The Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage (commonly referred to as LCCM or “Legal Capacity”) is an official document issued by Philippine diplomatic posts abroad certifying that a Filipino citizen has no legal impediment to marry under Philippine law. It is the Philippine equivalent of a “Certificate of No Impediment” or “Single Status Certificate” and is required by most Canadian provinces/territories when a Filipino citizen intends to marry in Canada (whether to a Canadian, another foreigner, or another Filipino).

The document is essential because Philippine law governs the personal capacity of Filipino citizens to marry even when the marriage is celebrated abroad (Articles 15 and 26, Civil Code; Articles 2, 3, and 35(2), Family Code of the Philippines). Canadian marriage registrars routinely require this certificate from foreign nationals whose countries do not recognize absolute divorce (i.e., the Philippines and the Vatican).

Legal Basis under Philippine Law

Article 15, Civil Code – Laws relating to family rights and duties, or to the status, condition and legal capacity of persons are binding upon citizens of the Philippines, even though living abroad.
Article 21, Family Code – When either or both parties are foreign citizens marrying in the Philippines, they must submit a Certificate of Legal Capacity issued by their diplomatic/consular officials. By established practice and reciprocity, the same requirement is imposed on Filipinos marrying abroad when the receiving country requires proof of capacity.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Department Order No. 003-2013 and subsequent consular instructions – Authorize Philippine Embassies and Consulates General to issue Certificates of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage to qualified Filipino applicants abroad.
The LCCM is executed in the form of a sworn affidavit/declaration before a Philippine Consular Officer and is authenticated with the consular seal.

Who Needs the LCCM?

Any Filipino citizen (whether single, widowed, or judicially declared nullity/annulment of previous marriage) who will contract marriage in Canada under Canadian law (civil marriage, not consular marriage at the Embassy).
Both parties if both are Filipino citizens marrying in Canada (each must secure his/her own LCCM).
Filipino dual citizens (Philippine-Canadian) who will marry using their Filipino citizenship or whose previous marriage (if any) was celebrated under Philippine law.

Who does NOT need it?

Filipinos who will be married by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate itself in a consular marriage (Article 10, Family Code).
Filipinos marrying in the Philippines (they follow local civil registrar requirements instead).

Validity Period of the LCCM

The Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage issued by Philippine posts in Canada is valid for six (6) months from the date of issuance (some posts previously used 120 days/4 months, but the current standard is 6 months as of 2024–2025). It must be used within this period; otherwise, a new one must be obtained.

Where to Apply in Canada (as of November 2025)

Philippine diplomatic posts with consular jurisdiction in Canada:

Philippine Embassy in Ottawa
Jurisdiction: National Capital Region (Ottawa), Ontario (except GTA), Quebec, Atlantic provinces, Nunavut, and Icelandic affairs.
Philippine Consulate General in Toronto
Jurisdiction: Greater Toronto Area, Manitoba, Saskatchewan (consular outreach sometimes conducted).
Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver
Jurisdiction: British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories.
Philippine Consulate General in Calgary
Jurisdiction: Alberta and Saskatchewan (limited services; many applicants still go to Vancouver).

Applicants must apply at the post covering their province of residence. Personal appearance is strictly required. Dual citizens living in Canada for many years are still processed under the same rules.

Requirements (Complete List – 2025)

Core Documents (Always Required)

Duly accomplished Application Form for Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage (downloadable from the respective Embassy/Consulate website).
Original + photocopy of valid Philippine passport (data page + Canadian visa/PR page if applicable).
Original PSA-authenticated Birth Certificate (issued on security paper, not local civil registrar copy).
PSA Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR / Advisory on Marriages) valid within one year.
Two (2) recent 2×2 or passport-sized colored photos with white background (some posts no longer require this).

Additional Documents Depending on Civil Status

A. Never Married (Single)

If applicant is 18–20 years old: Original Affidavit of Parental Consent executed by both parents (or surviving parent/legal guardian) with valid ID. Parents may appear personally or have the affidavit authenticated at the nearest Philippine post/DFA in the Philippines.
If applicant is 21–24 years old: Original Affidavit of Parental Advice executed by both parents (same authentication rules).
If applicant is 25 years old and above: No parental document required.

B. Widowed

PSA Death Certificate of deceased spouse (original + photocopy).
If death occurred abroad: Report of Death already authenticated and transmitted to PSA, or original foreign death certificate with DFA red-ribbon/apostille if needed.

C. Annulled / Declaration of Nullity of Previous Marriage

PSA-annotated Marriage Certificate showing the annotation “ANNULLED” or “DECLARED NULL AND VOID” with the court decision details.
Original Certified True Copy of Court Decision/Decree of Annulment or Declaration of Absolute Nullity.
Original Certificate of Finality from the court.
If the annulment was obtained abroad (recognition of foreign judgment under Rule 39, Rules of Court): Supreme Court decision recognizing the foreign judgment.

D. Legally Separated

Legal separation is NOT a ground to remarry under Philippine law. A legally separated Filipino remains legally married and cannot obtain an LCCM for remarriage.

E. Divorced (Filipino who obtained divorce abroad)

The Philippines does not recognize divorce initiated by Filipinos. An LCCM will be denied unless the divorce has been judicially recognized via Article 26(2) of the Family Code (only when the divorce was obtained by the foreign spouse). In practice, the Filipino must file a Petition for Recognition of Foreign Divorce Judgment in a Philippine Regional Trial Court first, and only after obtaining a Certificate of Finality and PSA annotation can an LCCM be issued.

F. Muslim Filipinos or Indigenous Peoples with Customary Divorce

Special rules apply; present Certificate of Divorce issued by the Shari’a Court or tribal attestation authenticated by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) or National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

Step-by-Step Procedure (2025)

Book an appointment online through the Global Online Appointment System (GOAS) of the respective post (Embassy Ottawa, PCG Toronto, PCG Vancouver, PCG Calgary). Walk-ins are no longer accepted.
Download and accomplish the LCCM application form in advance.
Prepare all original documents + two (2) photocopies of everything.
Appear personally on the appointment date and time.
Submit documents to the Consular Section for evaluation.
If documents are complete, the applicant will execute the Affidavit of Legal Capacity before the Consular Officer (sworn oath).
Pay the notarial fee (CAD 36.25 for the affidavit + CAD 36.25 if additional certification is needed; total usually CAD 72.50 as of 2025; payable in cash or money order).
The LCCM is usually released on the same day (within 1–2 hours) or the following business day.

Processing Time and Fees (November 2025)

Regular processing: Same day or next business day.
Notarial fee for Legal Capacity: CAD 36.25 (affidavit) + possible certification fee.
Fees are subject to quarterly adjustment based on the consular exchange rate (PHP 36 = CAD 1 or prevailing rate).
Payment is in Canadian dollars, cash, debit card, or money order (varies per post).

Important Reminders and Common Reasons for Denial

Personal appearance cannot be waived (except in extreme medical cases with mobile consular outreach).
All foreign documents must be apostilled (Canada is a Hague Apostille Convention member) or DFA red-ribboned if executed in the Philippines.
False declaration (e.g., hiding a previous undissolved marriage) constitutes perjury and will result in permanent blacklisting from consular services.
The LCCM is valid only in Canada. If you decide to marry elsewhere, you must apply at the Philippine post in that country.
After the wedding in Canada, the marriage must be reported to the same Philippine Embassy/Consulate within one (1) year via Report of Marriage so that it can be registered with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and annotated on the Filipino spouse’s records.

After Obtaining the LCCM

Present the original LCCM together with your PSA birth certificate, passport, and other requirements when applying for a marriage licence at a Canadian provincial vital statistics office (ServiceOntario, ServiceBC, Alberta Vital Statistics, etc.). Once married, immediately file the Report of Marriage at the same Philippine post that issued your LCCM to ensure your new civil status is updated in the Philippines.

Obtaining the Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage is a straightforward but document-intensive process. Proper preparation and complete, authentic documents will ensure same-day release and a smooth path to your Canadian wedding. Always check the latest announcements on the official website of the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa or the relevant Philippine Consulate General in Canada, as minor procedural changes occasionally occur.

How to Get a Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage Certificate at the Philippine Embassy in Canada