Marriage Certificates & Registration Abroad

If you are a Nigerian citizen planning to marry abroad, many countries require a Certificate of No Impediment (also called a Letter of Freedom to Marry) from the Nigerian embassy confirming you are free to marry.

Required Documents

• Valid Nigerian passport
• Birth certificate
• Sworn affidavit of single status (from the embassy or a court)
• Proof of address in host country
• Details of intended spouse (name, nationality, date of birth)
• Fee payment ($50 - $100)

Processing Time

5-15 business days depending on the embassy. Some embassies may need to verify information with Nigeria.

If you married abroad and need your marriage certificate recognized in Nigeria, it must be authenticated:

1. Notarize the marriage certificate in the country where you married
2. Obtain an apostille or authentication from the foreign affairs ministry
3. Submit to the Nigerian embassy for attestation
4. Register with the Ministry of Interior in Nigeria (for marriages under the Marriage Act)

Required Documents

• Original marriage certificate (with apostille or authentication)
• Passports of both spouses (copies)
• Passport photographs
• Fee payment

Some Nigerian embassies can conduct marriages for Nigerian citizens abroad under the Marriage Act. This is subject to local laws and embassy capacity.

Requirements

• At least one spouse must be a Nigerian citizen
• Both parties must appear in person
• 21 days notice (posting of banns)
• Valid identification for both parties
• Two witnesses
• Sworn affidavit of single status for both parties
• Birth certificates
• Fee payment

Contact your specific embassy to confirm whether they offer marriage services, as not all embassies provide this.

If you change your name after marriage and want your passport updated:

• You will need to apply for a new passport (name changes cannot be made on an existing passport)
• Provide your marriage certificate, sworn affidavit of name change, and newspaper publication
• See our name change guide for the full process

• Name Change on Passport
• Apostille Guide
• Notarial Services
• Document Legalization
• Fee Schedule