What is a Affidavit Of Singleness?
An Affidavit of Singleness is a crucial document in Singapore's legal framework, required when formal proof of unmarried status is needed. This sworn statement, made under penalty of perjury, is commonly used for marriage registration, visa applications, or foreign country requirements. The affidavit includes personal details, an explicit declaration of single status, and must be properly executed before a Commissioner for Oaths in accordance with Singapore law. It carries serious legal implications, and false declarations can result in criminal penalties.
About the Affidavit Of Singleness
An Affidavit of Singleness is a legally binding sworn statement that formally declares your unmarried status under Singapore law. Governed by the Oaths and Declarations Act 2000, this document serves as official proof that you have never been married and are legally free to enter into marriage or fulfill other legal requirements that depend on your marital status.
When do you need this document?
You will need an Affidavit of Singleness when applying for a marriage licence in Singapore, particularly if you are a foreign national or when marrying abroad and your destination country requires proof of single status. Immigration authorities often request this document for spouse visa applications or family reunification processes. Some countries require it for property purchases by unmarried individuals, and certain employment contracts or insurance policies may also necessitate proof of marital status. Educational institutions offering married student accommodations or benefits may also request this affidavit as part of their application process.
Key legal considerations
The affidavit must include your complete personal details including full legal name, NRIC or passport number, residential address, and date of birth. The declaration section requires an explicit statement confirming you have never been married, divorced, or widowed. Under the Oaths and Declarations Act 2000, making false statements in a statutory declaration constitutes a criminal offence punishable by fine and imprisonment. The document must be signed in the presence of a Commissioner for Oaths who will verify your identity and witness your signature. The commissioner's attestation section must be completed with their official seal and signature to validate the document legally.
Legal requirements in Singapore
Singapore law mandates that affidavits be executed before authorised commissioners including Justices of Peace, Commissioners for Oaths, or qualified solicitors. The Women's Charter governs marriage requirements and recognises statutory declarations of marital status as valid evidence. Under the Evidence Act, properly executed affidavits are admissible as documentary evidence in legal proceedings. The Registration of Deeds Act specifies format requirements for legal documents including proper execution and witnessing procedures. You must present valid identification when signing the affidavit, and the commissioner will retain copies for their records as required by law. The completed affidavit typically remains valid for six months from the date of execution, though some authorities may specify shorter validity periods.
Governing law
Applicable law
This Affidavit Of Singleness is drafted to comply with Singapore law. Key legislation includes:
- Oaths and Declarations Act 2000: Primary legislation governing the requirements for making statutory declarations, format and administration of oaths, and legal responsibilities of oath commissioners and notaries public in Singapore
- Women's Charter (Chapter 353): Key legislation that defines marriage and its legal requirements in Singapore, including provisions regarding marital status declarations and legal definitions of single status
- Evidence Act (Chapter 97): Legislation governing requirements for admissible evidence, standards for sworn statements, and documentary evidence requirements in Singapore
- Registration of Deeds Act (Chapter 269): Act that stipulates requirements for registration of legal documents, including format and execution requirements for legal documents in Singapore
- Supreme Court of Judicature Act: Legislation establishing jurisdiction over affidavits and court procedures related to sworn statements in Singapore
- Rules of Court: Legal rules specifying format requirements for affidavits, filing procedures, and requirements for commissioners for oaths in Singapore