, file a Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). Filing instructions and forms are available on our Web site at www. uscis.

How long does it take to marry a foreigner?

The current total wait time for a marriage-based green card averages about 17 months. This will vary depending on whether you are married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder and where you currently live (additional backlogs may be applicable depending on your location).

Can I stay in South Africa if I marry a South African?

A foreign national, who is married to a South African national, or a person holding South African permanent residence status, can apply for Permanent Residence. You will also be able to apply for Permanent Residence if you are in a life partnership with a SA national or permanent residence holder.

Can you get married with a visitor visa in South Africa?

Yes, you are allowed to get married in SA with a visitor visa. If you entered South Africa and have no visa then you are illegal and cannot get married here. You need to have some sort of status meaning some sort of temporary residence permit or visa.

Can I just marry a foreigner?

Key Takeaways. Green card holders and U.S. citizens are at liberty to marry non-U.S. citizens. Their foreign spouses can get a marriage green card and live with them in the United States. The application process looks different depending on where you and your future spouse live and your respective immigration statuses.

How do I become a wedding officiant in South Africa?

In order to perform marriage ceremonies in South Africa, you must be a member of SASS and have paid for at least three months of membership. Candidates must first go through an interview, provide three references, and pass a two-hour DHA exam (with a minimum pass rate of 75%) before being considered for a MO.

What are the requirements for registry marriage?

MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTSBirth Certificate or Declaration of Age.Passport Photograph.Indigene Letter/Letter of Identification from State of Origin (Nigerians only).Sworn Affidavit of Bachelorhood from a Law Court/ Bachelorhood Certificate (if bachelor).Affidavit of Marriage (if already married).More items...

How long does it take to register a marriage in SA?

You'll automatically receive an abridged certificate once the Department of Home Affairs is notified by your marriage officer. An abridged certificate will be issued on the same day that it's applied for. An application for an unabridged certificate takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks to process.

How do I book to get married at Home Affairs?

To book an appointment, visit www.dha.gov.za and click on BABS.

How To Get Married In South Africa - 2022/2023

Before you are allowed to get married in South Africa, however, you must prove you are legally eligible to marry in the country. Couples that are not residents of the country are entitled to a South African marriage licence, provided the correct procedures have been followed.

The Fastest Way to Get Married in South Africa - Marriage Officer

What Is The Fastest Way To Get Married in South Africa? The fastest way to get married in South Africa is to find a Marriage Officer, make an appointment and let them take care of the rest.A Marriage Officer can come to your home or venue or you may go to the Marriage Officer.

South African citizen marrying a foreigner in SA? How it works

Anyone who wishes to get married in South Africa legally must prove that they are legally eligible to marry. Usually this is quite simple, but in the event where a South African citizen plans on marrying a foreigner in South Africa, a few different processes must be completed.

Getting Married at Home Affairs – SA Wedding Guide

The current economic client, as well as the increasing of number South Africans living abroad yet wanting their marriage recognised in South Africa, has seen an increase in vows being taken at Home Affairs.

A GUIDE TO COMPLETING THE NEW S.A. MARRIAGE REGISTER

9. If either party is non-South African – an interview with the Immigrations section of the Dept. of Home Affairs at least a week before the marriage takes place. 10. A new rule has been put into place.

How long does it take to get a DHA interview?

Note that it can take up to three weeks to obtain your interview date. Naturally, it all depends on which regional DHA office you apply through. During the interview, you and your partner may be split up and asked various questions about your relationship. All your documents will also be taken into consideration.

What is a letter of no impediment?

Proof of visa or residency permit of the foreign applicant. A Letter of No Impediment. It is crucial to keep in mind that, as a foreigner marrying a South African, you must plan appropriately for your Letter of No Impediment (in some countries this document has other names, such as a Single Status Letter).

What is the marriage law in South Africa?

In South Africa, marriage is a legally binding contract governed by the South African Marriage Act of 1961 and the Civil Union Act of 2006. The rules regarding the process of marriage, who may marry, and details about where and how a wedding must take place, are outlined in both acts. What process must South Africans follow for marrying ...

When is a pre marriage interview required?

This process helps ensure that the marriage is not one of convenience. It is also worth mentioning that it must be completed at least two days before the date of the wedding.

Can asylum seekers marry in South Africa?

Anyone suffering from severe mental disorders. Refugees and asylum seekers are permitted to marry in South Africa if they meet the requirements and present DHA with valid asylum seeker/refugee permits. In addition to these permits, they must also submit a declaration from the police confirming their marital status.

Can a South African citizen marry a foreigner?

Usually this is quite simple, but in the event where a South African citizen plans on marrying a foreigner in South Africa, a few different processes must be completed. For South Africans marrying a foreigner outside of SA, please click here. In South Africa, marriage is a legally binding contract governed by the South African Marriage Act ...

Why would you want to elope to South Africa?

South Africa is arguably one of the most beautiful wedding destinations in the world. From oceans, and mountains, to wildlife and secluded wilderness spots. The backdrop to your love story couldn’t be more enchanting.

What is the process?

First, figure out where you want to get married. If you’re flying in, you’d probably land in Cape Town or Johannesburg. Once you have your wedding location, you can start looking around for wedding venues. South Africa has many beautiful wedding destinations to choose from. For example, Overberg in Winter, Winelands, Swartland or Boland, and many beautiful Wine Estates .

Why do couples have destination weddings?

The couple that hosts a destination wedding wants to create a great holiday and adventure for everyone involved. This can also allow the couple to have their wedding during a time when they couldn’t back home. Destination weddings can be great for the couple who wants to combine their wedding and honeymoon.

How to get married in South Africa?

Foreign Nationals getting married 1 Passport with an entry stamp, the VISA you would need to enter into South Africa 2 Proof of your single status. As issued by your government, with apostille stamp (and translation to English if not already in English). This is a short sentence, but your country of origin may require a whole lot of documentation regarding your spouse-to-be. Make sure that you work on that documentation long before you even book your flight to South Africa 3 To marry a foreigner in South Africa there is no police clearance or proof of criminal record required.

Where do weddings take place in South Africa?

Weddings in South Africa must take place in a church or religious building, a public office (such as a magistrate’s court) or private dwelling. If there is a serious illness, a wedding may take place in a hospital or other such medical facilities.

Can you get married in a public garden?

If you plan to marry in a private or public garden or on the beach, you may need to repeat the legal aspect of the service in one of the legal locations. The same applies when you get married in a restaurant or other building not defined by the act. Image Source: Pinterest. 2.

What documents are needed to get married in South Africa?

Identity documents (for each person getting married) If a foreign national is marrying a South African citizen, they should both present their valid passports as well as well as a completed BI-31 Form (Declaration for the Purpose of Marriage, Letter of no impediment).

How can I get married in South Africa?

Lodge a notice of intended marriage with supporting evidence at least one month before the wedding. The notice remains valid for up to 18 months. Pay the total fee for getting married in the registry office – $333.00 (includes notice of intended marriage and ceremony fees).

Who can get married in South Africa?

Before getting married in South Africa, you must meet the Department of Home Affairs’ marriage requirements. In most cases, this shouldn’t pose a problem. Under South African marriage laws, the following persons cannot marry in South Africa:

How to get a marriage certificate in South Africa?

To start the process, you must first register an intention to marry with the Department of Home Affairs and apply for a marriage certificate. Couples must apply for a Department of Home Affairs marriage certificate at least three months prior to the wedding date.

What is an unabridged marriage certificate?

Unabridged marriage certificates are issued to non-South African couples, couples in which one partner is not South African, and couples that are not living in South Africa. You should also apply for an unabridged marriage certificate if you plan to be out of the country for an extended period ...

How many witnesses are required for marriage certificate in South Africa?

The type of marriage certificate depends on the status of your nationality. Marriage certificates require two witnesses and the marriage officer.

What happens if you fail to marry in South Africa?

If you fail to comply with the regulations, your marriage may be declared null and void. Whether you are a foreigner marrying a South Africa citizen, a South African marrying a foreigner, or you are both foreigners, ...

What is a prenuptial agreement?

Pre-nuptial arrangements protect one party from liability of debts accrued by their spouse and allows you to maintain wealth and property accumulated during the marriage. Before marrying, you must present any prenuptial agreements to the marriage officer with a letter from your lawyer confirming mutual agreement.

What happens if you miss a marriage interview in South Africa?

If you miss an interview, officials won’t register the marriage certificate. As a result, they will nullify the marriage.

Who can get married in South Africa?

Before getting married in South Africa, you must meet the Department of Home Affairs’ marriage requirements. In most cases, this shouldn’t pose a problem. Under South African marriage laws, the following persons cannot marry in South Africa:

How to get a marriage certificate in South Africa?

To start the process, you must first register an intention to marry with the Department of Home Affairs and apply for a marriage certificate. Couples must apply for a Department of Home Affairs marriage certificate at least three months prior to the wedding date.

What is an unabridged marriage certificate?

Unabridged marriage certificates are issued to non-South African couples, couples in which one partner is not South African, and couples that are not living in South Africa. You should also apply for an unabridged marriage certificate if you plan to be out of the country for an extended period ...

How many witnesses are required for marriage certificate in South Africa?

The type of marriage certificate depends on the status of your nationality. Marriage certificates require two witnesses and the marriage officer.

What happens if you fail to marry in South Africa?

If you fail to comply with the regulations, your marriage may be declared null and void. Whether you are a foreigner marrying a South Africa citizen, a South African marrying a foreigner, or you are both foreigners, ...

What is a prenuptial agreement?

Pre-nuptial arrangements protect one party from liability of debts accrued by their spouse and allows you to maintain wealth and property accumulated during the marriage. Before marrying, you must present any prenuptial agreements to the marriage officer with a letter from your lawyer confirming mutual agreement.

What happens if you miss a marriage interview in South Africa?

If you miss an interview, officials won’t register the marriage certificate. As a result, they will nullify the marriage.