Updated
GL-A-08
01 / In 30 seconds
The short answer
- What it is
- A written statement of facts made under oath
- Who certifies
- A notary or an authorised lawyer, depending on the country
- When it is used
- When a fact needs to be confirmed but there is no official document
- What matters
- The declarant is responsible for accuracy — up to legal consequences
- Typical cases
- Marital status, family relationships, source of funds, loss of documents
02 / In plain words
What Affidavit means
An affidavit is a written statement of facts that a person makes under oath and confirms before a notary or an authorised lawyer. Put simply: an official “I declare that this is so”, with legal liability for what is said.
Such a document is used when a fact needs to be confirmed but no ordinary certificate exists or it is impossible to obtain one. Classic situations: confirming marital status or family relationships, explaining the source of funds, declaring the loss of documents, confirming actual residence, explaining discrepancies in the spelling of a name.
The key feature is personal liability. The declarant is responsible for the accuracy of what is stated, and false information can have serious consequences, up to refusal of the application and legal liability. That is why the text is worded carefully: only what you actually know and can confirm, without assumptions or general phrases.
A case from practice
A discrepancy in the spelling of a surname in documents from different years was explained by an affidavit with supporting documents attached. The matter was closed without further requests because the statement was specific and backed up.
When an affidavit is used
- Confirming marital status
- Family relationships where there are no documents
- Explaining the source of funds
- Declaring the loss of documents
- Discrepancies in the spelling of a name
- Confirming actual residence
03 / What it covers
What the document must contain
Declarant
- Full passport details
- Legal capacity
- Personal signature
Content
- Specific facts
- No assumptions
- A logical sequence
Certification
- A notary or lawyer
- Wording of the oath
- Date and place
Use
- Apostille where required
- Sworn translation
- Supporting evidence attached
04 / How it works
How it is drawn up
Confirm the authority’s requirements
Draft a precise text
Swear it under oath
Apostille and translation
File it with the attachments
05 / Key facts
What you need to know
01
The declarant is responsible for the accuracy of the information
02
An affidavit does not replace an official document where one exists
03
The text is written specifically, without general phrases
04
Supporting documents are usually attached to the statement
05
For use abroad an apostille and a translation are needed
Common mistakes
- Writing in general terms instead of specific facts
- Stating what you cannot confirm
- Using an affidavit instead of an available official certificate
- Filing without supporting attachments
- Copying someone else’s template without adapting it to the situation
06 / Expert advice
How to prepare in advance
First check whether there is an official document that confirms the same fact: an affidavit is a fallback, not the first choice. The text is drafted by lawyers to meet the requirements of the particular authority, as specifically as possible, and is backed up with attachments. Only state what you are prepared to confirm.
What we do for you. We use affidavits selectively — where there really is no official document — and always back them up with evidence. A statement without attachments carries little weight in a check and often raises additional questions.
Anna KovalevskayaLead lawyer for EU citizenship and residency, 12 years of practice
07 / Questions
Frequently asked questions
A written statement of facts under oath, certified by a notary or an authorised lawyer.
When a fact needs to be confirmed but no official document exists or it is impossible to obtain one.
Serious: from refusal of the application to legal liability. Only state what you can confirm.
No. If an official document exists and is available, it is that document that must be filed. An affidavit is a fallback.
Preferably. A statement backed up by documents is received much better than a bare assertion.
For use abroad — as a rule, yes, plus a sworn translation under the rules of the receiving country.
Related terms
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