Application For Single Status Certification in Malaysia

What is a Single Status Certificate?

A Single Status Certificate, or a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage, is an official document issued by relevant authorities to confirm that an individual is not currently married or legally prohibited from marrying. The certificate is commonly required when individuals intend to marry someone from another country and need to prove their single status for marriage formalities.

In Malaysia, this certificate is generally issued by:
• the National Registration Department (Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara, JPN) for non-Muslims.
• the Islamic Religious Department for Muslims.
• the Embassy of Malaysia for Malaysians residing abroad.

Who Can Apply for a Single Status Certificate?

In Malaysia, both Malaysian citizens and foreign nationals residing in the country may apply for a Single Status Certificate, but the process may differ slightly depending on their nationality or legal status.

For Malaysian Citizens:
• Non-Muslims: Non-Muslim Malaysian citizens can apply for the certificate through the National Registration Department (JPN).
• Muslims: For Muslim Malaysians, the certificate is issued by the Islamic Religious Department of the state where the individual resides (i.e. JAKIM or state-level religious bodies like JAIS in Selangor).

For Foreign Nationals:
• Foreigners residing in Malaysia who need a Single Status Certificate for marriage purposes may obtain it from their country’s embassy or consulate in Malaysia or directly through the relevant government bodies in their country.

Procedure for Non-Muslims to apply for a Single Status Certificate in Malaysia

This guide focuses on application for non-Muslims intending to marry abroad

Documents to be prepared:-

1. Application Form: Form JPN.KC.09
2. Statutory Declaration: Affirmed by the Commissioner for Oaths, declaring the applicant’s current marital status (i.e. never married, not cohabited, or other relevant details)
3. Identity Documents:
   1. A clear scanned copy of the applicant’s identity card and passport.
   2. A clear scanned copy of the applicant’s spouse passport
4. Previous Marital Records (if applicable): A copy of the Decree Absolute Certificate / Divorce Certificate (if previously divorced)

Processing Time

• After submitting all the required documents to JPN, the processing time is approximately 3-4 weeks, depending on the volume of applications.
• The applicant or their representative will be notified once the Single Status Certificate is ready for collection.

Important Considerations

• Verification: If the Single Status Certificate is intended for use abroad, it may need to be notarized by the Notary Public and legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Language Requirements: Some countries require the certificate to be translated into their official language by a certified translator.
• Foreign Nationals: If you are marrying a foreign national, they may also need to provide a Single Status Certificate from their home country.
• Validity: The Single Status Certificate issued by JPN Malaysia is valid for 150 days from the date of issuance.

Special Note for Marriages in China

For marriages in China, the following additional steps are required:

1. Translate the Single Status Certificate into Chinese by a certified translator.
2. Notarize the translated certificate through a Notary Public.
3. Legalise the document with:
   • the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia; and
   • the China Embassy in Malaysia.

Conclusion

The Single Status Certificate is a critical legal document confirming an individual’s marriage eligibility. If you have any questions or need assistance, our law firm is here to guide you through the application process and ensure a smooth and convenient experience.

If you have any questions or require any additional information, please contact our lawyer that you usually deal with.

This article is written by

Gwen Yeap Siew Fen
Partner, Low & Partners

Hoo Wan Yee
Associate, Low & Partners