Letter of Non-Impediment
10-15 Business Days
Processing
The Process
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Document Preparation
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Certified copy of your South African ID or passport
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Completed application form
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Details of your intended marriage (if required by DHA)
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Submission
We submit your application directly to Home Affairs. -
Verification
DHA checks their records to confirm that you are not currently married. -
Collection & Delivery
We collect the document on your behalf and arrange secure delivery, locally or internationally.
Processing Time
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Expected timeframe: 10-15 business days.
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With our assistance, we help minimise delays and ensure your application is prioritised wherever possible.
Letter of Non-Impediment
A Letter of Non-Impediment (LNI) is an official document issued by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) in South Africa. It confirms that you are legally free to marry (i.e., there are no records of you currently being married in South Africa).
This letter is often required if you plan to get married outside of South Africa or if you are marrying a foreign national within South Africa and their government requires confirmation of your marital status.
You may require this document for:
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Marriage abroad (foreign marriage authorities usually request it)
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Marriage to a foreign national within South Africa
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Immigration and visa applications
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Legal processes relating to marital status
We assist in facilitating the application and collection of Letters of Non-Impediment from the Department of Home Affairs. This helps you avoid the long queues, administrative delays, and possible errors that may occur when applying on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a Letter of Non-Impediment?
It is an official document issued by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) in South Africa. It confirms that you are not currently married and are legally free to marry, either in South Africa or abroad.
2. How long does it take to get a Letter of Non-Impediment?
The standard timeframe is 6–8 weeks, depending on DHA backlogs. With our assistance, we ensure your application is correctly prepared and tracked to avoid unnecessary delays.
3. How long is the Letter of Non-Impediment valid?
It is usually valid for 6 months from the date of issue, but the receiving country or authority may have its own requirements.
4. Can I apply for a Letter of Non-Impediment from outside South Africa?
Yes. You can courier your documents to South Africa, and we will handle the process on your behalf. Once issued, the letter can be couriered back to you internationally.
5. Which documents are required to apply?
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Certified copy of your South African ID or passport
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Completed application form (we provide guidance)
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Any additional documents requested by DHA in special cases
6. Will the Letter of Non-Impediment need to be apostilled or legalised?
In many cases, yes — if the letter is to be used abroad, foreign authorities may request it to be apostilled (for Hague Convention countries) or legalised (for non-Hague countries). We can assist with this additional process.
7. What happens if I was previously married?
If you were previously married, you must provide proof that the marriage has been legally dissolved (e.g., divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse). DHA will not issue a Letter of Non-Impediment without this.
8. Do you issue the letter yourselves?
No. The Letter of Non-Impediment is only issued by the Department of Home Affairs. Our role is to prepare, submit, track, and collect the document to make the process easier and faster for you.
