If you're a British citizen who is planning to get married or register a civil partnership in Italy, there are specific documents you might need from the UK government.
One crucial document is the Certificate of No Impediment (CNI). This guide will help you understand the necessary steps and requirements to ensure a smooth and legally recognized marriage in Italy for British Nationals.
Getting Married in Italy
Initial Steps
Contact the Local Authorities: Before anything else, contact the local town hall (comune) where you plan to marry to understand the specific local marriage laws and the documents required.
Proving Eligibility to Marry
Certificate of No Impediment (CNI): Both you and your partner (if they are also British) will need a CNI. This certificate proves that you are legally free to marry.
Statutory Declaration: Alongside the CNI, you’ll need a statutory declaration, which must be signed in front of a solicitor or public notary in the UK.
Obtaining the CNI and Statutory Declaration
Appointment at Local Register Office: Schedule an appointment at your local register office to give notice of your marriage. The CNI costs £35. Ensure you bring the necessary documents to your appointment.
Public Display: Your notice of marriage will be displayed publicly for 28 days. If no objections are raised, you can collect your CNI after this period.
Validity: CNIs issued in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland do not expire. Those issued in Scotland expire after 3 months. In Italy, a CNI is valid for 6 months.
Legalization and Translation
Legalization: The statutory declaration and CNI must be legalized by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).
Translation: Obtain a certified translation of your CNI from an approved translator. If your documents are not in English or Italian, they must be translated and legalized.
Make sure to contact a professional translator, to get a quality service and I can be your go-to translator for that. I don't just do translation, but I strive to assist my clients throughout the process.
Name Changes
Name Consistency: If your name on any documents differs from your birth certificate, provide evidence of your name change (e.g., marriage certificate, deed poll) to the Italian marriage authorities.
Completing the Marriage
Submitting Documents: Present your CNI and statutory declaration to the officiant (a priest for religious ceremonies or a registrar at the town hall for civil ceremonies).
Post-Marriage Recognition
Recognition in the UK: Your marriage will be recognized in the UK if it follows Italian law and is also permissible under UK law. There is no need to register your marriage in the UK. Additional copies of your marriage certificate can be requested from the local comune in Italy.
British Citizenship for Non-British Partners: Non-British partners can apply for British citizenship after living in the UK for three years.
Alternative Process for UK Citizens Residing in Italy
Getting a Nulla Osta
Nulla Osta: If you’re in Italy, you can obtain a Nulla Osta instead of returning to the UK for a CNI. Make an appointment at the British Embassy in Rome. If visiting the embassy is not feasible, complete the application pack, sign in front of an Italian notary, and send the documents to the embassy.
Required Documents
Documents for Nulla Osta:
Passport (yours and a copy of your partner’s)
Notice of marriage and affirmation or affidavit for marriage forms
Residency certificate (if residing in Italy)
Proof of stay in Italy for at least three days before giving notice (if not residing in Italy)
Documents proving the end of previous marriages or civil partnerships (if applicable)
Fees and Process
Fees: It costs £50 to give notice and another £50 for the Nulla Osta, payable by card or local currency.
Notice Display: The British embassy will display your notice of marriage for seven days. If no objections are raised, the Nulla Osta will be ready within two weeks.
Legalization and Translation
Legalization of Supporting Documents: Supporting documents need to be legalized and translated if not in English or Italian. The Nulla Osta itself does not require translation or legalization.
For UK Citizens Living Outside the UK
Proving Eligibility: Choose between travelling to the UK to obtain a CNI and statutory declaration or going to Italy to get a Nulla Osta.
Navigating the requirements for getting married or registering a civil partnership in Italy can be complex, but understanding the processes and necessary documents simplifies the task. For British nationals, obtaining the right documentation ensures your marriage is recognized both locally and in the UK, allowing you to focus on celebrating your special day.
For personalized advice and assistance, reach out to me! I can guide you through each step of the way, ensuring all legalities are correctly handled.
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