If you plan to get married to a foreigner in his/her home country, most countries require a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage (CLCCM) before one can file for a marriage license. The CLCCM is a certification that the Filipino applicant has no legal impediments and has the capacity to marry. The application for a CLCCM is done at the Philippine Embassy. Specifically for single Filipinos, one of the requirements for a CLCCM is a Philippine-issued CENOMAR with an Apostille certification.
In this article, we will discuss how to obtain a CENOMAR and how to apostille CENOMAR for marriage abroad.
What is a CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage Record)?
A Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR) is a certification stating a person has never been married/has not yet contracted any marriage. The issuance of this document is facilitated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). It is also known as Certificate of No Record of Marriage or Certificate of Singleness. It is often required for various legal purposes, including marriage abroad, immigration, or even employment.
Note that a single person is different from an unmarried person. A single person is someone who has not yet contracted any marriage or someone whose marriage was annulled or declared void ab initio. On the other hand, an unmarried person is someone who has previous marriage and was divorced or widowed. PSA will only issue a CENOMAR to a single person. Do note that in cases of annulled or void ab initio marriages, the PSA will issue a Certificate of Singleness with annotation that you have a previous annulled or void ab initio marriage, whichever the case may be.
It is easy to request a CENOMAR from the PSA. You may process through a walk-in application or request CENOMAR online. For a walk-in application, you only need to go to the nearest PSA office and submit an accomplished CENOMAR form and present one government-issued ID. For a CENOMAR online application, just go to their website, fill out the online application form, and pay the appropriate fees through their accredited payment channels.
How to Apostille CENOMAR in the Philippines?
The Apostille Convention, also known as the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, is an international treaty that simplifies the process of authenticating documents for use in foreign countries. This convention aims to streamline the verification process by introducing the apostille certificate, which is recognized by all member countries.
Getting your CENOMAR apostilled is essential for various purposes, such as marriage abroad, visa applications, international adoption, and legal matters. Without an apostille, your CENOMAR may not be recognized or accepted in foreign countries, leading to delays or complications in your plans.
To navigate this process effectively, you will first need to ensure that your CENOMAR is up-to-date and issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). After getting your CENOMAR, get its Apostille certification from the DFA. You only need to bring the following:
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Original CENOMAR document issued by Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
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For newly registered records, Local Civil Registrar (LCR) copy should be certified by PSA
Apostille Process of PSA CENOMAR
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First, set up an appointment schedule through the apostille appointment system with the DFA CO branch of your choice.
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Second, once your appointment is confirmed, you need to go to your chosen DFA branch. Fill out the Authentication Application Form, present your confirmed appointment letter to the Appointment Verification Counter, present your valid ID (original and photocopy), submit your documents, and pay at the cashier. Remember not to lose your official receipt.
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Third, send an email to your chosen DFA branch to set an appointment before claiming your Apostille. Wait for the email instructions and the scheduled date of release. Afterwards, go back to the said DFA branch to pick up your document. You need to present the official receipt along with your valid government-issued ID.
Note that the CLCCM requirements vary per country. Contact the embassy of your foreign fiance’s home country for more information. Better yet, choosing a reputable Apostille service provider is crucial in ensuring a smooth and efficient process for obtaining the Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) in the Philippines.
Sounds Overwhelming? It doesn’t have to be!
Here at FILEDOCSPHIL, with our experience and expertise in handling Apostille processes specifically for documents in the Philippines, we provide quality service to the public. Filedocsphil offer a full-service package that includes requesting your CENOMAR from the PSA, verifying the document’s accuracy, and handling all necessary submissions to the DFA for apostille. We ensure that each step is completed correctly, saving you time and effort.
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Need further information and assistance in Apostille Process of CENOMAR? Talk to our team at FILEDOCSPHIL to know more about the requirements and process. Call us today at (+63) 917 149 2337 or send an email to info@filedocsphil.com for more information or simply message us through the live chat for more information.
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