How to Obtain a CENOMAR From Abroad (Philippines) A comprehensive legal-practice guide as of 30 May 2025
1. What is a CENOMAR?
A Certificate of No Marriage Record (“CENOMAR”) is an official civil-registry certification issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) stating that, based on its nationwide database, the person named therein “has no recorded marriage.” Legal basis:
- • Family Code of the Philippines (E.O. No. 209, 1987) – marital status affects capacity to marry, property relations, succession, etc.
- • Republic Act 10625 (Philippine Statistical Act of 2013) – vests PSA with sole authority to issue civil-registry certifications.
Typical foreign uses include: applying for a fiancé(e) or spouse visa, contracting marriage abroad, immigration sponsorship, adoption proceedings, estate settlement, and certain employment/academic screens.
2. Who May Request a CENOMAR
| Eligible requester | Documentary proof required* |
|---|---|
| The owner (the person named in the certificate) | One valid government-issued ID (passport recommended) |
| Parent (if owner is minor or unavailable) | Own ID plus owner’s ID or passport data page |
| Legal guardian | Guardianship order + IDs |
| Spouse | Marriage certificate + IDs |
| Authorized representative | Notarized/Signed Special Power of Attorney (SPA) or Authorization Letter + photocopies of both parties’ IDs |
*Digital scans are acceptable for online filing; originals may be requested upon delivery.
3. Three Legitimate Channels for Overseas Applicants
A. PSA Serbilis Online (Direct-to-Foreign Address)
Access https://www.psaserbilis.com.ph (desktop browser works best).
Create/Log-In to Account.
Fill out Electronic Application Form. Choose “CENOMAR” and provide: full name, sex, date & place of birth, parents’ full names, and the purpose (e.g., “marriage abroad”).
Select “Delivery Abroad.” Enter complete foreign mailing address with postal/ZIP code and a mobile or landline number reachable in your country.
Pay the Fees.
- Certificate fee ₱ 210
- Web service fee ₱ 25
- International courier US $ 20–25 (equivalent in PHP is auto-computed)
- Payment methods: major credit/debit cards (VISA/Mastercard/JCB), PayPal, or international bank transfer via Dragonpay rail.
Receive e-mail confirmation with transaction reference.
Wait for delivery. Processing inside the Philippines is usually 4–6 working days; trans-border shipping runs 2–6 weeks depending on destination customs. PSA sends a tracking number once the document is dispatched.
Pros: fully self-service; no need to involve third parties. Cons: longest overall lead time; some remote addresses incur surcharge or require pick-up at a local post office.
B. Through an Authorized Representative in the Philippines
Issue a Special Power of Attorney (SPA).
- Format: cite civil registry purpose, notarize (or have it consularized at a Philippine Embassy/Consulate if executed abroad).
Send SPA + clear scan of your valid ID to your representative.
Representative proceeds to any PSA Civil Registry Service Outlet or uses PSA Helpline for domestic delivery.
Courier-forwarding abroad.
- Cheapest: have rep send via government-rate PhilPost International Registered Mail (₱ 1 200 – 1 600).
- Fastest: DHL/FedEx/UPS (3–5 days, ₱ 2 500 – 4 000).
Pros: Total turnaround as quick as one week; rep can spot-check for clerical errors before shipping. Cons: Requires trusted agent; cost of SPA notarization/consularization.
C. Via the Nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate
- Book an appointment under “Civil Registry Assistance” if required by the mission.
- Submit accomplished CENOMAR request form (missions provide a template), original passport, and copy of residence permit/visa.
- Pay the mission’s facilitation fee (typically US $ 25–35, separate from PSA charges).
- The embassy batches requests to PSA in Manila; once the certificate arrives, you will be e-mailed or called for pick-up or onward courier (local postage fees apply).
- Processing time: 6–10 weeks on average (embassy cycle + pouch-mail logistics).
Pros: No need for online payment; embassy can simultaneously authenticate your SPA or other documents. Cons: Longest lead time; limited service days in some posts.
4. Apostille or Consular Authentication
Since 14 May 2019 the Philippines is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Whether your CENOMAR needs additional stamps depends on the destination country:
| Destination country | Next step |
|---|---|
| Hague-member state (e.g., Australia, Spain, Japan) | Forward the original PSA security paper to DFA-OCA (Aseana, Parañaque) or its Field Offices for apostille. If you cannot travel, your Philippine representative may submit it. The apostilled document is then self-executing abroad. |
| Non-Hague state (e.g., the UAE, Qatar)* | After apostille, the document must be legalized at the foreign state’s embassy/consulate in Manila or authenticated directly by the Philippine post in that country (“red-ribbon” style). |
| For use within the Philippines | The standalone PSA copy suffices; no apostille needed. |
*Some non-Hague states accept Philippine apostille in practice; always verify with the end-user office.
5. Fees Summary (2025)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| PSA certificate fee (CENOMAR) | ₱ 210 |
| PSA-Serbilis web charge | ₱ 25 |
| DFA Apostille | ₱ 200 (regular 4 WD) / ₱ 400 (express 1 WD) |
| Embassy facilitation (typical) | US $ 25–35 |
| International courier (DHL/FedEx) | US $ 45–70 (weight-based) |
| PhilPost Registered Mail | ₱ 1 200–1 600 |
6. Validity Period
Philippine law does not impose an intrinsic expiry, but receiving institutions usually require issuance within the last 3–6 months. Immigration agencies for spouse/fiancé(e) visas often insist on ≤ 4 months. Always check the specific rule of the court, embassy, or registrar before filing.
7. Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
| Pitfall | Prevention / Cure |
|---|---|
| Name mismatches between CENOMAR and passport (e.g., dropped middle name, married surname) | Fill the online form exactly as your birth certificate spells it; if you later used a different surname, secure a CENOMAR with alias annotation through the Local Civil Registrar or file a supplemental report. |
| Duplicate or erroneous marriage entry (usually from homonymous persons) | File a “Negative Certification” request plus sworn affidavit with PSA’s Reverification Unit; expect 2–3 months resolution. |
| Courier returned shipment (incorrect address/phone) | Provide a local address of a friend or the embassy; or choose “pick-up” option if available. |
| Need for rush processing | Use an authorized representative + express courier; there is no super-express lane for overseas orders via PSA Serbilis. |
8. Special Situations
- Annulled or Void Marriage: A person whose prior union was annulled/void will still receive a CENOMAR because annulled/void marriages are annotated on the marriage record, not on the “no-marriage” index. Attach the court-issued Decree or Certificate of Finality alongside the CENOMAR.
- Muslim Personal Law: Marriages in Shari’a courts are also reported to PSA. Overseas Filipino Muslims still require a CENOMAR when marrying under civil law abroad.
- Dual Citizens: You may present a foreign passport ID, but PSA will only search Philippine civil-registry archives.
- Data Privacy: PSA redacts the document’s QR code if photocopied; submit only the original security paper to foreign authorities, never a scan unless explicitly accepted.
9. Step-by-Step Quick Reference (PSA Serbilis)
- Prepare: passport scan, Philippine address for billing, credit card.
- Log in → Select “Apply for CENOMAR” → Answer form.
- Tick Delivery Abroad → encode address.
- Verify details on on-screen preview.
- Pay.
- Monitor e-mail for “Payment Successful” & “Dispatched” notices.
- Receive sealed courier envelope (blue PSA security paper).
- If required abroad, send to DFA for apostille, then to foreign embassy if non-Hague.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I request more than one copy in a single transaction? A: Yes—select the quantity slider. Each copy costs an additional ₱ 210 but only incurs one shipping fee if mailed together.
11. Sample Authorization Letter (Abroad → Philippine Representative)
SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY
I, [Name], Filipino citizen, of legal age, and presently residing at [Overseas Address], do hereby appoint [Representative’s Name], likewise of legal age and residing at [PH Address], as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact to:
- Apply for and receive from the Philippine Statistics Authority a Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR) in my name;
- Pay all fees, sign forms, and submit such identification as may be required; and
- Receive the original document and forward the same to me abroad.
I hereby ratify all lawful acts undertaken under this authority.
Executed this ___ day of __________ 2025 in ___________.
[Signature over printed name]
(Have this notarized locally or acknowledged by the nearest Philippine Consulate.)
12. Final Notes
Procedures and fees are correct as of 30 May 2025 but may change without prior notice; always confirm via the official PSA or DFA website before payment. This guide is informational and not legal advice. For complex cases—e.g., disputed marital status, pending annulment—consult Philippine counsel or your nearest embassy/consulate civil-registry officer.
Author: [Your-Name-or-Firm] • Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Roll No. _____ • May 2025