UK Certificate of No Impediment to marry in Italy: Apostille and translation
The British CNI as nulla osta: GOV.UK, the embassy in Rome, FCDO Apostille and translation into Italian.
October 12, 2026 · 3 min
If you are a British citizen marrying at an *Italian Comune*, the civil-status officer will usually ask for a document showing there are no impediments under your national law. [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nulla-osta-application-pack-for-marriages-in-italy) explains that, in this setting, the Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) is what Italy calls a nulla osta**.
Current route (GOV.UK)
The entry point is Getting married or registering a civil partnership abroad. You need a valid British passport. The online journey checks which documents you need (CNI, affirmation, and so on) and how to pay. You cannot save an application halfway: the service expires after inactivity.
If you are in Italy, GOV.UK provides a pack to apply for the CNI by post through the British Embassy in Rome (updated notice and affirmation). The page asks you to follow the new “marriage abroad service” and to have the signature witnessed by a notary where required. Check the update date on the official page before you send anything.
Separate registers
England, Scotland and Northern Ireland can appear on other records (birth, divorce) with separate registers. For the CNI, use the GOV.UK / FCDO channel indicated for Italy, not a substitute issued by a British registry office outside that channel.
Apostille
Italy accepts the Hague Convention Apostille. The Legalisation Office legalises certain British documents by attaching an Apostille: it attests the signature, stamp or seal, not the personal facts. Documents for British people abroad reminds you that it is your responsibility to find out whether the recipient (the Comune) requires legalisation.
If the CNI is signed in a way the FCDO does not have on file, a notary step may be needed. Check that document on the GOV.UK tool, including paper versus e-Apostille.
Translation into Italian
The Italian Comune may ask for a translation of the CNI and of any affirmation or declarations. In Italy, a sworn translation. Some Comuni have bilingual templates supplied by GOV.UK: if the officer accepts that text, a second translation may not be needed. Ask the Comune of the ceremony in writing.
- General picture: marrying in Italy as a foreign national
- If the marriage has already taken place in the United Kingdom and needs to be transcribed: transcription
Do you need the CNI translated into Italian for the Comune? Request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Does the CNI replace the birth certificate?
No. The Comune may ask for both, plus the divorce if it applies.
How long is it valid?
GOV.UK and the Italian Comune set the time limits. Do not publish a “universal” expiry without the office’s up-to-date text.
