top of page
Sara Piccinini

What is a Certificate of No Impediment?

A Comprehensive Guide for Couples Wishing to Marry in Italy


If you plan to tie the knot in Italy, you might have encountered the term "Nulla Osta" in Italian, a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage. This document is crucial for foreign citizens wishing to get married in Italy.


This guide will delve into what a Certificate of No Impediment is, why it’s necessary, and how to obtain it, ensuring a smooth path to your Italian wedding.




wedding rings on a page or certificate of marriage
wedding rings



What is a Certificate of No Impediment?


According to Article 116 of the Italian Civil Code, the Certificate of No Impediment is a certificate confirming that there are no legal impediments to the marriage of foreign citizens in Italy.


This document ensures that the marriage complies with the laws of both the couple's country of origin and the Italian Republic.

Obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment?


The process to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment varies depending on bilateral agreements between Italy and your country of origin. Here are the general steps involved:


1.     Request from Your Country’s Public Administration:


The first step is to approach the local clerks in your country of origin to obtain a document that confirms your free marital status. This could be a Certificate of No Impediment or a similar document, depending on international agreements.


2.     Legalization and Translation:


Once you have the necessary document, you may need to have it legalized by the relevant offices in your country. Following this, the document must be translated into Italian.


The translation process can differ based on your country's legal system:


  • Sometimes the Italian town hall accepts a most simple and direct certified translation, but this depends on the purposes and the authority to which you have to submit your documents.


  • Alternatively, you can either use the services of the Italian Consulate in your country or have the document translated into Italy. In Italy, translations are often done through a process called "Asseverazione", where a freelance translator declares before a court official that the translation is true and accurate to the original.


It's important to evaluate each case individually, considering the specific agreements between Italy and your country.


Always better to ask directly the competent authority which requires translations, to know which is the most suitable service they need.


As a professional legal translator specializing in both sworn and certified translations in Italy, I offer comprehensive assistance throughout this process.


If you have a specific case or need a quote, feel free to reach out. Together, we can determine the best course of action to ensure your marriage in Italy proceeds without any legal obstacles.

Navigating the bureaucratic requirements for getting married in a foreign country can be daunting. However, understanding the role and requirements of the Certificate of No Impediment simplifies the process.


By ensuring you have the correct documentation and legalizations in place, you can focus on celebrating your special day without unnecessary stress.


For tailored advice and support, don’t hesitate to contact me. Let's make your dream of an Italian wedding a reality, seamlessly and legally.

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page