Updated
GL-A-08
Glossary · Documents and legalization
Affidavit - a sworn statement when the document you need does not exist
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
Which fact to confirm and in what form it will be accepted.
Draft a precise text
Specific facts, dates and names, no assumptions.
Swear it under oath
Signing before a notary or authorised lawyer.
Apostille and translation
Apostille or legalisation, then translation.
File it with the attachments
The statement and supporting documents in one package.
05 / Key facts
What you need to know
01What it is
A written statement under oath
A person confirms facts before a notary or authorised lawyer and is responsible for their accuracy.
02When it is used
No official document exists
Marital status, family ties, source of funds, lost documents, differences in how a name is spelled.
03Liability
Personal
False statements lead to refusal of the application and legal consequences.
04Abroad
Apostille and translation
For another country to accept it, it needs an apostille or legalisation and a translation.
Common mistakes
Writing in general phrases
State specific facts, dates, names and places.
Stating what cannot be proven
Write only what you know and can back up with documents.
Using an affidavit instead of an available certificate
Request the official document first; use an affidavit only if none exists.
Filing without supporting documents
Attach documents that support what you state.
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
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Tell us what outcome your family needs
We will design a solution for your case, choose the country and the right status, and take the whole process through to the result.
