How do I arrange a civil partnership abroad?
Arranging a civil partnership in the UK can be stressful enough without the further complication of an unfamiliar law and coping with a foreign language. To minimise worry you should always conduct as much research as possible both in the country where you intend to form your civil partnership and at home.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website should be your first port of call and guides you through all the stages of arranging a civil partnership abroad. It is up to you to do the work. Not every country recognises civil partnerships therefore the responsibility lies with you to make sure you have understood the legal requirements of the country you wish to form your civil partnership in. You must also ensure you have applied for and supplied the correct documentation to the relevant authorities all within the stated timescales.
Certificates of No Impediment
For the majority of people wishing to form a civil partnership, the document that is most requested by the foreign authority as proof that a couple are both free to proceed with a partnership is a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI). The process to obtain it is very similar to Giving Notice (where both parties reside and form a civil partnership in England or Wales) and similar documentation is shown to the issuing authority. In many cases it can be issued by the Superintendent Registrar in the District where you live (England and Wales only) but this does depend on individual circumstances.
If you live in Blackpool, are planning to form a civil partnership abroad and have been told by the foreign authority that you need a CNI, contact the Register Office using the methods on the right.
Some general advice
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If you are unsure whether civil partnership in a foreign country is legal or whether it will then be legally recognised in the UK, you should consult a solicitor.
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Leave plenty of time to organise a civil partnership abroad as you have the added responsibility of obtaining the correct documentation in the UK and perhaps supplying it in person to a foreign authority.
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If you are purchasing a civil partnership package from a travel agent, make sure you know exactly what tasks the operator is responsible for and what legal arrangements or documentation you need to organise.
See also the
FAQ: How do I register an overseas birth, marriage, civil partnership or death in the UK?