How long does it take to get the nulla osta?

Timelines vary greatly by country and consulate: from a few weeks (EU countries, USA, Canada, Australia) to several months (some African, Asian or bureaucratically complex countries). Start the procedure at least 6-12 months before the planned wedding date.

What happens if one of them has been previously married?

A divorced person must present the final divorce decree (apostilled and translated). A widower must present the death certificate of the former spouse (apostilled and translated). The Italian Municipality verifies that there are no impediments under both national laws.

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Marriage nulla osta with a foreign national: how to obtain it

To marry in Italy with a non-EU foreign national, the foreign partner must obtain a marriage nulla osta from their country's Consulate or Embassy in Italy. The document certifies that there are no legal impediments to marriage under the law of the foreign partner's country of origin. The procedure varies by country and often takes several months.

Authority

Comune di competenza — Ufficio Stato Civile

Time

45 min

Updated

May 2026

What you need

✓Valid passport of the foreign national
✓Valid residence permit (if resident in Italy)
✓Extract of the foreign national's birth certificate (apostilled and translated)
✓Certificate of single status of the foreign national (apostilled and translated)
✓Identity document of the Italian citizen
✓Extract of the Italian citizen's birth certificate

Step-by-step procedure

The foreign national applies for the nulla osta at their Consulate

The foreign national must go to their country's Consulate or Embassy in Italy (or in their country of origin, before coming to Italy) and request the marriage nulla osta (also called 'matrimonial capacity certificate', 'certificat de célibat', 'certificate of no impediment', etc. depending on the country). The document must certify that the applicant is free to marry. Some embassies require an online appointment.

EU citizens do not need a nulla osta: they bring to the Italian Municipality a certificate of single status issued by their country.

Apostille and translation of the nulla osta

The nulla osta must be legalised with an apostille (for countries party to the 1961 Hague Convention) or with consular legalisation (for non-party countries). The apostille is affixed by the competent authority of the issuing country (in Italy it is the Prefecture). The document must then be translated into Italian by a sworn translator (or by the Court Registry). Keep the original, apostille and translation.

Check if the country of origin has bilateral agreements with Italy exempting from the apostille (e.g. some EU countries).

Post the marriage banns at the Municipality

With the apostilled and translated nulla osta, both future spouses present themselves to the Civil Registry Office of the Municipality where the wedding will take place. An appointment is set for the marriage banns (mandatory for civil marriage): they remain posted for 8 days. After the banns, the wedding can be celebrated within 6 months. The Municipality may require additional documentation depending on the case.

For a religious marriage with civil effects, the parish priest or minister of religion notifies the Municipality. The nulla osta procedure is the same.

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Ministero dell'Interno — Stato Civile

Comune di competenza — Ufficio Stato Civile

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Frequently asked questions

Responsible authority

Authority

Comune di competenza — Ufficio Stato Civile

Phone

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Website

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The information in this guide is for orientation only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always verify on the official portal of the responsible authority.