How to Get a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) in the UK

What are the eligibility requirements for obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)?

If you're a UK citizen planning to marry abroad, you’ll likely need a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI), a document that confirms you're legally free to marry. 

To obtain one, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and provide the appropriate documents at your local registry office. These requirements include; 

• You must be at least 18 years old. 
• You can't already be married to someone else. If you've been married before, you need to show that you're divorced or that your previous spouse has passed away.
• You should be a resident in the UK to apply for it.

Documents required to apply for a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)

When applying at your local registry office, you'll need to bring the following:

• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Adoption certificate (if applicable)
• Deed poll if you’ve changed your name
• Proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement
• Death or divorce certificate if previously married
• Certified translations for any documents not in English
• Proof of Payment of the CNI fee, which varies by local authority. In some registry offices, it’s £35. It's advisable to check with your local registry office for the exact fee applicable in your area.

Some offices offer an express or fast-track CNI service at an additional fee, especially if your ceremony is approaching soon. Always check directly with your local registry office or their website to confirm fees and processing times.

Note: As of 3 February 2025, the UK government no longer accepts paper applications for CNIs or Marital Status Certificates (MSCs) for marriages taking place in Spain. All applications must be made online via the official UK government channels.

Before applying, it's essential to contact the Spanish Civil Registry in the region where your wedding will take place, as requirements vary by province. They may also require documents such as a Certificate of Residency or a Statutory Declaration in addition to the CNI or MSC.

How to apply for a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)

1. Prepare all the required documents: First, think of this as gathering all the important papers that tell your story. Following the documents stated above, prepare your application portfolio.
    
2. Make an appointment with your local registry office: In the UK, CNIs are issued by the local registry office where you reside. You must make an appointment and attend in person to give notice of your intention to marry abroad. The process may vary slightly depending on your location, so it's important to check with your local registry office for specific instructions.
    
3. Understand the processing time: After you've given all your papers to the registry office, there's a bit of a wait, usually about 28 days, when they make sure everything is in order and that nobody has any objections to your marriage. The total time from when you start the process until you have your CNI can vary. Sometimes it's quick, and other times it might take a bit longer, so it's wise to start this well before your wedding date.
    
4. The role of certified translations in obtaining a CNI: A reputable translation agency can provide certified translation services that are recognised by UK authorities. This is essential for the successful processing of your CNI application, as any document submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation to be considered valid.
    

                                                                 Sample of a certificate of no impediment?

What is the validity period of a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)?

The validity period of a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) varies by country but is typically around three to six months from the date of issue. A Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) issued in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland does not have an official expiry date. However, its validity depends on the country where you plan to marry. 

Many countries require the CNI to be issued within a specific timeframe, typically within the last three to six months. To avoid issues, always check with the local authorities in your destination country to ensure your CNI will be accepted at the time of your wedding.

How to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) for non-UK citizens

Non-UK citizens residing in the UK and planning to marry abroad may also need to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI), depending on the requirements of the destination country. While the process is generally similar to that for UK nationals, it may require additional documentation.

Most importantly, non-UK citizens will usually need to provide proof of their legal residence status in the UK, such as a valid visa, residence permit, or immigration status documentation. Depending on the country where the marriage is taking place, some authorities may not accept a CNI issued to a foreign national. In such cases, the General Register Office may instead issue a "No Trace Letter," confirming that there is no record of a marriage in England and Wales.

Always check with the embassy or local marriage authorities of the destination country to confirm which document, whether a CNI or a No Trace Letter, is acceptable in your situation.

Contact the British Embassy if based overseas

If you're living abroad and need a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) to get married, your first point of contact should be the nearest British embassy, high commission, or consulate. These offices can guide you through the application process based on local laws. They may also be able to issue the CNI or help you obtain alternative documents if a CNI is not provided in your current country of residence. It’s important to book an appointment in advance, bring all required documents (including proof of address abroad and marital status), and check local timelines, as processing times may vary significantly by country.

Getting married in a Commonwealth country

Marriage requirements vary across Commonwealth countries, so it's important to confirm what documentation is needed well ahead of your ceremony. Some Commonwealth countries, like Australia and Canada, may accept a CNI from the UK. Others may request additional documents such as an affidavit of marital status, a statutory declaration, or even a "No Record of Marriage" letter. While the shared legal heritage between Commonwealth nations can make the process smoother, don't assume universal standards. Always check with local authorities or the destination country's embassy in the UK to ensure compliance.

What are the alternatives to a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)?  

If you're unable to get a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI), don't worry, many countries accept other documents that prove you're free to marry. Here are some common alternatives that may be accepted depending on your destination.

1. Affidavit or sworn declaration: Some countries accept an affidavit or a sworn declaration made in front of a notary public or solicitor in the UK. This document can state your single status and your free will to marry. It's a personal declaration about your eligibility for marriage.
    
2. Statutory declaration of single status: Similar to an affidavit, this is a formal statement made by you, declaring that you are legally free to marry. This declaration must be signed in the presence of a solicitor or a notary public.
    
3. Letter of no trace: As mentioned earlier, a Letter of No Trace is issued by the UK government when a CNI cannot be provided. It states that a search has been conducted and no record of a current marriage has been found in your name within the UK. However, acceptance of this document varies by country.
    
4. Consular services: In some cases, the British embassy or consulate in the country where you wish to marry may provide assistance or documents that can serve as an alternative to a CNI. This could involve issuing a consular letter stating that the UK government has no objection to the marriage. The availability and acceptance of such services depend on the receiving country.
    
5. Using a marriage licence issued in the destination country: Some countries may allow foreign nationals to marry under a marriage licence issued by their local authorities. This would involve applying for and complying with the marriage requirements of the country where the wedding will take place.

It is important to note that the UK does not issue Certificates of No Impediment for marriages taking place in Commonwealth countries. In such cases, alternative documents like a statutory declaration or an affidavit of single status, notarised by a solicitor or a notary public, may be required. Always check with the local authorities of the destination country where you intend to marry for specific requirements. 

Getting an apostille for a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)

After obtaining your Certificate of No Impediment (CNI), you may need to have it legalised with an apostille to confirm its authenticity for use abroad. This process is handled by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). 

Note that CNIs are not eligible for electronic apostilles (e-apostilles) and must be processed in their original paper form. It's not always needed, but when it is, it's basically a stamp of approval from your own country that the document is genuine and should be accepted everywhere.

Legalise your Certificate of No Impediment with MSC notaries

Some countries require your CNI to be legalised, meaning it needs to be officially verified for international use, often through an Apostille stamp issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). In such cases, Translayte partners with MSC Notaries, a trusted UK notary public, to handle the legalisation process on your behalf.

Through this partnership, we help you:

• Notarise your CNI or supporting documents
• Obtain an Apostille for use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention
• Provide certified translations of your legalised documents where required

This combined service is ideal for couples facing complex international requirements or short timelines. You don’t need to deal with multiple agencies, we’ll manage everything for you in one streamlined process.

Countries where a CNI may not be required

A CNI is typically not required in the following countries:

• France
• Italy
• Portugal
• Mexico
• Thailand
• Indonesia (Bali)
• Greece
• USA (some states, like New York or California, may not require one)

Note: Even if a CNI is not required, you may still be asked to provide proof of marital status or legal capacity to marry in another form. Always consult the embassy or marriage registrar in your destination country to verify the documents they accept.

How can Translayte help you?

At Translayte, we make the process of getting married abroad simpler and stress-free. If you're applying for a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) or preparing other supporting documents, we offer fast, certified translations that meet government and embassy requirements in over 150 languages. 

With a 4.6-star rating from over 9000 customer reviews on Trustpilot, here’s how we can help;

• Certified translations for documents such as birth certificates, divorce decrees, or proof of address, accepted by UK authorities and foreign embassies.
• Same-day delivery with a timeline of 12-24 hours
• Easy online ordering system supporting different file formats
• Competitive and transparent translation rates start from $25 per page.
• Multi-step quality assurance process that ensures you receive high-quality document translation services with 100% acceptance

Request a free quote to get an estimate to translate any of your documents in the UK.