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Certificate of Cohabitation
I need a certificate of cohabitation to verify that my partner and I have been living together at the same address in Singapore for at least 2 years, for the purpose of applying for a joint tenancy agreement. The document should include both of our names, the address, and the duration of cohabitation.
What is a Certificate of Cohabitation?
A Certificate of Cohabitation proves that two people are living together at the same address in Singapore. It's commonly used by unmarried couples, especially when one partner is a foreigner, to support visa applications, shared housing arrangements, or financial matters.
This official document, issued by a law firm or notary public, carries significant weight with Singapore authorities. Many couples use it to demonstrate their genuine relationship status when applying for Long Term Visit Passes, opening joint bank accounts, or dealing with housing matters through HDB. The certificate requires both parties to provide proof of their shared residence and sign declarations in front of a legal professional.
When should you use a Certificate of Cohabitation?
Get a Certificate of Cohabitation when you need to prove your live-in relationship status in Singapore, especially for immigration matters. This document becomes essential when applying for a Long Term Visit Pass, demonstrating relationship legitimacy to authorities, or processing housing applications with your partner.
The certificate proves particularly valuable for international couples where one partner is a foreigner, helping smooth visa processes and financial arrangements. It's also useful when opening joint bank accounts, applying for shared housing benefits, or handling insurance policies that require proof of cohabitation. Getting it early helps avoid delays in these important life decisions.
What are the different types of Certificate of Cohabitation?
- Standard Notarized Certificate: Most common type, signed by a Singapore notary public, ideal for immigration and visa applications
- Law Firm Issued Certificate: Carries additional legal weight, includes detailed verification of residency proof and relationship status
- Simplified Declaration: Basic version used mainly for non-government purposes like rental agreements or utility accounts
- Enhanced Certificate: Includes comprehensive supporting documentation, witness statements, and detailed cohabitation history for complex immigration cases
- Temporary Certificate: Short-term version covering specific time periods, often used for provisional arrangements or temporary visa extensions
Who should typically use a Certificate of Cohabitation?
- Unmarried Couples: Primary users who need to prove their cohabitation status, especially when one partner is a foreigner
- Notary Public Officers: Verify identities, witness declarations, and issue the official certificate
- Immigration Officers: Review these certificates when processing visa applications or Long Term Visit Passes
- Law Firms: Draft and authenticate certificates, ensuring compliance with Singapore's legal requirements
- HDB Officers: Use these certificates when processing housing applications or matters related to shared residency
- Bank Officials: Reference these documents when couples apply for joint financial products or accounts
How do you write a Certificate of Cohabitation?
- Personal Details: Gather full legal names, NRIC/passport numbers, and contact details for both parties
- Residence Proof: Collect utility bills, tenancy agreements, or official correspondence showing shared address
- Relationship Evidence: Prepare photos, joint bank statements, or other documents showing ongoing cohabitation
- Identity Documents: Have valid passports, NRICs, or work passes ready for verification
- Timeline Details: Document the start date of cohabitation and intended duration
- Notary Appointment: Schedule a visit to a notary public or law firm for official certification
- Supporting Declarations: Prepare statements from neighbors or property managers if required
What should be included in a Certificate of Cohabitation?
- Personal Information: Full legal names, identification numbers, and current contact details of both parties
- Residential Details: Complete shared address and duration of cohabitation
- Declaration Statement: Clear affirmation of voluntary cohabitation and relationship status
- Purpose Clause: Specific intended use of the certificate (immigration, housing, banking)
- Supporting Evidence: List of attached documents proving shared residence
- Witness Section: Space for notary public's signature, seal, and certification details
- Signature Block: Dated signatures of both parties with declarations of truthfulness
- Legal Framework: Reference to relevant Singapore laws and regulations
What's the difference between a Certificate of Cohabitation and a Cohabitation Agreement?
A Certificate of Cohabitation differs significantly from a Cohabitation Agreement in both purpose and legal effect. While both documents relate to living arrangements, they serve distinct functions in Singapore's legal framework.
- Legal Purpose: A Certificate of Cohabitation simply proves that two people live together, while a Cohabitation Agreement outlines rights, responsibilities, and financial arrangements between partners
- Timing: Certificates are typically obtained after establishing cohabitation, whereas Agreements are created before or at the start of living together
- Scope: Certificates focus solely on verifying living arrangements, while Agreements cover property division, expenses, and potential separation terms
- Legal Weight: Certificates serve mainly as proof for third parties like immigration authorities, while Agreements function as binding contracts between partners
- Duration: Certificates usually reflect current status, while Agreements govern the entire period of cohabitation and potential separation
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