Information for
non-European Economic Area Nationals planning to marry in England
and Wales.
Special arrangements exsist for non-European Economic Area (EEA)
Nationals who wish to marry in England and Wales.
Further information on this subject can be found in this booklet
‘ The new rules for getting married in England and Wales'. If you
would like any addtional information on this subject or a copy
mailed to you please send your enquiry or name and address to
enquiries@registrars.suffolkcc.gov.uk.
In addition to the standard legal requirements for marriage shown
on our
Marriage Information page, it is a requirement that you have a
visa to permit your marriage. This will be a fiancé or fiancée or
marriage visitor visa. This can be obtained in two ways:
- Non-EEA passport holders who are already in this
country. From the Home Office by obtaining a ‘Certificate
of Approval'. The fee is currently £295.00. Please telephone 0870
606 7766 to request the application forms for this purpose or they
can be printed from the
Home Office (Border and Immigration Agency) web site.
- Non–EEA passport holders who are currently
overseas. From the British consulate, High Commission or
Embassy in your country of origin or the country where you are now
living. The current fees for entry clearance are £500 for a
fiancee(e) or proposed civil partner visa or £63 for a mariage or
civil partner visitor visa.
You will then both need to book an appointment at a
Designated Register Office who will arrange your legal
preliminaries. (The Notice of Marriage). Not all Register Offices
are designated for this purpose. In Suffolk the only office
permitted to see Non- EEA Nationals is the
Bury St Edmunds Register Office; telephone 01284 352373 or
email
bury@registrars.suffolkcc.gov.uk.
If you do not speak or understand English well will need to bring
with you an interpreter with you.
I am an EEA National marrying a Non-EEA National – can I prepare my
Notice of Marriage at my local Register Office?
No, you must both attend together at a Designated Register
Office.
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What is an EEA National?
EEA nationals are passport holders of the following
countries
The United Kingdom (including the Irish Republic)
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Czech Republic
Cyprus
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovenia
Slovak Republic
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
All other passport holders are classed as Non- EEA
Nationals.
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Can we still get married at any Register Office or Approved
venue?
Yes, although your Notice of Marriage must be prepared at a
Designated Register office, you can hold your ceremony at any
Approved Venue or Register Office.
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Are their any exemptions?
Yes, The following are exempt:
Members of the visiting armed forces
Diplomats
Passport holders containing ‘a certificate of right of abode in the
UK'
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How can I find my local British Embassy/High Commission
office?
The Foreign and Commonwealth office has a useful listing at
www.fco.gov.uk.
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