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A Certificate of Cohabitation is a legal document that confirms two people are living together as partners without being married. In Nigeria, couples can get this certificate from their local government office to prove their living arrangement, which can be important for visa applications, shared rental agreements, or opening joint bank accounts.

While not as legally binding as a marriage certificate, this document helps cohabiting partners handle practical matters like shared finances and property arrangements. It's particularly useful for Nigerian couples who choose to live together before marriage, or those who need to demonstrate their relationship status for immigration or employment purposes.

Get a Certificate of Cohabitation when you need to formally prove your living arrangement with your partner in Nigeria. This document becomes essential for visa applications, especially if you're planning to travel together or join your partner abroad. Banks often require it for opening joint accounts, and some landlords ask for it when renting property to unmarried couples.

The certificate also helps protect both partners' interests in shared financial commitments and property arrangements. It's particularly valuable when applying for certain employment benefits, insurance policies, or when one partner needs to make medical decisions for the other during emergencies. Getting it early can prevent complications in these situations.

• Standard Residential Certificate: The most common type, issued by local government authorities to prove couples share a home address. Perfect for rental agreements and bank accounts.
• Long-term Cohabitation Certificate: Includes additional documentation showing a history of living together, often needed for immigration purposes.
• Comprehensive Partnership Certificate: Details shared financial responsibilities and property arrangements, useful for legal protection.
• Emergency Contact Certificate: Specifically focuses on medical decision-making rights and hospital visitation privileges.
• Employment Benefits Certificate: Tailored for workplace benefits, showing eligibility for partner coverage in health insurance and other programs.

• Cohabiting Partners: The main users who request and maintain the Certificate of Cohabitation to prove their living arrangement and relationship status.
• Local Government Officials: Authorized personnel who verify living arrangements, process applications, and issue the official certificates.
• Banks and Financial Institutions: Use these certificates to approve joint accounts and shared financial services for unmarried couples.
• Immigration Officers: Review these documents when processing visa applications or residence permits for partners.
• Landlords and Property Managers: Accept these certificates as proof of legitimate shared tenancy arrangements.
• Healthcare Providers: Rely on these documents to grant partner visitation rights and medical decision-making authority.

• Personal Documentation: Gather valid ID cards, passport photos, and proof of current address for both partners.
• Residence Proof: Collect utility bills, tenancy agreement, or property documents showing shared address for at least 3 months.
• Local Government Visit: Schedule an appointment at your local government office for document verification and processing.
• Witness Statements: Arrange for two credible witnesses who can confirm your cohabitation status.
• Declaration Forms: Complete the official cohabitation declaration forms, available at the local government office.
• Processing Fee: Prepare the required payment for certificate processing and issuance.
• Document Review: Double-check all information for accuracy before final submission.

• Personal Details: Full legal names, dates of birth, and national identification numbers of both partners.
• Residential Information: Current shared address and duration of cohabitation.
• Declaration Statement: Clear assertion of voluntary cohabitation and mutual responsibilities.
• Witness Information: Names, addresses, and signatures of two witnesses.
• Official Authentication: Local government stamp, reference number, and date of issuance.
• Partner Signatures: Dated signatures of both cohabiting partners.
• Verification Clause: Statement confirming the truthfulness of provided information.
• Purpose Statement: Intended use of the certificate (banking, immigration, etc.).

A Certificate of Cohabitation differs significantly from a Cohabitation Agreement in both purpose and legal weight. While both documents relate to unmarried couples living together, they serve distinct functions in Nigerian law.

• Legal Status: A Certificate of Cohabitation simply proves that two people live together, while a Cohabitation Agreement is a binding contract that outlines rights and responsibilities.
• Purpose: Certificates are mainly used for third-party verification (banks, immigration), whereas Agreements govern the relationship between partners.
• Content Scope: Certificates contain basic facts about living arrangements, while Agreements detail property division, financial obligations, and dispute resolution.
• Duration: Certificates typically need regular renewal and verify current status, but Agreements remain valid until terminated or modified.
• Legal Protection: Agreements offer stronger legal protection in property disputes or separations, while Certificates serve primarily as proof of status.