What is a Certificate of No Impediment?
A Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) is a document that shows you are free to marry or enter into a civil partnership. It is also known as a Certificate of Freedom to Marry or a Certificate of Nulla Osta. This certificate is required if you are planning to get married or enter into a civil partnership outside of the UK. It is also required if you are planning to get married or enter into a civil partnership in the UK and one or both of you are from overseas.
Who can apply for a Certificate of No Impediment?
To apply for a Certificate of No Impediment, you must be over 16 years old and have never been married or in a civil partnership before. If you have been married or in a civil partnership before, you will need to provide a divorce certificate or a death certificate of your former partner.
You must also be a British citizen or have lived in the UK for at least 7 days before you apply. If you are not a British citizen, you will need to prove that you have the legal right to live in the UK.
How to apply for a Certificate of No Impediment
The process of applying for a Certificate of No Impediment in the UK is straightforward and can be done in a few simple steps. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Certificate of No Impediment:
Step 1: Book an appointment
You will need to book an appointment at your local register office to apply for a Certificate of No Impediment. You can find your local register office by visiting the UK Government website.
Step 2: Provide the necessary documents
When you attend your appointment, you will need to provide certain documents to prove your identity and eligibility to apply for a Certificate of No Impediment. These documents may include your passport, birth certificate, and proof of address.
You will also need to provide details of your intended marriage or civil partnership, including the date and location of the ceremony.
Step 3: Pay the fee
There is a fee to apply for a Certificate of No Impediment, which varies depending on where you live in the UK. You will need to pay this fee at the time of your appointment.
Step 4: Wait for your certificate
Once you have provided all the necessary documents and paid the fee, the register office will process your application and issue your Certificate of No Impediment. This usually takes around 28 days.
Conclusion
Getting a Certificate of No Impediment is a necessary step if you are planning to get married or enter into a civil partnership outside of the UK. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can apply for and receive your certificate in a timely manner, allowing you to proceed with your wedding or civil partnership plans with confidence.
