In Nigeria, a marriage certificate serves as official proof that a marriage took place and is recognized by the law.
It is important to know how to obtain a marriage certificate because it is often required for a joint task such as a visa application, a joint bank account, a name change, a property claim, or inheritance.
In this article, I will walk you through what a marriage certificate is, the different types of marriage certificates in Nigeria, the process to obtain one, and the steps to take in case of a missing or damaged certificate.
Key takeaways
- Nigeria has three types of marriage certificates: statutory, customary, and Islamic, but only the statutory one is accepted for visa applications.
- You can start the marriage certificate process online through the Ministry of Interior’s portal, but you still have to attend the ceremony in person to finish it.
- Getting a marriage certificate through a document agent costs ₦170,000 for a digital certificate registered with the Ministry of Interior, ₦150,000 for one registered with the local government, or ₦100,000 for a handwritten certificate, while going directly through the Ministry of Interior costs ₦75,000 for an ordinary marriage (two Nigerians) or ₦100,000 for a special marriage (a Nigerian and a foreign national).
- After paying, couples must wait 7 days (special marriage) or 21 days (ordinary marriage) before the ceremony can take place, so the process isn’t instant.
What is a marriage certificate?
A marriage certificate is a legal document that shows that a marriage is officially recognized by the governing bodies in a country. It is a certificate that proves that a marriage is officially recognized.
Marriage certificate sample in Nigeria
How to get a marriage certificate in Nigeria?
A marriage certificate has to be legally recognized and accepted by banks, visa processing offices, immigration offices, and other legal organizations, and the process of obtaining a marriage certificate depends on the type of marriage that you choose.
Below are the ways you can get a marriage certificate in Nigeria.
- Statutory/Court Marriage:
- You and your spouse will visit the marriage registry and fill out a notice of marriage form at least 21 days before your marriage date.
- Pay the marriage fee; this fee varies from one registry to another.
- Wait for 21 days to allow for objections.
- If no objections, attend the marriage ceremony that is conducted by the registrar.
- Collect your marriage certificate immediately after signing at the ceremony or a few days later.
- Customary/traditional marriage: This certificate is obtained through the local government, customary court, area courts, and the FCT Customary Court of Appeal.
- Perform your marriage ceremony rites according to the traditions and customs.
- Apply to the relevant authority responsible for registering customary marriages in your area.
- Submit the needed documents and pay the customary fee.
- Receive the customary marriage certificate.
- Islamic Marriage:
- Perform the nikah (Islamic marriage ceremony) in accordance with Islamic law in the presence of a recognized Islamic authority.
- Obtain the documents of the marriage from the relevant Islamic authority.
- Register the marriage with the government authority or appropriate court, like a Sharia court in some states (Zamfara, Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kebbi, Yobe, Kaduna, Niger, Gombe, and FCT).
- Obtain the marriage certificate from them.
How to get a marriage certificate online?
The Nigerian Ministry of Interior has digitized marriage applications through its official portal, allowing interested couples to register and obtain a certificate without frequent visits to the registry office. Here is a clear breakdown of how to obtain a marriage certificate online with ease.
Step 1: Access the official portal
Applications are made and submitted through the official portal of the Ministry of Interior. These services have been automated so couples can complete the process online. Visit https://candb.interior.gov.ng/marriage/.
Step 2: Create your account and select your marriage type
To continue the process, you must register before you begin. You will need to select the option that applies to you.
- Ordinary marriage: both parties are Nigerian citizens.
- Special marriage: one foreign national and a Nigerian, or two non-Nigerians residing in Nigeria.
Step 3: Upload the required documents
Depending on your situation, the documents may vary. You may be required to upload
- Passport photograph
- Valid means of identification
- Birth certificate
- Divorce decree (if once married)
- Death certificate (if widowed)
- Any other important document
Step 4: Select your registry and pick your desired date
After all your documents are successfully submitted, pick a suitable date that best suits you.
Step 5: Pay the required fee online
A set fee is required for this process, depending on your marriage type (special or ordinary). The fee for a special marriage costs ₦100,000, and an ordinary marriage costs ₦75,000.
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Step 6: Notice period
After payments are confirmed, wait for the notice period of 7 days for a special marriage, or 21 days for an ordinary marriage.
Step 7: Track your application
After submission is completed successfully, track the process through your dashboard on the portal.
Step 8: Attend the marriage registry
The process begins online, but the marriage itself cannot be completed entirely online; couples must visit the registry to complete the ceremony and perform the necessary formalities.
Step 9: Collect your certificate
Once all procedures and payments are completed, your marriage certificate will be issued. You can then download your marriage certificate online.
NOTE:
Only statutory marriage certificates can be obtained online from the Federal Ministry of Interior.
What documents are required for a marriage certificate?
Some documents are important to have at hand while processing a marriage certificate. The following documents are necessary for obtaining a marriage certificate.
- A valid birth certificate or declaration of age
- A valid means of identification (NIN, driver’s license, voter’s card, or international passport)
- A passport photograph (Recent)
- An indigenous form
- Affidavit of bachelorhood or spinsterhood
- Divorce decrees or death certificate (if previously married).
NOTE:
The requirements change from registry to registry; inquire with your specified registry to obtain accurate information on the required documents.
How much is a marriage certificate in Nigeria?
The cost of obtaining a marriage certificate in Nigeria through a reliable document agent is ₦170,000 for a digital certificate registered with the Ministry of Interior, ₦150,000 for a digital certificate registered with the local government, and ₦100,000 for a handwritten marriage certificate.
Statutory marriage certificate from the Ministry of Interior standard fees are
- Ordinary marriage (between two Nigerians): ₦75,000
- Special marriage (between a foreign national and a Nigerian citizen): ₦100,000
Additional costs:
- Verification of documents: ₦50,000
- Change of marriage venue: ₦150,000
- Certified true copy: ₦50,000
Which marriage certificate is required for a visa in Nigeria?
For a visa application in Nigeria (dependent visa or spousal visa), the immigration and embassy officials will require the statutory marriage certificate, Form E.
The standard for visa applications is a statutory marriage certificate because it is issued under the Marriage Act, which is Nigeria’s formal framework for marriage, and it is recognized by the Ministry of Interior. The statutory certificate is the only marriage certificate that is consistently accepted by foreign embassies.
If a couple requires a visa and only has a customary or Islamic marriage certificate, they could register their marriage under the Act at a federal registry, or they could obtain an affidavit converting the union.
Is a marriage certificate required for a passport?
A marriage certificate isn’t required to apply for an international passport. For a standard Nigerian passport, the required documents are proof of citizenship or identity.
However, a marriage certificate is required when applying to change the surname on your international passport. A married woman would most likely want to change her surname to her spouse’s name. This is one of the few scenarios in which a marriage certificate is required for international passport applications.
Frequently asked questions
A marriage certificate itself does not automatically change your name; it only serves as legal proof of your marriage.
Yes, you can apply for a marriage certificate online through the Ministry of Interior, but you still have to attend the ceremony in person to finish the process.
A marriage certificate in Nigeria is typically issued after the marriage ceremony, while the statutory marriage process generally requires at least 21 days’ notice before the ceremony.
Conclusion
Obtaining a marriage certificate in Nigeria is a simple process once you know which type applies to you statutory, customary, or Islamic and gather the right documents ahead of time.
While the Ministry of Interior’s online portal has simplified the application process, you will still have to have the physical marriage ceremony to finalize your marriage, so plan for both.
If you would like to save yourself the stress, a trusted document processing agent can help you handle the paperwork accurately and stress-free.
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