How to Obtain a Certificate of No Impediment for Marriage in Italy (Guide for British Citizens)

13 Nov How to Obtain a Certificate of No Impediment for Marriage in Italy (Guide for British Citizens)

Introduction:
If you’re planning to get married in Italy and are a British citizen residing in the UK, you will need a crucial document: the Certificate of No Impediment (CNI), also known as Nulla Osta. This certificate confirms that there are no legal barriers to your marriage and ensures compliance with both Italian and British laws. Here is a simple and comprehensive guide on how to obtain it and everything you need to know for your wedding in Italy.

What is the Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage?
The CNI is a legal document issued by your local civil registry office in the UK, certifying that no legal impediments exist to your marriage. This certificate can only be issued if there are no obstacles such as:

• Inadequate age
• Close family relationships
• Criminal records or past offences
• Lack of mental capacity

The CNI must also be apostilled, meaning it needs to be certified with an official stamp that confirms its international validity. In Italy, the CNI is required to ensure that the marriage complies with both Italian laws and those of the foreign partner’s country.

Why is it Necessary?
The Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is essential for:

• Legal compliance: It ensures that the marriage is lawful in both Italy and the partner’s home country.
• Official registration: It is required to register the marriage in Italy.

Difference Between a Civil Status Certificate and CNI
Don’t confuse the Civil Status Certificate with the CNI. The Civil Status Certificate is a generic document used for various purposes, while the CNI is specifically required for marriage.

How Long Does It Take to Obtain the CNI?
Obtaining the CNI can take up to a couple of months, depending on your registration with AIRE (Registry of Italians Residing Abroad). It’s essential to ensure that the Italian Consulate has your correct address to receive the certificate.

CNI Validity
The Certificate of No Impediment is valid for six months from the date of issue. Since bureaucratic procedures can be lengthy, it’s advisable to start the process well in advance to avoid delays.

The Four Steps to Obtain the Certificate of No Impediment
Here are the four key steps to obtain the Certificate of No Impediment for marriage:

1. Request the CNI:
   Notify your local registry office in the UK of your upcoming marriage. After a notice period, the CNI will be issued. It’s important to ensure that the names on the certificate match exactly with those on the passports.
2. Statutory Declaration:
   While waiting for the CNI, you need to make a legal declaration (statutory declaration) in front of a lawyer or notary in the UK. This declaration, required by Italian authorities, is bilingual, so translation will not be necessary.
3. Document Legalisation:
   Once you have the CNI and statutory declaration, send both documents to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Legalisation Office for an apostille.
4. Translation of the CNI:
   The apostilled CNI must be translated into Italian through a sworn translation in Italy.

How to Obtain a Sworn Translation of the CNI?

• Send the original apostilled certificate to the translator in Italy.
• The translator will swear an oath regarding the accuracy of the translation at an Italian court, signing and stamping the document.
• You will receive the translated document, ready for use in all marriage-related procedures in Italy.

Benefits of a Sworn Translation
We understand this process can seem complex, but relying on a professional translator is crucial. A sworn translation ensures:

• Legal validity: The sworn translation is officially recognised by Italian authorities.
• Accuracy: A professional translator guarantees a precise and reliable translation.
• Compliance: Using a professional service ensures adherence to Italian regulations.

Documents Required for British Citizens Marrying in Italy
Every British citizen residing in the UK must have:

• The CNI issued and legalised in the UK, officially translated in Italy.
• A bilingual statutory declaration legalised in the UK.
• A British passport.

Conclusion:
Organising a wedding in Italy may seem complicated, but by following these steps and preparing your documents in advance, you can avoid bureaucratic problems and focus on what really matters: celebrating your special day!