Quick answer: The certificate of no impediment Sweden issues (intyg om hindersprövning) confirms there is nothing under Swedish law preventing your marriage. It is issued by the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket), must be requested jointly by the couple, and is valid for four months. For a wedding abroad it often needs a certified translation and an Apostille. Marrying in Sweden instead? See our guide to getting married in Sweden as a foreigner.
What is a certificate of no impediment?
Before a marriage can take place under Swedish law, an inquiry into impediments to marriage must be carried out by the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket). The resulting document, intyg om hindersprövning, confirms that neither partner is already married, that they are of legal age, and that they are not too closely related. In English it is usually called a certificate of no impediment.
Certificate of no impediment vs single status certificate
Many foreign authorities ask for a “single status certificate” or “certificate of free status”. Sweden does not issue a document with that exact name, but the certificate of no impediment serves the same purpose: it shows you are legally free to marry. If an authority abroad asks for a single status certificate, the Swedish hindersprövning is normally what you provide.
Who can apply and how
The inquiry must be requested jointly by both partners. The application can be made through the Swedish Tax Agency’s e-service or by submitting the paper form (SKV 7880) by post or in person at a State Service Centre. Once approved, the certificate is issued to the couple.
How long is the certificate valid?
The certificate of no impediment is valid for four months from the date of issue. This period cannot be extended. If you do not marry within four months, you must apply for a new inquiry. Plan the timing carefully when a wedding abroad involves travel and additional paperwork.
Why you need it to marry abroad
Most countries require proof that a foreign national is free to marry. The Swedish certificate of no impediment is the standard document for this. The Swedish Government’s overview of marriage rules explains the legal basis. For a marriage abroad the receiving country will usually want the certificate legalised and translated.
When an Apostille is required
If the country where you will marry is a member of the 1961 Hague Convention, an Apostille on the certificate is sufficient. You can verify membership through the HCCH. For non-member countries, the certificate must instead be legalised through the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the relevant embassy.
Certified translation for foreign authorities
The certificate is issued in Swedish. Authorities abroad commonly require a translation into the local language by an authorised translator, who in Sweden is certified by Kammarkollegiet. In many cases the translation is also Apostilled so that both the original and the translation are accepted.
How an Apostille is issued in Sweden
Since 2005, only a Notarius Publicus may issue an Apostille in Sweden. The Apostille verifies that the signature and stamp on the certificate are authentic. Apostille24 arranges this through a Notarius Publicus in Stockholm and can handle the process for you remotely.
Step by step for marrying abroad
First, apply jointly to Skatteverket for the inquiry into impediments. Second, when you receive the certificate, have it Apostilled by a Notarius Publicus. Third, arrange a certified translation if the destination requires it. Finally, present the legalised certificate to the foreign officiant or authority within the four-month validity period.
After the wedding: the marriage certificate
The certificate of no impediment is needed before the wedding. After you marry, you may also need a marriage certificate for use abroad, which is a separate document. See our page on the international marriage certificate for how to order and Apostille that.
How Apostille24 can help
Apostille24 helps you legalise your Swedish certificate of no impediment for a wedding abroad, including the Apostille and a certified translation when required. We give you an individual quote up front and can handle everything remotely so the document arrives ready to use.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues the certificate of no impediment in Sweden?
The Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) issues it after an inquiry into impediments to marriage. The Apostille is issued separately by a Notarius Publicus.
What does it cost to get it Apostilled?
The certificate is issued by the Swedish Tax Agency. Costs for the Apostille and any certified translation are quoted individually by Apostille24, so contact us for a free quote.
How long is it valid?
Four months from the date of issue. The period cannot be extended, so you must reapply if you do not marry in time.
Do both partners need to apply?
Yes. The inquiry into impediments must be requested jointly by both partners.
Is it the same as a single status certificate?
In practice, yes. Sweden does not issue a document called a single status certificate, but the certificate of no impediment serves the same purpose abroad.
Do I need an Apostille?
Usually, when marrying in a Hague Convention country. For non-member countries the certificate is legalised through the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the embassy instead.
Do I need a translation?
Often yes. The certificate is in Swedish, and most foreign authorities require a certified translation by an authorised translator.
What is the difference from a marriage certificate?
The certificate of no impediment is issued before the wedding to show you are free to marry. A marriage certificate is issued after the wedding to prove you are married.
Legalise your certificate of no impediment
Getting married abroad? Contact Apostille24 for a free, individual quote. We arrange the Apostille through a Notarius Publicus and can add a certified translation so your certificate is accepted by the foreign authority.