The legal paperwork you need to hold a civil partnership ceremony overseas can be confusing. Fortunately we can help you to get the documents you need.

The local British embassy’s website has specific info and the marriage and civil partnerships abroad page has useful advice.

You should always contact a lawyer in the UK and the local authorities abroad – list of foreign embassies in the UK.

Will my civil partnership be legal in the UK?

The UK currently recognises civil partnership certificates from:

• Belgium
• Canada
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Iceland
• the Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• some states of the USA

What documents do I need to enter into a civil partnership abroad?

In some countries you’ll need to provide a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) – the local British embassy’s website will tell you this.  

You may also need to exchange the UK CNI for a Consular CNI at the British embassy.

The CNI and other documents may also need to be legalised by the UK Legalisation Office.

Can I get a British civil partnership certificate if I marry abroad?

No, you will get a certificate of civil partnership from the country you hold the ceremony in.

Can I register an overseas civil partnership in the UK when I return?

No, but you can have your civil partnership documents deposited with the General Register Office (GRO).  

This isn’t compulsory, but it means your certificate is kept by the GRO as an official record. We can deposit your certificate for you.

Please note: you’ll need to get your documents translated if they’re not in English.

Can my foreign partner get a British passport once we’re in a civil partnership?

If you and your partner settle in the UK after entering a civil partnership your partner can apply for naturalisation after three years. The Nationality Directorate of the UK Border Agency can provide more information on this.