Letter of No Impediment Assistance (South Africa)
Getting married outside South Africa? The country you are marrying in may ask for a letter of no impediment, issued by the Department of Home Affairs, confirming your marital status and that you are legally free to marry.
Police Clear handles the application with Home Affairs, from preparation to collection. Estimated 7 to 10 business days, from R8,740 including VAT.
- Description
Description
Police Clear (Pty) Ltd is an independent document facilitation company. We do not issue letters of no impediment. The Department of Home Affairs issues them.
What is a letter of no impediment?
It is an official document confirming your marital status and that there is no legal impediment to you marrying. Foreign authorities typically ask for it before a marriage can take place.
When you need a letter of no impediment
- Marrying outside South Africa, where the foreign authority requires proof that you are free to marry
- Other situations where a foreign authority needs official confirmation of your marital status
Requirements differ between countries. For legalisation, DIRCO treats the letter as valid for 6 months from the date of issue, and the country you are marrying in may set a stricter limit.
What we handle
- Preparing and submitting the application to Home Affairs
- Checking your documents before submission
- Handling and follow-up on the application
- Collecting the letter once it is issued
What you need to start
- Your South African ID document
- The details of where you are marrying
Send us your details and we will talk you through what your application needs.
How long does a letter of no impediment take?
Estimated 7 to 10 business days, depending on your documents and Home Affairs processing times. Timeframes are estimates, not guarantees.
Letter of no impediment cost
| Letter of no impediment assistance | From R8,740 including VAT |
| Turnaround | Estimated 7 to 10 business days |
Pricing correct as at 16 September 2026. Prices include VAT at 15%, are quoted in South African rand, are subject to change without notice, and are indicative rather than an offer. A binding price is given in a written quotation. Any statutory fees charged by SAPS, Home Affairs or another authority are set by that authority and are payable in addition unless your quotation says otherwise. DIRCO does not charge for legalisation. Timeframes are estimates, not guarantees. Our refund and cancellation terms are in our terms and conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is a letter of no impediment in South Africa?
An official Home Affairs document confirming your marital status and that you are legally free to marry. Foreign authorities typically ask for it before a marriage abroad.
How long does a letter of no impediment take?
Estimated 7 to 10 business days, depending on Home Affairs processing. Timeframes are estimates, not guarantees.
How long is a letter of no impediment valid?
For legalisation, DIRCO treats a letter of no impediment as valid for 6 months from the date of issue. The country where you marry may set its own, stricter limit, so confirm with its authorities.
Does a letter of no impediment need an apostille?
Only if the country where you are marrying requires one. Confirm with that country, or see our apostille service.
This page describes a document facilitation service. It is general information and is not legal or immigration advice. Requirements and timeframes are set by the relevant department, institution or authority, and change from time to time. Confirm them with that body before you rely on them.
