CENOMAR in the Philippines: How to Secure and Apostille It

CENOMAR issued by PSA in the Philippines

When planning to get married, work abroad, or process important documents, one of the most commonly required papers in the Philippines is the CENOMAR or Certificate of No Marriage Record. This document, issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), proves that a person has never been married in the country. If you intend to use it abroad, your CENOMAR must also be authenticated and apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

This guide explains everything you need to know about securing your PSA CENOMAR, having it authenticated, and processing your DFA Apostille.

How to Get a CENOMAR ?

A CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage Record) is one of the most requested documents issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). It certifies that a person has not contracted any marriage in the Philippines. This document is often required for marriage applications, employment abroad, visa processing, and other legal purposes.

You can request your CENOMAR directly from the PSA either online or by visiting a PSA outlet. When applying, you will need to provide your complete name, date of birth, and parents’ names. Processing usually takes a few working days, depending on the method of request.

CENOMAR DFA Apostille for Use Abroad

If you are planning to use your CENOMAR outside the Philippines, the document must first be authenticated and then apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The DFA Apostille certifies your CENOMAR for international use, replacing the old “red ribbon” authentication. Many foreign embassies and overseas employers require the PSA-issued CENOMAR with DFA Apostille as part of their standard documentation process.

• The Apostille confirms that the document came from the PSA.

• It is internationally recognized by over 100 countries that are part of the Hague Convention.

• Without an Apostille, many embassies, immigration offices, and foreign employers will not accept your PSA CENOMAR.
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does a CENOMAR cost?

A PSA CENOMAR costs around PHP 210 per copy (excluding delivery fees if requested online).

2. How long is a CENOMAR valid?

A CENOMAR is generally considered valid for six months from the date of issuance, but this depends on the institution or embassy requiring it.

3. Can someone else request my CENOMAR?

Yes, an authorized representative can request your CENOMAR on your behalf by presenting a valid ID and an authorization letter.

4. Do I still need Embassy Attestation after DFA Apostille?

For countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention, the DFA Apostille is enough. However, for non-member countries (like the UAE, Qatar, or Saudi Arabia), you may still need Embassy or Consulate attestation after DFA authentication.

5. Can I use a CENOMAR for marriage abroad?

Yes, a PSA-issued and DFA-apostilled CENOMAR is usually required by foreign embassies for Filipino marriage applications abroad.

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