Marriage in Nigeria for United Kingdom Citizens: Legal Requirements, Documents, and Process

Types of Legally Recognised Marriages in Nigeria

In Nigeria, there are three main types of marriages that are legally recognised under the law. Each follows a different process and carries different legal implications—especially when applying for visas or legal recognition abroad.

Statutory Marriage (Court or Registry Marriage)

This is the most formally recognised type of marriage in Nigeria and is conducted under the Marriage Act at a government-approved Marriage Registry or designated place of worship licensed to conduct such marriages.

• Legally binding nationwide and internationally
• Monogamous in nature : one spouse at a time
• Comes with a marriage certificate issued by the registry

Most likely to be recognised by UK authorities (e.g., for spouse visa or civil legal matters). Recommended for international recognition, especially for immigration or legal proceedings in countries like the UK, Canada, or the US.

Customary Marriage (Traditional Marriage)

Customary marriages are based on the cultural and traditional practices of ethnic communities in Nigeria. These involve the exchange of gifts, payment of bride price, and consent of both families.

• Recognised under Nigerian customary law
• May be polygamous, depending on the culture
• Typically not accompanied by a formal marriage certificate unless later registered
• Not always recognised by foreign governments for legal or visa purposes unless also registered under statutory law

For better international validity, a customary marriage can be later registered at a marriage registry to obtain statutory recognition.

Islamic Marriage (Sharia Marriage)

This form of marriage is conducted according to Islamic (Sharia) law and is primarily practiced in the northern parts of Nigeria.

• Recognised under Nigerian law through Islamic courts
• Can be polygamous, as permitted in Islam
• Comes with a marriage certificate from a Sharia court or mosque
• May require additional documentation to be accepted by foreign governments like the UK

Islamic marriages are sometimes accepted for immigration purposes in the UK, but the process may involve additional scrutiny or authentication, especially if not combined with statutory registration.

Note: For international legal recognition, statutory marriage at the Federal Marriage Registry (e.g., in Ikoyi, Lagos, or Abuja) is strongly recommended.

Legal Requirements for UK Citizens to Marry in Nigeria

To marry in Nigeria, UK citizens must meet these basic requirements:

• Legal Age: Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
   
• Free to Marry: You must provide proof that you are not currently married (Single Status Certificate or Certificate of No Impediment).
   
• Valid Identification: A valid UK passport is required.
   
• Residency: No long-term residency requirement, but you must be present in Nigeria to give notice and attend the wedding.
   
• Notice of Marriage: A 21-day notice is required at the registry before the ceremony.

Required Documents for Marriage in Nigeria (UK Citizens)

You’ll need to prepare the following documents:

• Valid Passport (with visa or entry stamp into Nigeria)
• Birth Certificate
• Certificate of No Impediment (CNI): Issued by your local UK registry office, showing you're legally free to marry.
• Sworn Affidavit of Single Status: May be required if a CNI is unavailable.
• Divorce/Death Certificate: If previously married.
• Passport Photographs: Usually two recent copies.
• Letter of Consent: If under 21, though rarely required in practice.
• Certified Translations: For any documents not in English (Translayte can provide this).

All documents must be authenticated or apostilled by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and in some cases legalised at the Nigerian High Commission in London.

Step-by-Step Marriage Process in Nigeria

1. Gather and Legalise Documents: Collect necessary documents and get them apostilled or legalised as needed.
    
2. Travel to Nigeria: Both parties must be present in Nigeria for the marriage process.
    
3. Give 21-Day Notice: Submit your intention to marry at a Federal Marriage Registry.
    
4. Document Verification: Registry officials will review your documents and schedule a wedding date after the notice period.
    
5. Marriage Ceremony: Attend the ceremony at the registry with two witnesses. Sign the marriage certificate.
    
6. Obtain Certified Marriage Certificate: After the ceremony, request additional certified copies.
    
7. Legalise Nigerian Marriage Certificate (if needed): To use your Nigerian certificate in the UK, legalisation by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and authentication by the UK authorities may be required.

Certified Document Translation Services

Translayte offers fast and accurate certified translations for:

• Certificate of No Impediment
• Birth certificates
• Divorce decrees
• Affidavits
• Nigerian marriage certificates (for use in the UK)

All certified translations meet the requirements of the UK Home Office, registry, and embassy.

Recognising a Nigerian Marriage in the UK

A marriage conducted in Nigeria can be legally recognised in the UK, provided certain legal conditions are met. The UK does not automatically recognise all foreign marriages, but it will generally recognise a Nigerian marriage if it is valid under Nigerian law and meets UK legal standards.

• For a Nigerian marriage to be legally recognised in the UK:
• The marriage must be valid under Nigerian law
• This typically includes statutory (registry/court) marriages, which are most clearly aligned with UK legal expectations.
• Proper marriage documentation must be provided
• A valid marriage certificate issued by a recognised Nigerian Marriage Registry (for statutory marriages)
• For customary or Islamic marriages, additional documentation or registration may be needed to establish legal validity.
• The marriage must be entered into freely by both parties
• Consent must be clear, and both individuals must be of legal age (18+) and not already married (monogamy required for UK spouse visa).
• The marriage must be registered in a public registry
• Registration at a Nigerian Marriage Registry under the Marriage Act provides legal standing both in Nigeria and internationally.

📌 Note: The UK is unlikely to recognise a customary or Islamic marriage unless it is also registered under the statutory system.

Applying for a UK Spouse Visa After Marriage

Once the marriage is recognised, the non-UK partner (e.g., Nigerian spouse) can apply for a UK Spouse Visa to join their partner in the UK. Key steps include:

• Proving that the marriage is legally valid and genuine
• Showing that both partners meet the minimum income requirement (£29,000 per year as of April 2024)
• Providing documents like:
• Marriage certificate
• Photos, call logs, and communication records
• Proof of accommodation in the UK
• Proof of English language proficiency (for the Nigerian spouse)

Applications must be submitted online and followed by an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre in Nigeria.

Costs of Getting Married in Nigeria

Costs vary by registry and location but include:

• Notice of Marriage: Approx ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
• Marriage Certificate: Around ₦10,000 – ₦15,000
• Legalisation Fees: Vary for document authentication approx. ₦40,000 – ₦80,000 (£20 – £40)
• Translation Costs: Translayte offers certified translations from $25/page

Travel & Registry Admin Costs

If one or both partners are travelling within or to Nigeria for the ceremony:

• Domestic travel (flights, hotel): ₦50,000 – ₦150,000 (£25 – £75)
• International travel (UK to Nigeria): ₦600,000 – ₦1,200,000 (£300 – £600), depending on season
• Transportation, clothing, photography, gifts, etc.: Variable

Total Estimated Cost (Statutory Marriage)

Note: Traditional weddings or large celebrations are not required for a legal marriage and will significantly increase costs if included.

Immigration Implications Post-Marriage

If you're getting married in Nigeria and planning to live together in the UK afterward, it's important to understand the immigration pathways and what follows the marriage. The UK has strict requirements for married couples seeking to reunite through a family visa.

Marriage Visitor Visa (Short-Term Stay Only)

If a UK-based partner is travelling to Nigeria just to get married and return to the UK, they may need a Marriage Visitor Visa (not required for British citizens but may apply to non-visa-exempt residents).

UK Spouse Visa: Joining Your Partner in the UK

After marrying in Nigeria, the non-UK spouse must apply for a UK Spouse Visa if they intend to move to the UK to live with their partner. This visa allows an initial stay of 2.5 years, renewable toward settlement (ILR) and British citizenship.

Proof of Genuine Relationship

The couple must prove the marriage is genuine and subsisting, through documents like:

• Marriage certificate
• Photos from the wedding
• Chat and call logs
• Travel history showing visits
• Joint bills, transfers, or remittance records (if applicable)

English Language Requirement

The non-UK spouse must pass a Home Office–approved English language test at CEFR A1 level (unless exempt). The test must be taken at an approved centre and submitted with the application.

Accommodation Documentation

The couple must also show that they will live in suitable accommodation that is not overcrowded or in breach of housing regulations. Acceptable documents include:

• Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement
• Letter from landlord or homeowner
• Property inspection report (optional but helpful)

 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Planning a marriage in Nigeria with the intention of applying for a UK Spouse Visa? These are some of the most common (and costly) mistakes to watch out for, and how to avoid them.

Missing Required Documents

One of the most common mistakes is failing to provide all the necessary documents at the marriage registry or during the visa application process. Items like valid ID, birth certificates, sworn affidavits of single status, or the official marriage certificate are essential. Omitting even one required document can result in a rejected application or prolonged processing delays. Always confirm what’s needed ahead of time with both the registry and the relevant visa authorities.

Not Translating or Legalising Documents

Documents not in English, such as certificates issued in local languages, must be translated by a certified professional. For UK immigration purposes, documents like your marriage certificate or police clearance may also need to be legalised by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the UK High Commission. Submitting unofficial, self-translated, or unauthenticated paperwork is a common cause of visa refusals.

Posting Marriage Notice Too Late

For statutory marriages in Nigeria, you must post a 21-day public notice at the registry before the ceremony can take place. Many couples overlook this requirement or try to plan their wedding too close to their travel dates, only to discover they can’t legally marry on their chosen day. To avoid this, ensure you visit the registry and post your notice well in advance of your planned wedding date.

Choosing the Wrong Marriage Type

Not all Nigerian marriage types are automatically recognised by UK immigration authorities. Customary (traditional) or Islamic marriages may be valid in Nigeria but can be more challenging to prove or recognise abroad, especially if not registered with a statutory marriage certificate. If you intend to apply for a UK Spouse Visa, getting legally married under the Marriage Act at a recognised Marriage Registry is the most secure and internationally accepted option.

Providing Weak Evidence of a Genuine Relationship

Even if your marriage is legally valid, a UK Spouse Visa requires proof that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. Many couples submit weak or insufficient evidence, such as no travel history together, few photos, or little documentation of regular communication. To strengthen your case, gather records like wedding photos, call logs, social media conversations, money transfers, and evidence of family involvement.