An Affidavit of Cohabitation in the Philippines is a sworn written statement declaring that two persons have been living together as husband and wife, or as domestic partners, for a certain period of time and under circumstances relevant to a legal or administrative purpose. It is commonly used to support applications, civil status transactions, government records, employment benefits, insurance claims, visa matters, school records, and other situations where proof of shared residence or long-term partnership is required.

In Philippine practice, this document is usually not a single government-prescribed form. Its exact wording depends on the purpose for which it is being executed. Some offices accept a general affidavit, while others require specific statements, attachments, or supporting proof. Because it is an affidavit, it must be signed under oath before a notary public or other authorized officer.

This article explains what an Affidavit of Cohabitation is, when it is used, what it should contain, how it differs from related documents, its legal limits, and provides several sample forms suited to Philippine use.

I. What is an Affidavit of Cohabitation?

An Affidavit of Cohabitation is a statement made under oath by one or both persons declaring facts such as:

they are of legal age;
they have been living together in one residence;
they have been cohabiting for a specified length of time;
they are known to each other as partners, spouses, or domestic companions;
the affidavit is being executed for a specific legal or administrative purpose.

The word cohabitation generally refers to living together in a marriage-like or domestic relationship. In some contexts, it may simply mean sharing a household. In others, it carries stronger legal implications, especially when tied to family law, marriage, legitimacy, benefits, or civil status.

An affidavit proves what the affiant is swearing to, but it does not automatically create a legal status if the law requires something more. For example, an affidavit alone does not create a valid marriage, does not automatically confer spousal rights, and does not override official civil registry records.

II. Why people execute an Affidavit of Cohabitation

In the Philippines, an Affidavit of Cohabitation may be used for many different reasons. The most common include the following.

1. For marriage purposes under exceptional situations

The phrase “affidavit of cohabitation” is widely associated with marriage without a marriage license in cases where a man and a woman have lived together as husband and wife for at least five years and meet the legal requirements for that exception. In practice, this is one of the most recognized uses of the term.

In that setting, the affidavit is not merely a casual declaration of living together. It is a sworn statement supporting the claim that the parties qualify for the marriage license exemption under Philippine law, subject to the requirements of the Family Code and the judgment of the solemnizing officer and local civil registrar.

2. For GSIS, SSS, insurance, employment, or private benefits

Some agencies, employers, or insurers may ask for proof that two persons have been living together, especially when a claimant asserts dependency, beneficiary status, common household arrangements, or survivorship-related facts. In these cases, the affidavit usually serves only as one supporting document and is often paired with IDs, billing statements, barangay certification, birth certificates of children, or other evidence.

3. For barangay, local government, or residency matters

A barangay or local office may ask for a sworn declaration that certain persons are living in the same household, especially where one partner lacks utility bills or formal proof of address.

4. For visa, immigration, and consular documentation

A foreign embassy or immigration authority may request a declaration showing that the parties have lived together continuously. The exact wording may need to fit foreign documentary standards, but Philippine execution is often by notarized affidavit.

5. For school, hospital, or emergency declarations

In some cases, a person needs to establish that another person in the same household or long-term partnership is the one handling family affairs, tuition, admissions, emergency contact matters, or caregiving.

6. For court or quasi-judicial use

An affidavit may be submitted as part of a pleading, complaint, petition, or evidentiary package, although its actual weight depends on the applicable rules and whether the affiant may later be examined or cross-examined.

III. The most legally significant Philippine use: marriage without a license after five years of cohabitation

This is the area where the term becomes most sensitive.

Under Philippine family law, there is an exception to the marriage license requirement for a man and a woman who have lived together as husband and wife for at least five years and are without legal impediment to marry each other. In practice, they execute an affidavit stating these facts.

This use is important because mistakes here can have serious consequences. The affidavit is not merely descriptive. It supports the position that the couple qualifies for a legal exception.

Key points commonly associated with this kind of affidavit

The parties usually declare that:

they are a man and a woman;
they have lived together as husband and wife for at least five years immediately prior to the marriage;
they are without legal impediment to marry each other during that period;
the affidavit is made to support the celebration of marriage without a marriage license.

What “without legal impediment” means

This generally means that during the relevant period, neither party was disqualified from marrying the other. Examples of possible impediments include:

an existing valid marriage to someone else;
minority;
prohibited relationships by blood or affinity;
other legal disqualifications under Philippine family law.

This point is crucial. Mere cohabitation for five years is not enough if one or both parties were legally incapable of marrying each other during the same period.

Why accuracy matters

If the affidavit contains false statements, several problems may arise:

the marriage may be questioned;
the affiants may face liability for perjury or falsification-related issues;
records filed with the local civil registrar may be challenged;
future disputes about property, status, succession, or legitimacy may become complicated.

Because of that, many solemnizing officers and local civil registrars scrutinize this affidavit closely and may ask for corroborating documents.

IV. Difference between an Affidavit of Cohabitation and related documents

These documents are often confused with one another.

1. Affidavit of Cohabitation vs. Barangay Certificate of Cohabitation

A barangay certificate is usually a certification issued by the barangay based on its records or community knowledge. An affidavit is a sworn statement of the persons themselves or of witnesses. A barangay certification may support an affidavit, but it is not the same thing.

2. Affidavit of Cohabitation vs. Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR)

A CENOMAR or related civil registry certification is an official record document from the civil registrar or PSA context. An affidavit is only a sworn declaration. One does not replace the other.

3. Affidavit of Cohabitation vs. Affidavit of Two Disinterested Persons

Some offices prefer or additionally require an affidavit from neighbors, relatives, or community members who can attest that the couple has lived together for a certain period. That is a witness affidavit, not the couple’s own affidavit.

4. Affidavit of Cohabitation vs. Joint Affidavit

An Affidavit of Cohabitation may be made as a joint affidavit by both parties, or as a single affidavit by one party. The best form depends on the purpose.

5. Affidavit of Cohabitation vs. Proof of Live-in Relationship

An affidavit is only one form of proof. Other documents may include:

same-address IDs,
lease agreements,
utility bills,
bank records,
children’s birth certificates,
photos over time,
barangay certifications,
school or medical records showing the same address.

6. Affidavit of Cohabitation vs. Marriage Certificate

A marriage certificate proves a registered marriage. An affidavit of cohabitation does not.

V. Legal nature of the affidavit

An affidavit is evidence of a sworn statement, not conclusive proof of truth. It may be accepted administratively, but its weight depends on:

who executed it;
whether it is notarized;
whether the statements are specific and consistent;
whether there are supporting documents;
whether the receiving office has its own documentary rules;
whether contradictory records exist.

A notary public does not certify that the contents are true. The notary only certifies that the affiant personally appeared, was identified, and swore to the contents.

VI. Who may execute it

Depending on purpose, an Affidavit of Cohabitation may be executed by:

one partner alone;
both partners jointly;
a surviving partner;
witnesses, such as neighbors or relatives;
a parent or guardian in special household circumstances, though this is less common and may not be sufficient where personal knowledge by the couple is required.

For marriage-license-exemption use, it is typically executed by the parties themselves, and the solemnizing officer may also be required to execute a related sworn statement or certification depending on practice.

VII. What an Affidavit of Cohabitation should contain

A good Philippine affidavit typically includes the following:

1. Title

Examples:

Affidavit of Cohabitation
Joint Affidavit of Cohabitation
Affidavit of Cohabitation for Marriage Without License
Affidavit of Cohabitation for Benefit Claim

2. Venue and introductory clause

This states the city or municipality and province where the affidavit is executed.

Example: Republic of the Philippines ) City of Cebu ) S.S.

3. Full identities of the affiant or affiants

Include:

full legal name;
age;
civil status;
citizenship;
present address.

4. Statement of capacity to swear

Example: “after having been duly sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and state that:”

5. Specific facts of cohabitation

This is the heart of the affidavit:

when cohabitation started;
the address or addresses where they lived;
whether cohabitation was continuous;
the nature of the relationship;
whether they are known in the community as living together.

6. Statements required by purpose

For example:

“for the purpose of supporting our marriage without a marriage license”;
“for the purpose of claiming dependent benefits”;
“for the purpose of proving common residence.”

7. Good-faith truth clause

The affiant should state that the affidavit is executed voluntarily and truthfully.

8. Signature block

The affiant signs above the printed name.

9. Jurat

The notarial portion states that the affidavit was subscribed and sworn to before the notary, including date, place, and identification details.

VIII. Supporting documents often attached

An affidavit is stronger when accompanied by records. Depending on the purpose, common attachments include:

government-issued IDs showing the same address;
barangay certification;
lease contract;
utility bills;
tax declarations or residence certificates where relevant;
birth certificates of common children;
photos;
joint bank or insurance records;
employment or school records showing the same address;
death certificate of a deceased partner in survivor claims;
CENOMAR or related civil registry records where relevant.

Some offices require that attachments be marked as annexes, such as:

Annex “A” – Copy of ID of Affiant
Annex “B” – Barangay Certification
Annex “C” – Utility Bill

IX. Formal requirements in the Philippines

1. Personal appearance

The affiant must personally appear before the notary public.

2. Competent evidence of identity

The affiant must present valid identification documents accepted for notarization.

3. Oath or affirmation

The affiant must swear or affirm that the contents are true.

4. Signature before the notary

The signature should generally be acknowledged or sworn to in the notary’s presence.

5. Notarial details

The notary fills in the jurat and records the act in the notarial register.

An unsigned draft, an unnotarized printout, or a casually signed statement may have little or no value where a notarized affidavit is specifically required.

X. Common mistakes and legal risks

Because this document is often treated casually, many people make serious mistakes.

1. Using a generic online form without matching the purpose

A one-size-fits-all affidavit may not satisfy the receiving office.

2. Inconsistent dates

If the affidavit says cohabitation began on one date but IDs, leases, or children’s records suggest otherwise, the affidavit may be doubted.

3. Wrong civil status declarations

A person who is still legally married should not casually sign an affidavit implying freedom to marry another person.

4. Equating cohabitation with marriage

Living together does not automatically mean the parties are legally married.

5. Omitting “without legal impediment” where legally required

For marriage-license-exemption use, this omission can be fatal or at least create problems.

6. False statements under oath

A false affidavit may expose the affiant to legal consequences.

7. Assuming notarization makes everything valid

Notarization gives formality; it does not cure substantive defects.

8. Confusing “five years of living together” with “five years of legal capacity to marry each other”

For marriage-law purposes, those are not always the same thing.

9. Using vague wording

Phrases like “we have been together for a long time” are weaker than precise statements.

XI. Best drafting practices

A strong affidavit should be:

specific as to dates, addresses, and purpose;
truthful and limited to facts personally known by the affiant;
consistent with official records and attachments;
tailored to the exact agency or transaction;
simple and not overloaded with unnecessary legal language.

Avoid exaggerated or conclusory statements unless they are legally necessary and accurate.

XII. Sample Affidavit of Cohabitation in the Philippines (General Form)

Below is a general template suitable for ordinary administrative use where the purpose is to declare that two persons have been living together.

SAMPLE 1 – General Joint Affidavit of Cohabitation

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF __________ ) S.S.

JOINT AFFIDAVIT OF COHABITATION

We, [Name of Affiant 1], of legal age, [civil status], [citizenship], and residing at [complete address], and [Name of Affiant 2], of legal age, [civil status], [citizenship], and residing at [complete address], after having been duly sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and state that:

We are both of legal age and residents of [complete address];
We have been living together at the above address as domestic partners / as husband and wife in fact since [date];
Our cohabitation has been continuous and public, and we are known among our relatives, neighbors, and members of the community as living together in one household;
We are executing this Joint Affidavit of Cohabitation to attest to the truth of the foregoing facts and for whatever legal purpose it may serve, particularly for [state purpose: residency, benefits, insurance, visa, school, hospital, etc.];
We are voluntarily executing this affidavit and affirm that the statements herein are true and correct based on our personal knowledge.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands this ___ day of __________ 20___ at [City/Municipality, Province], Philippines.

[Signature of Affiant 1] [Printed Name of Affiant 1]

[Signature of Affiant 2] [Printed Name of Affiant 2]

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this ___ day of __________ 20___ at [place], Philippines, affiants exhibiting to me their competent evidence of identity, as follows:

[Affiant 1 ID details]
[Affiant 2 ID details]

NOTARY PUBLIC

Doc. No. ____; Page No. ____; Book No. _; Series of 20.

XIII. Sample Affidavit of Cohabitation for marriage without a license

This is the most sensitive form and should be used with extreme care. It is only appropriate where the legal requisites are truly present.

SAMPLE 2 – Joint Affidavit of Cohabitation for Marriage Without License

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF __________ ) S.S.

JOINT AFFIDAVIT OF COHABITATION

We, [Name of Man], of legal age, [citizenship], and residing at [address], and [Name of Woman], of legal age, [citizenship], and residing at [address], after having been duly sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and state that:

We are a man and a woman who have lived together as husband and wife continuously for at least five (5) years, specifically from [date] up to the present;
During the entire period of our cohabitation, we have been without any legal impediment to marry each other;
We desire to contract marriage with each other;
We are executing this affidavit to attest to the truth of the foregoing facts and to support our intended marriage under the legal exemption from the marriage license requirement, as may be allowed under Philippine law;
We affirm that the foregoing statements are true and correct of our own personal knowledge and that this affidavit is executed in good faith.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto affixed our signatures this ___ day of __________ 20___ at [City/Municipality, Province], Philippines.

[Signature of Man] [Printed Name]

[Signature of Woman] [Printed Name]

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this ___ day of __________ 20___ at [place], Philippines, affiants having presented the following competent proof of identity:

[ID details of first affiant]
[ID details of second affiant]

NOTARY PUBLIC

Doc. No. ____; Page No. ____; Book No. _; Series of 20.

Drafting note

Some solemnizing officers or local civil registrars may require additional supporting documents or a more specific formulation. Some may also ask for proof of continuous cohabitation, civil status records, and identification documents.

XIV. Sample Affidavit by one partner only

Sometimes only one party is asked to execute the affidavit.

SAMPLE 3 – Single Affidavit of Cohabitation

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF __________ ) S.S.

AFFIDAVIT OF COHABITATION

I, [Name of Affiant], of legal age, [civil status], [citizenship], and residing at [complete address], after having been duly sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and state:

That I am presently residing at [complete address];
That I have been living together with [Name of Partner], of legal age, at the same address since [date];
That we maintain one household and are known in our community as partners / as living together;
That I am executing this Affidavit of Cohabitation to attest to the truth of the foregoing facts and for the purpose of [state purpose];
That the statements herein are true and correct based on my personal knowledge.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ___ day of __________ 20___ at [City/Municipality, Province], Philippines.

[Signature of Affiant] [Printed Name of Affiant]

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this ___ day of __________ 20___ at [place], Philippines, affiant having exhibited to me [ID details].

NOTARY PUBLIC

Doc. No. ____; Page No. ____; Book No. _; Series of 20.

XV. Sample affidavit by disinterested witnesses

Some offices prefer third-party confirmation.

SAMPLE 4 – Affidavit of Witnesses as to Cohabitation

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF __________ ) S.S.

AFFIDAVIT OF WITNESSES

We, [Witness 1] and [Witness 2], both of legal age, Filipino, and residents of [addresses], after having been duly sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and state:

That we personally know [Name 1] and [Name 2];
That based on our personal knowledge, they have been living together at [address] since approximately [date];
That they are known in the community as partners / as living together as husband and wife in fact;
That we are executing this affidavit to attest to the foregoing facts for the purpose of [state purpose];
That the foregoing statements are true and correct based on our personal knowledge.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands this ___ day of __________ 20___ at [City/Municipality, Province], Philippines.

[Signature of Witness 1] [Printed Name]

[Signature of Witness 2] [Printed Name]

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this ___ day of __________ 20___ at [place], Philippines, affiants having presented to me their competent proofs of identity.

NOTARY PUBLIC

Doc. No. ____; Page No. ____; Book No. _; Series of 20.

XVI. Sample affidavit for benefit or insurance claim

SAMPLE 5 – Affidavit of Cohabitation for Benefit Claim

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF __________ ) S.S.

AFFIDAVIT OF COHABITATION

I, [Name of Affiant], of legal age, [civil status], [citizenship], and residing at [address], after having been duly sworn in accordance with law, hereby state:

That I and [Name of Partner/Deceased Member/Employee] resided together at [address] from [date] to [date/present];
That during said period, we maintained one common household and shared domestic living arrangements;
That I am executing this affidavit to declare our cohabitation in support of my claim / application for [state exact benefit, insurance, employer benefit, assistance, or other purpose];
That I understand that this affidavit does not by itself determine entitlement and may be subject to verification by the concerned office;
That the foregoing statements are true and correct based on my personal knowledge.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ___ day of __________ 20___ at [City/Municipality, Province], Philippines.

[Signature] [Printed Name]

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this ___ day of __________ 20___ at [place], Philippines, affiant exhibiting [ID details].

NOTARY PUBLIC

Doc. No. ____; Page No. ____; Book No. _; Series of 20.

XVII. Filipino sample version

Some local offices prefer plain English, some accept mixed English and Filipino, and some prefer Filipino wording.

SAMPLE 6 – Salaysay / Sinumpaang Pahayag ng Pagsasama

REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS ) LUNGSOD/BAYAN NG __________ ) S.S.

SINUMPAANG SALAYSAY NG PAGSASAMA

Kami, sina [Pangalan 1] at [Pangalan 2], kapwa nasa wastong gulang, mga [pagkamamamayan], at nakatira sa [kumpletong tirahan], matapos manumpa alinsunod sa batas, ay nagsasaad ng mga sumusunod:

Na kami ay kapwa nasa wastong gulang at kasalukuyang naninirahan sa [address];
Na kami ay nagsasama sa iisang tahanan mula pa noong [petsa];
Na kami ay kilala ng aming mga kamag-anak, kapitbahay, at mga kakilala bilang magkapareha / nagsasama bilang mag-asawa sa aktuwal na kalagayan;
Na ginagawa namin ang sinumpaang salaysay na ito upang patunayan ang katotohanan ng aming pagsasama at para sa layuning [ilagay ang layunin];
Na ang lahat ng pahayag dito ay totoo at batay sa aming sariling kaalaman.

BILANG PATUNAY, nilagdaan namin ito ngayong ika-___ ng __________ 20___ sa [lugar], Pilipinas.

[Lagda ng Affiant 1] [Pangalan]

[Lagda ng Affiant 2] [Pangalan]

LUMAGDA AT NANUMPA sa harap ko ngayong ika-___ ng __________ 20___ sa [lugar], Pilipinas, matapos magpakita ng mga wastong pagkakakilanlan.

NOTARY PUBLIC

Doc. No. ____; Page No. ____; Book No. _; Series of 20.

XVIII. Should the affidavit say “husband and wife” or just “partners”?

That depends on the purpose.

Use “husband and wife” only when:

it accurately describes the legal wording required for the purpose;
the affidavit is for the five-year cohabitation marriage-license exemption;
the receiving office specifically uses that phrase;
the statement is not misleading.

Use “partners,” “domestic partners,” or “living together” when:

the parties are not claiming any marriage-related legal consequence;
the purpose is merely to establish shared residence or common household;
more neutral wording is safer and more accurate.

This matters because words carry legal implications. In family-law settings, careless phrasing can create confusion.

XIX. Is there a standard period of cohabitation required?

There is no universal period for all uses of an Affidavit of Cohabitation.

The required period depends on the purpose:

for general proof of shared residence, the office may not require any minimum beyond a reasonable period;
for certain private or government claims, the office may have its own documentary standards;
for the marriage-license-exemption setting, the cohabitation period is especially important and must satisfy the legal requirement.

A generic affidavit should always specify the exact beginning date or approximate month and year, and whether the cohabitation is continuous.

XX. Is a barangay certification enough instead of an affidavit?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. If the requesting office specifically asks for a notarized affidavit, a barangay certification alone usually will not be enough. If the office merely wants community confirmation of residency, a barangay certificate may be accepted. Many transactions require both.

XXI. Can a live-in partner use this affidavit to claim all rights of a spouse?

No. This is one of the most misunderstood issues.

An Affidavit of Cohabitation does not automatically give a live-in partner all the rights of a legal spouse. Rights involving succession, legitimacy, benefits, property, insurance, and decision-making depend on the governing law, contract, beneficiary designation, agency rules, and official records.

For example:

some benefits depend on legal marriage;
some depend on beneficiary designation;
some depend on dependency or actual support;
some depend on proof of common-law or domestic partnership only if the institution recognizes it.

The affidavit helps prove facts; it does not rewrite the law.

XXII. Property issues arising from cohabitation

Cohabitation may have property consequences under Philippine law, but those consequences do not arise simply because the parties executed an affidavit. Property rights depend on factors such as:

whether the parties could legally marry each other;
whether they were in good faith;
whose money or labor acquired the property;
titles, contracts, and actual contributions;
applicable provisions on co-ownership or property relations.

An affidavit may be evidence of cohabitation, but not final proof of ownership shares.

XXIII. Can the affidavit be used in court?

Yes, but with limits. In litigation, an affidavit may serve as a sworn statement or supporting evidence, but the court may still require live testimony, documentary corroboration, and cross-examination. Its evidentiary value will depend on the case.

XXIV. How to get an Affidavit of Cohabitation notarized in the Philippines

The typical process is straightforward:

Prepare the affidavit in final form.
Print it but do not sign it until instructed by the notary, unless the notary allows prior signing and still complies with personal appearance requirements.
Bring valid IDs.
Personally appear before the notary.
Swear to the contents.
Sign in the proper place.
Pay the notarial fee.
Receive the notarized copies.

Keep at least two to three original notarized copies if the affidavit will be submitted to multiple offices.

XXV. Practical drafting checklist

Before signing, check these items carefully:

Are the names exactly consistent with IDs and civil registry records?
Is the address complete?
Is the start date of cohabitation accurate?
Does the affidavit say why it is being executed?
Are the statements limited to facts personally known?
Is the civil status declaration truthful?
Are there supporting documents?
Is notarization required?
Is the wording appropriate for the exact office receiving it?

XXVI. Frequently asked questions

Is notarization always required?

Not always, but many offices require it. For formal legal and administrative use, notarization is often expected.

Can unmarried couples execute it?

Yes, if the purpose is merely to declare that they live together. But the legal consequences remain limited to what the law or receiving institution recognizes.

Can same-sex partners execute it?

As a factual declaration of living together, they may execute an affidavit stating cohabitation for administrative or private purposes, subject to the receiving institution’s rules. But the marriage-license-exemption form tied to a man and a woman is a different matter and should not be confused with general cohabitation proof.

Can the affidavit be backdated?

It should never be falsely dated. The execution date should reflect the true date it is sworn to. The affidavit may state that cohabitation began on an earlier date, if true.

Is the affidavit enough proof by itself?

Sometimes it is accepted administratively, but many offices ask for supporting documents.

Can the affidavit correct a wrong civil status in official records?

No. Official civil registry corrections require the proper legal or administrative process.

XXVII. Suggested wording improvements depending on purpose

For better results, tailor the “purpose” clause.

For residency:

“for the purpose of proving our common residence and household membership.”

For employment benefit:

“for the purpose of supporting my application/claim for employment-related benefits.”

For insurance:

“for the purpose of supporting my insurance claim and establishing our common household.”

For school:

“for the purpose of establishing household relationship and shared residence.”

For visa/embassy:

“for the purpose of documenting the continuity and genuineness of our domestic partnership and shared residence.”

For marriage without license:

“for the purpose of supporting our intended marriage under the applicable exemption from the marriage license requirement.”

XXVIII. Model concise version

For offices that want a short affidavit:

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) CITY OF __________ ) S.S.

AFFIDAVIT OF COHABITATION

I/We, [name/s], of legal age, [citizenship], and residing at [address], after having been duly sworn, hereby state that:

I am / We are residing at [address];
I have / We have been living together with [name of partner] since [date];
We maintain one common household at said address;
This affidavit is executed to attest to the foregoing facts for [purpose].

Affiant/s further sayeth naught.

[signatures]

[notarial jurat]

This short form is acceptable only when the receiving office does not require more detail.

XXIX. Final legal cautions

An Affidavit of Cohabitation is simple in appearance but can be legally significant. In the Philippines, it may affect questions involving marriage formalities, property, benefits, legitimacy of claims, and civil status. Because of that:

it must be accurate;
it should be purpose-specific;
it should not claim more than what the facts and law support;
it should be backed by documents whenever possible;
it should never be used to conceal a prior marriage or any legal impediment.

The safest approach is to treat the affidavit as a fact document, not as a magic substitute for civil registry papers, court orders, marriage certificates, or statutory requirements.

XXX. Clean editable template

Below is a blank version that can be filled in:

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF __________________ ) S.S.

AFFIDAVIT OF COHABITATION

I/We, ________________________________, of legal age, __________________, __________________, and residing at ________________________________________________, after having been duly sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and state that:

That I am / We are presently residing at ________________________________________________;
That I have been / We have been living together with ________________________________ since __________________ at the above address / at the following addresses: ________________________________________________;
That our cohabitation has been continuous and public, and we maintain one common household;
That this affidavit is being executed for the purpose of ________________________________________________;
That the foregoing statements are true and correct based on my / our personal knowledge.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I/we have hereunto set my/our hand/s this ___ day of __________ 20___ at ____________________________, Philippines.

____________________________ Signature over printed name

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this ___ day of __________ 20___ at ____________________________, Philippines, affiant/s having exhibited to me the following competent evidence of identity:

________________________________________________ ________________________________________________

NOTARY PUBLIC

Doc. No. ____; Page No. ____; Book No. _; Series of 20.

A well-made Affidavit of Cohabitation in the Philippines is one that is truthful, specific, properly notarized, matched to the exact legal purpose, and supported by documents where needed.