Unabridged Marriage Certificate

Need an Unabridged Marriage Certificate from Home Affairs in South Africa (DHA UMC) for a visa, residency, employment or immigration application? Road2Asia handles the full process end-to-end so you get a correct, apostille-ready Unabridged Marriage Certificate without the usual delays.

A South African Unabridged Marriage Certificate from The Department of Home Affairs (DHA UMC) is the official document issued after a marriage has been registered in South African. It confirms the details of the spouses as well as the date and destination. An Unabridged Marriage Certificate is commonly required for visa and immigration applications, overseas employment, study and professional registration.

What Road2Asia does for you

• Complete submission & follow-up: We check your completed application, submit to the The Department of Home Affairs on your behalf, and proactively follow up until the marriage certificate is issued.

• Application processing: We guide you on correct information capture (black ink on DHA-130 forms) and we also accept digital applications so there’s no need to return to South Africa.

• Secure collection & verification: Once issued, we collect the original Unabridged Marriage Certificate, verify details with a high-resolution scan, and only dispatch after your confirmation.

• Apostille & legalisation options: If your destination requires an apostille or further legalisation, we arrange DIRCO legalisation processing and embassy authentication services so your Home Affairs document will be recognised overseas. (DIRCO legalisation are the internationally accepted route for South African public documents.)

• Certified translation & courier: Need a translated Marriage or expedited courier? We coordinate sworn translations and worldwide delivery to your address via DHL Express.

Turnaround and validity

Processing times vary depending on Home Affairs systems and current volumes. While fast-track options are available, government processing can extend timelines; applicants should expect variability and plan accordingly. A Marriage Certificate is typically considered valid indefinitely for many immigration authorities — always confirm the exact validity requirement with your receiving authority.

Why South Africans choose us

Road2Asia specialises in immigration documents and apostille services for South Africans applying to Asia and all other continents. Our team combines hands-on document handling with clear guidance on embassy, consulate and Home Affairs requirements — reducing rejected applications, avoiding common fingerprint or form errors, and saving you time. We keep you updated at every step and provide a single point of contact from submission through delivery.

How Road2Asia’s Service Works

1. 1. Eligibility & document check: We review your ID or passport details and confirm eligibility for DHA retrieval.

   2. Home Affairs application: Road2Asia submits the request directly to the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf.

   3. Active follow-up: We proactively track and follow up to ensure your application moves through DHA without unnecessary delays.

   4. Fast issuance: Your Unabridged Marriage Certificate is obtained within 7 – 14 working days, subject to DHA system availability.

   5. Verification & dispatch: We quality-check the document and arrange secure courier delivery locally or internationally.

   6. Optional apostille & legalisation: If your destination requires international recognition, we can arrange DIRCO apostille or further embassy legalisation so your marriage certificate is fully compliant for overseas use.

Frequently Asked Questions

(1) How to start my Marriage Certificate Application?

Download the Unabridged Marriage Certificate Application Form DHA-130

Attach the ID’s of both Spouses to the Application Form.

After we confirm that all is in order, have it send it to us via email or WhatsApp.

(2) How long does it take?

We can get your Marriage Certificate in the specified time frame that you select. The quickest time frame is 7-14 days.

(3) Can I apply from Abroad?

Yes, you can apply from anywhere abroad by sending us the application and ID’s digitally.

(4) What documents does DHA need for fingerprints?

Only the ID’s of the spouses (does not have to be certified) as well as the duly completed Application form.

(5) I am a foreigner, can I apply for a Birth Certificate?

No, not if your marriage was not registered in South Africa. We can only assist if it was registered in South Africa.

(6) How long is my Marriage Certificate valid for?

It is valid indefinitely. It never expires.

(7) Can I apply for a Visa with a written Marriage Certificate?

No, you can not. Embassies and International Authorities only accept physical Marriage Certificates issued by Home Affairs.

(8) How will I receive my Marriage Certificate?

We will send you digital scans and also have the physical Certificate couriered to the address specified on your order.