10 – 15 Business Days
Unabridged Marriage Certificate
Unabridged Marriage Certificate?
An Unabridged Marriage Certificate (also known as a Full Marriage Certificate) is an official document issued by the South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Unlike the abridged version, which only contains the couple’s names, the unabridged certificate provides detailed information about both spouses, including ID numbers, nationalities and marriage particulars.
Unabridged Marriage Certificates are often required for purposes such as:
Visa and immigration applications
Applying for foreign passports or spousal visas
Divorce or inheritance proceedings abroad
Emigration purposes
Legal verification of marital status
Our Trusted Process: Full Marriage Certificate for Immigration and Visa
We assist in simplifying the entire process of obtaining your Marriage Certificate. From ensuring your application is correctly completed to tracking its progress, we aim to save you valuable time and effort. With our support, you can avoid common delays caused by incomplete documentation or administrative backlogs.
Due to its time-sensitive nature, we make sure to submit it correctly the first time around to reduce any delays.
10-15 Business Days
Document Preparation
Our team of experts will guide you through the documentation requirements to ensure your application is completed correctly the first time. We provide all necessary forms and detailed instructions, helping you avoid common mistakes that can lead to delays.
Submission
After careful review, we handle the submission of your application to the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf. Our experienced team ensures that all documents are submitted in accordance with the required procedures, giving you peace of mind that your application is being processed correctly.
Tracking & Follow-Up
After submission, we actively monitor the progress of your application. Our team conducts regular follow-ups to help ensure that your application moves through the process as efficiently as possible. Status updates are provided throughout the process, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Collection & Delivery
.Once your certificate has been issued, we arrange collection from DHA. The certificate can then be securely delivered to your preferred address locally or internationally. Additional services such as Apostille authentication and document legalization can also be arranged where required
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is the Unabridged Marriage Certificate valid?
Once issued, it is a permanent record of your marriage and does not expire. However, some authorities may require a recently issued copy (not older than 6 months).
Can I apply if I am outside of South Africa?
Yes. If you are outside South Africa, Globridge Solutions can assist with the application from start to finish.
How long does it take to process an Unabridged Marriage Certificate?
The Department of Home Affairs generally takes 8–12 weeks to issue the certificate, but delays are common. With our assistance, we ensure your application is properly managed and tracked to minimise waiting times.
What documents are required to apply?
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Certified copies of both spouses’ IDs or passports
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Copy of abridged marriage certificate (if available)
- Marriage register
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Completed DHA-130 application form
What is the difference between an Abridged and an Unabridged Marriage Certificate?
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An abridged marriage certificate only reflects the couple’s names and date of marriage.
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An unabridged marriage certificate (full version) provides full details of both spouses, including ID numbers, nationalities, and marriage particulars. It is required for most official and international purposes.
What happens if I have a criminal record?
Yes. If you need more than one copy, you can request duplicates at the time of application. Additional fees may apply
Do you issue the certificates yourselves?
No. Our role is to assist with the submission, tracking and collection to make the process faster, smoother and more reliable for you.

