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Canadians entering into Civil Union same-sex in Italy

The Italian legal system recognizes civil union between persons of the same sex.

In order to formalize a civil union in Italy as a Canadian citizen, you need to obtain a Civil Union Nulla Osta (Statement in lieu of Certificate of Non-impediment to Civil Union Abroad). If you and your partner are both Canadian citizens, each of you will need a Civil Union Nulla Osta.

The Civil Union Nulla Osta can only be issued by the Embassy of Canada in Rome, Italy. The document is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance and is written in the Italian language.

Requests for the Civil Union Nulla Osta can be made by mail or in person (by appointment only).

The delivery service standards are normally 5 business days from the time the Embassy receives a complete application.

How to obtain a Civil Union Nulla Osta

To obtain a Civil Union Nulla Osta you’ll need:

Civil Union affidavit

Each Canadian citizen must complete and swear the civil union affidavit.

Where to swear the Civil Union affidavit

Supporting documents/information

The following supporting documents are required and may be submitted in original format or certified true copy. A certified true copy is a photocopy of an original document, produced and certified by a person authorized to do so.

* Marriage search records are required for all applicants regardless of whether you have or have not been previously married. They are also required for divorced/widowed applicants and must cover the period from the date that the divorce/or spouse’s death took effect to the present.

Consular processing fees

Consular processing fees apply for the issuance of a Civil Union Nulla Osta. Fees are payable by credit card authorization only. If you and your fiancé(e) are both Canadian citizens, each of you require a Civil Union Nulla Osta; therefore, each of you will pay a consular fee. The consular fee for each nulla osta is $50.00.

Consular processing fees also apply if you swear the civil union affidavit at the Embassy of Canada in Rome or the Consulate of Canada in Milan; if you and your fiancé(e) are both Canadian citizens, each of you will swear a civil union affidavit; therefore, each of you will pay a consular fee. Fees are payable by credit card authorization only. The consular fee for the signing of each affidavit is $50.00. 

Where to submit the application

By mail or courier to the following address:

Embassy of Canada
Consular Affairs (L/N)
Via Zara, 30
00198 Rome
Italy

What to do after obtaining the Civil Union Nulla Osta

  1. Submit the Civil Union Nulla Osta to the competent Prefettura Legalization Office
    (legalization is required to render the Civil Union Nulla Osta valid for use in Italy)
  2. After the Civil Union Nulla Osta is legalized, present it to the relevant Civil Union office of the Comune (municipality) where you plan to undergo the ceremony in Italy. 

Civil union validity in Canada

For information on whether your Civil Union is valid in Canada, you should contact the Vital Statistic Office of your normal place of residency.

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