What Happens When You Marry A Foreigner in South Africa
In most democratic countries, getting married is very similar in South Africa. Before the marriage is registered, you must produce some form of documents.
If two South Africans want to get married, they must first show documentation proving their legal eligibility to do so.
However, if a South African national wishes to wed a foreigner while still residing in South Africa, they must pursue a different procedure.
What the Marriage Act Declares
Marriage is a legally binding contract in South Africa, according to the Marriage Act of 1961 and the Civil Union Act of 2006.
The foreign partner must arrive in South Africa with a current status, such as a visit visa.
For example, which gives them the option to extend their stay after 30 or 90 days.
The foreign partner must apply for a Spousal Visa if they choose to remain in South Africa with their newlywed spouse.
In South Africa, there are requirements for wed locking foreigners.
Step 1:
Prior to getting married, you should consider and take the following actions:
Verify your eligibility to wed under the law.
Recognize that when two people marry, their property automatically becomes part of the community. Before the wedding, you must complete an ante-nuptial agreement.
To ensure that your marriage is legal, make sure it complies with all applicable laws.
Step 2: Declare your intent to wed:
The next action you must take is to notifying Home Affairs of your desire to wed in order to receive a marriage license.
Three months before your wedding day, you can register.
It’s a good idea to start early because there can be delays or there might be a lot of requests at that time.
What is a Letter of No Impediment?
Before traveling to South Africa if you plan to get married there, you must apply for your letter of no obstruction.
We mention this since it can take some time before you receive the letter of hindrance.
It can be received in your country of citizenship and is known as the single status letter in some nations.
Is it legal for foreigners to wed in a church?
According to Act No. 25 of 1961, anyone referred to be a marriage officer must have authorization.
A licensed marriage officer must officiate wedding ceremonies that are held at the Department of Home Affairs or a church.
Your wedding must be witnessed by two people and must take place in one of the following locations:
A church or a structure used for religious purposes.
At a home or public building where the doors are open.
In the event of severe illness or injury, at a hospital or other relevant facility.
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The Unabridged Marriage Certificate: What Is It?
Marriage Certificate in Full
This is given to couples who are not South African citizens, applicants from abroad, and couples who intend to leave the nation.
You can register your marriage in your foreign partner’s country of residency with the aid of the unabridged marriage certificate and apostille stamp from the High Court.
Abridged marriage certificate
When you get married, you get the abridged certificate.
This certificate will do if one partner is a South African citizen and you intend to remain in South Africa.
