Affidavit
Affidavit
- 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
In plain words
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.
When an affidavit is used
What the document must contain
- Full passport details
- Legal capacity
- Personal signature
- Specific facts
- No assumptions
- A logical sequence
- A notary or lawyer
- Wording of the oath
- Date and place
- Apostille where required
- Sworn translation
- Supporting evidence attached
How it is drawn up
- 01Confirm the authority’s requirements
- 02Draft a precise text
- 03Swear it under oath
- 04Apostille and translation
- 05File it with the attachments
What you need to know
- The declarant is responsible for the accuracy of the information
- An affidavit does not replace an official document where one exists
- The text is written specifically, without general phrases
- Supporting documents are usually attached to the statement
- 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
What this means for a BRIDGES client
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.
Frequently asked questions
01 /What is an affidavit?
A written statement of facts under oath, certified by a notary or an authorised lawyer.
02 /When is it used?
When a fact needs to be confirmed but no official document exists or it is impossible to obtain one.
03 /What is the liability for false information?
Serious: from refusal of the application to legal liability. Only state what you can confirm.
04 /Does it replace a certificate?
No. If an official document exists and is available, it is that document that must be filed. An affidavit is a fallback.
05 /Are attachments needed?
Preferably. A statement backed up by documents is received much better than a bare assertion.
06 /Is an apostille needed?
For use abroad — as a rule, yes, plus a sworn translation under the rules of the receiving country.
See also
Read next
This material has undergone editorial review by BRIDGES.
No document to confirm a fact?
We will work out how it can be covered and how to draw up the statement so that it is accepted.