Does a single-status certificate need to be apostilled for Spain?

Yes. The certificate must typically be apostilled before being used in Spain. The apostille page must also be included in the sworn translation.

Do single-status certificates expire?

Yes. Most single-status certificates are only valid for a limited period — often 3 to 6 months from the date of issue. Check the requirements of the Spanish civil registry or consulate you are dealing with, and arrange the translation close to your submission date.

Single-Status Certificate Translation for Spain

Q: What is a single-status certificate?

A single-status certificate (also called a certificate of no impediment or certificate of freedom to marry) is a document issued by a government authority in your country of origin or residence, confirming that you are not currently married and are legally free to marry. It is commonly required when marrying in Spain or registering a pareja de hecho.

Sworn translations of single-status certificates (certificate of no impediment to marriage) for Spanish civil registry, marriage, and pareja de hecho procedures — fixed per-page pricing, digitally signed, handled personally by Alba.

€37 per page standard rate
€55 per page 12-hour rush service
Typical turnaround: 24–72 hours
Pay after delivery
Digitally signed and stamped PDF
Personally handled by Alba Fernández Carrasco

Translate My Single Status Certificate See Pricing & Process

What is a single-status certificate?

A single-status certificate — also known as a certificate of no impediment (CNI), certificate of freedom to marry, or single civil status certificate — is an official document confirming that you are not currently married and are legally free to marry.

In the UK, for example, this document is issued by the General Register Office or a local register office. Other countries issue equivalent documents through their civil registry, municipal office, or consulate.

When a foreign national wishes to marry in Spain or register a pareja de hecho with a Spanish civil registry, this certificate is commonly required — and it must be accompanied by a sworn Spanish translation.

When a single-status certificate translation is required

Marriage in Spain — when one or both parties are foreign nationals
Pareja de hecho registration with a Spanish civil registry
Civil registry procedures involving marital status
Nationality applications in some cases

Different countries, different names

The same document goes by different names depending on the country of issue:

UK: Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) — issued by a register office
USA: Affidavit of single status, sometimes issued by a notary
Ireland: Freedom to marry letter — issued by the General Register Office
Australia: Certificate of no impediment issued by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
Other countries: Equivalent document from the national civil registry, municipal authority, or consulate

Whatever name it goes by in your country, if it confirms your single civil status for the purposes of marriage, it falls under this category.

Does it need an apostille?

Yes, in most cases. The single-status certificate must be apostilled before being used in Spain. The apostille validates the document under the Hague Convention and the apostille page must also be included in the sworn translation.

If your apostille is still in progress, translation can begin in the meantime — but the final submitted package must include the apostilled document.

Validity period — arrange translation close to your submission date

Single-status certificates typically have a validity period of 3 to 6 months. Some Spanish registries or consulates may accept certificates issued up to 6 months before submission, but requirements vary.

To avoid having to obtain a new certificate, arrange both the certificate and its translation as close to your submission date as possible.

What to send for a quote

A clear scan or PDF of the certificate
The apostille page, if already attached
A note on the process it's for (marriage, pareja de hecho, etc.) and the Spanish registry or authority involved

You don't need to post the original. A scan is sufficient for both quoting and completing the translation.

How it works

1
Send your document
Upload the certificate (and apostille if available) via the quote form.
2
Receive a fixed quote
A clear per-page price with no surprises — typically within one business day.
3
Translation completed by Alba
Alba translates and certifies the document personally. No agency handoffs.
4
Digitally signed PDF delivered
You receive the sworn translation as a digitally signed PDF, ready for submission. Payment is made after delivery.

Frequently asked questions

What is a single-status certificate?: An official document confirming you are not currently married and are legally free to marry. It is also called a certificate of no impediment (CNI) or certificate of freedom to marry, depending on the country of issue.
Does it need to be apostilled for Spain?: Yes, in most cases. The apostille validates the document under the Hague Convention, and the apostille page must be included in the sworn translation.
Do single-status certificates expire?: Yes — typically within 3–6 months. Arrange the certificate and its translation close to your submission date to avoid expiry.
How long does the translation take?: Most single-status certificate translations are completed within 1–2 business days. Urgent turnaround is available. See the Pricing & Process page.
Can I send a scan or does it need to be the original?: A clear scan or PDF is sufficient. The sworn translation is delivered as a digitally signed PDF.
What if my certificate is in a language other than English?: French, Italian, Portuguese, and other languages are handled. Mention the source language in your quote request.
Will the translation be accepted by the Spanish civil registry?: Yes. Sworn translations by an officially appointed translator are accepted by Spanish civil registries and consulates.