- Specifics for UK Citizens
- Specifics for US Citizens
- Specifics for Citizens of Eire (Republic of Ireland)
- Specifics For Australian Citizens
- Specific for Canadians
- Other Countries
Specifics for UK Citizens
When both parties are British nationals and both are resident in the UK
For British Nationals who both reside in the UK, please see procedures below & also click on the British Embassy website https://www.gov.uk/marriage-abroad. Their website continues to provide instructions on the steps to follow for those living in the UK, as well as provide the necessary forms you will need to complete, including the template for the Statutory Declaration - https://www.gov.uk/marriage-abroad/y/italy/uk/uk_england/partner_local/opposite_sex
There is also a handy video which gives clear instructions on how to proceed with getting a CNI in the UK for your marriage in Italy - http://youtu.be/EhPz7-wjWjc
There are 4 simple steps that each British national, resident in the UK must follow to get the right paperwork for marrying in Italy.
Step 1 - Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)
You both need to obtain what's called a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) which is issued in the UK.
To do this you must both give notice of marriage to your local registry office. After your notice has been posted for the required period you will each be issued with a "Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage", signed and dated by your local Registrar. This should take around 28 days.
Step 2 - The Statutory Declaration
While you are waiting for your Certificates of No Impediment you should make a statutory declaration (1 for each of the spouses) before a solicitor or public notary in the UK. (Be sure you write in your full names EXACTLY as spelled on your passports and your CNIs.)
The declaration is required by the Italian authorities and gives additional information that isn't detailed on your Certificate of No Impediment. The solicitor or public notary will charge a fee for this service. Fees will vary so it might be worth shopping around. Download the bi-lingual statutory declaration from the website
Step 3 - Legalizing your documents for the Italian authorities
When you both have your Certificates of No Impediment (CNI) and you have both made your Statutory Declarations, you need to send them to the Legalization Office for each to be legalized with a Hague Apostille. The Legalization Office will charge for this.
Step 4 - Translation of your Certificate of No Impediment
Once both these documents have been legalized, you will then need to have the legalised Certificates of No Impediment translated. As it will become an Italian legal document it should be translated by a translator based in Italy and sworn before the Italian courts or an Italian Justice of the Peace. NOTE: Slow Dreams offers translation services for this step. For cost, go to Available Services & Costs and click on Paperwork Fees, then click on CNI - UK Citizens.
Each British national resident in the UK should have:
NOTES:
Please note, under Italian law, a woman who has been divorced or widowed and wishes to re-marry in Italy cannot do so until 300 days have passed from the date of her divorce/death of husband. It is possible, however, to apply for a dispensation to this through the Civil Law Courts (Tribunale Civile). Further information should be obtained from the town hall (Comune) of the area where the marriage is to take place and you will probably need to appoint a lawyer.
IMPORTANT NOTE For British nationals living abroad (NOT living in the UK or in Italy), please click on: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/if-you-live-abroad-and-wish-to-marry-in-a-third-country , click on Start Now & answer all the questions pertaining to your situation.. Then you need to click on go to Italy and get a Nulla Osta to see what the process is and how long you have to be in Italy before you can receive your Nulla Osta.
When both parties are British nationals and both are resident in the UK
For British Nationals who both reside in the UK, please see procedures below & also click on the British Embassy website https://www.gov.uk/marriage-abroad. Their website continues to provide instructions on the steps to follow for those living in the UK, as well as provide the necessary forms you will need to complete, including the template for the Statutory Declaration - https://www.gov.uk/marriage-abroad/y/italy/uk/uk_england/partner_local/opposite_sex
There is also a handy video which gives clear instructions on how to proceed with getting a CNI in the UK for your marriage in Italy - http://youtu.be/EhPz7-wjWjc
- You cannot start the documentation process more than 6 months before your wedding date, or 3 months if you are resident in Scotland.
There are 4 simple steps that each British national, resident in the UK must follow to get the right paperwork for marrying in Italy.
Step 1 - Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)
You both need to obtain what's called a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) which is issued in the UK.
To do this you must both give notice of marriage to your local registry office. After your notice has been posted for the required period you will each be issued with a "Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage", signed and dated by your local Registrar. This should take around 28 days.
VERY IMPORTANT:
- It is essential that the names you give to the Registrar, which will appear on your Certificates of No Impediment (CNI) are the same as written in your passports. For example, Jim Harris on the Certificate, and James Harris-Ford on your passport might mean that the Italian authorities will reject your paperwork and refuse to allow the marriage to go ahead. Please take your passport with you to the Registry Office, just to be certain.
- when applying for your CNI, you will need to provide your local registrar with the Name & Address of the Town Hall (not the hotel or venue you are staying at). Please ask your wedding planner and she will provide you with the correct information so you can give to your registrar
- the wedding date you give to your local registar needs to be the date that you do the legal oath at the Town Hall. Please confirm the date with your wedding planner
Step 2 - The Statutory Declaration
While you are waiting for your Certificates of No Impediment you should make a statutory declaration (1 for each of the spouses) before a solicitor or public notary in the UK. (Be sure you write in your full names EXACTLY as spelled on your passports and your CNIs.)
The declaration is required by the Italian authorities and gives additional information that isn't detailed on your Certificate of No Impediment. The solicitor or public notary will charge a fee for this service. Fees will vary so it might be worth shopping around. Download the bi-lingual statutory declaration from the website
Step 3 - Legalizing your documents for the Italian authorities
When you both have your Certificates of No Impediment (CNI) and you have both made your Statutory Declarations, you need to send them to the Legalization Office for each to be legalized with a Hague Apostille. The Legalization Office will charge for this.
Step 4 - Translation of your Certificate of No Impediment
Once both these documents have been legalized, you will then need to have the legalised Certificates of No Impediment translated. As it will become an Italian legal document it should be translated by a translator based in Italy and sworn before the Italian courts or an Italian Justice of the Peace. NOTE: Slow Dreams offers translation services for this step. For cost, go to Available Services & Costs and click on Paperwork Fees, then click on CNI - UK Citizens.
Each British national resident in the UK should have:
- a Certificate of No Impediment - issued in the UK, legalized in the UK and then translated officially in Italy
- a bilingual Statutory Declaration legalized in the UK
- passport
NOTES:
- Once all of the above documents have been prepared, post directly to Slow Dreams wedding planner by a reputable courier (e.g., FedEx) that has a tracking number. Do not post by Royal Mail. NOTE: The documents should be sent to your wedding planner at least 6 weeks prior to your arrival in Italy to allow for any possible mistakes.
- Please keep copies of everything before you post to Slow Dreams
- Finally please note that your Certificate of No Impediment will be valid for six months from the date on your English, Welsh or Northern Irish CNI or three months if presenting a Scottish CNI.
Please note, under Italian law, a woman who has been divorced or widowed and wishes to re-marry in Italy cannot do so until 300 days have passed from the date of her divorce/death of husband. It is possible, however, to apply for a dispensation to this through the Civil Law Courts (Tribunale Civile). Further information should be obtained from the town hall (Comune) of the area where the marriage is to take place and you will probably need to appoint a lawyer.
Specifics for US Citizens
There are two approval processes for US Citizens:
NOTE: For those that are having a Catholic Wedding, you will also need to obtain Catholic paperwork - click here
.
There are two approval processes for US Citizens:
- 2 hour-expedited Approval for acquiring approval to legally Marry in Italy. Note: This applies to Southern Italy ONLY & ONLY in certain towns and ONLY for Civil weddings
- If any of the following criteria apply to you then you should consider the new "no-hassle approval process for US citizens"
- Either or both have been divorced
- You live far from the nearest Italian consulate
- You just want to eliminate much of the hassle
- The Normal Approval Process
- Steps to be taken in the US
- Steps to be taken in Italy - Note: these steps depend on the location of the nearest US consulate to your wedding. The primary consulates are:
NOTE: For those that are having a Catholic Wedding, you will also need to obtain Catholic paperwork - click here
.
Specifics for Citizens of Eire (Republic of Ireland)
See civil wedding regulations and on-line booking process at:
https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/italy/our-services/marriage-and-civil-partnership/
Religious Ceremonies
If a religious ceremony is performed by a Roman Catholic priest, a separate civil ceremony is unnecessary but the priest must register the marriage with the Ufficiale di Stato Civile in order for it to be legal. Because of the special Italian requirements applicable to marriage performed by non-Roman Catholic clergymen, the latter usually insist on a prior civil ceremony before performing a religious ceremony in order to ensure the legality of the marriage.
The Church requires the same documents as a civil service, as well as other documents which you should discuss with the church authorities
For further information we advise you to get in contact with the Civil Registrar and the Church of the city or town where the marriage is to take place or the Irish Embassy in Rome:
Embassy of Ireland
Piazza di Campitelli 3
00186 ROMA
Tel. 00 39 06 6979121
Fax 00 39 06 6972354
For information on Church weddings please access the weddings site of the Pontifical Irish College in Rome: www.irishcollege.org (or contact Archbishop's House in Drumcondra, Dublin)
See civil wedding regulations and on-line booking process at:
https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/italy/our-services/marriage-and-civil-partnership/
Religious Ceremonies
If a religious ceremony is performed by a Roman Catholic priest, a separate civil ceremony is unnecessary but the priest must register the marriage with the Ufficiale di Stato Civile in order for it to be legal. Because of the special Italian requirements applicable to marriage performed by non-Roman Catholic clergymen, the latter usually insist on a prior civil ceremony before performing a religious ceremony in order to ensure the legality of the marriage.
The Church requires the same documents as a civil service, as well as other documents which you should discuss with the church authorities
For further information we advise you to get in contact with the Civil Registrar and the Church of the city or town where the marriage is to take place or the Irish Embassy in Rome:
Embassy of Ireland
Piazza di Campitelli 3
00186 ROMA
Tel. 00 39 06 6979121
Fax 00 39 06 6972354
For information on Church weddings please access the weddings site of the Pontifical Irish College in Rome: www.irishcollege.org (or contact Archbishop's House in Drumcondra, Dublin)
Specifics For Australian Citizens
MARRIAGE IN ITALY
Australian government representatives cannot perform marriage ceremonies and you cannot get married at an Australian Embassy or Consulate.
BEFORE ARRIVING IN ITALY
Please note that all certificates including divorce certificates or death certificates certifying termination of your previous marriage MUST be ORIGINALS. Photocopies are not accepted.
ONCE IN ITALY
In addition to the Atto Notorio, an Australian citizen intending to get married in Italy will need to make a Sworn Declaration (Nulla Osta). This Sworn Declaration must be signed, whether you are single, divorced or widowed, in the presence of an Australian Consular officer at the Australian Embassy in Rome, Via Antonio Bosio 5, Tel:06/8527224606/85272246, (or Australian Consulate-General in Milan: via Borgogna 2 Tel: 02/7767421702/77674217- open Monday to Thursday from 9.00 to 17.00 and Friday from 9.00 to 16.00).
Please contact the Consular Section before attending as an appointment is required in order to obtain the Nulla Osta.
A Nulla Osta literally states that "there are no impediments," or that one is free to marry. The Nulla Osta (Sworn Declaration) is valid for six months and costs the Euro equivalent of A$50.00 per Australian citizen.
Please note that payments can only be made in cash as credit card services are not available at the Australian Embassy.
The Nulla Osta must then be legalised by the Uffico Legalizzazioni of the Prefettura. The details of the Prefettura in Rome are: Viale Ostiense, 131L, 2nd floor, Scala B, Rome - open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm. Before going to the Prefettura, you will need to purchase a revenue stamp (marca da bollo) which costs Euro 14,62 (approx.) at a tobacconist (tabaccaio) to take with you.
If you are unable to obtain an "Atto di notoriet per uso matrimonio" (also known as Atto Notorio) from an Italian Consulate in Australia, you may obtain one from the Tribunale Civile in Italy. Below we have provided contact details and opening hours of the Tribunale Civile in Rome, although Atti Notori may be obtained from any Tribunale Civile in Italy.
You may call the Tribunale Civile in Rome to set an appointment at the number below between the hours of 09.00 and 13.00 Monday to Friday.
Contact details for the Tribunale Civile in Rome:
Tribunale Civile di Roma
Office for "Atti Notori"
Viale Giulio Cesare 54/B
1st floor, Room 86 - Tel: +39 063577 296+39 063577 296
Business Hours:
Morning: Monday to Friday : 9:00 to 13.00
Afternoon: Thursday 15:00 pm to 16:20
The person requesting the Atto Notorio must attend in person together with two adult witnesses. If either spouse or one of the witnesses does not speak Italian, it is necessary to provide an interpreter, in addition to the two witnesses.
N.B. Neither spouse can act as witness or interpreter.
Payment at the Tribunale Civile is made in the form of duty stamps which you should purchase in advance. The amount required is:
For an urgent certificate issued on the same day:
If the certificate is not urgent (to be collected after 5 days):
CIVIL CEREMONY
The first step is to bring the Atto Notorio and Nulla Osta to the Ufficio Matrimoni, or Marriage Office, in the Italian city where you plan to marry.
If one or more of the parties is Italian or is an Australian with Italian residency, then Banns (pubblicazione di matrimonio) must be posted for at least two weeks before the date of the marriage.
For further information, please contact the Australian Embassy in Rome on 06/8527224606/85272246
(email: consular-rome@dfat.gov.au & website; www.italy.embassy.gov.au/rome/Marriage.html
Australian Embassy - Rome
Consular Section
Fax: 0685272300
Ph. 0685272299
The above information is provided by the Consular Section of the Australian Embassy in Rome for the convenience of enquirers, but neither the Australian Government nor the Embassy can take any responsibility whatsoever in regard to the consequences of using the above information.
MARRIAGE IN ITALY
Australian government representatives cannot perform marriage ceremonies and you cannot get married at an Australian Embassy or Consulate.
BEFORE ARRIVING IN ITALY
- Before leaving Australia, we strongly recommend that you obtain an Atto Notorio (sworn declaration) from the Italian Embassy or Consulate in the state in which you reside.
- Make sure you travel with your Australian passport. If you were married before, bring evidence of the termination of your previous marriage.
Please note that all certificates including divorce certificates or death certificates certifying termination of your previous marriage MUST be ORIGINALS. Photocopies are not accepted.
ONCE IN ITALY
In addition to the Atto Notorio, an Australian citizen intending to get married in Italy will need to make a Sworn Declaration (Nulla Osta). This Sworn Declaration must be signed, whether you are single, divorced or widowed, in the presence of an Australian Consular officer at the Australian Embassy in Rome, Via Antonio Bosio 5, Tel:06/8527224606/85272246, (or Australian Consulate-General in Milan: via Borgogna 2 Tel: 02/7767421702/77674217- open Monday to Thursday from 9.00 to 17.00 and Friday from 9.00 to 16.00).
Please contact the Consular Section before attending as an appointment is required in order to obtain the Nulla Osta.
A Nulla Osta literally states that "there are no impediments," or that one is free to marry. The Nulla Osta (Sworn Declaration) is valid for six months and costs the Euro equivalent of A$50.00 per Australian citizen.
Please note that payments can only be made in cash as credit card services are not available at the Australian Embassy.
The Nulla Osta must then be legalised by the Uffico Legalizzazioni of the Prefettura. The details of the Prefettura in Rome are: Viale Ostiense, 131L, 2nd floor, Scala B, Rome - open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm. Before going to the Prefettura, you will need to purchase a revenue stamp (marca da bollo) which costs Euro 14,62 (approx.) at a tobacconist (tabaccaio) to take with you.
If you are unable to obtain an "Atto di notoriet per uso matrimonio" (also known as Atto Notorio) from an Italian Consulate in Australia, you may obtain one from the Tribunale Civile in Italy. Below we have provided contact details and opening hours of the Tribunale Civile in Rome, although Atti Notori may be obtained from any Tribunale Civile in Italy.
You may call the Tribunale Civile in Rome to set an appointment at the number below between the hours of 09.00 and 13.00 Monday to Friday.
Contact details for the Tribunale Civile in Rome:
Tribunale Civile di Roma
Office for "Atti Notori"
Viale Giulio Cesare 54/B
1st floor, Room 86 - Tel: +39 063577 296+39 063577 296
Business Hours:
Morning: Monday to Friday : 9:00 to 13.00
Afternoon: Thursday 15:00 pm to 16:20
The person requesting the Atto Notorio must attend in person together with two adult witnesses. If either spouse or one of the witnesses does not speak Italian, it is necessary to provide an interpreter, in addition to the two witnesses.
N.B. Neither spouse can act as witness or interpreter.
Payment at the Tribunale Civile is made in the form of duty stamps which you should purchase in advance. The amount required is:
For an urgent certificate issued on the same day:
- One duty stamp for the value of 14,62 Euros for the original Atto Notorio which will be kept by the Tribunale Civile
plus - another 14,62 Euro duty stamp for your copy of the Atto Notorio and 3 duty stamps for the value of 6.20 euros each.
If the certificate is not urgent (to be collected after 5 days):
- One duty stamp for the value of 14,62 Euros for the original Atto Notorio which will be kept by the Tribunale Civile
plus - another 14,62 Euro duty stamp and 1 duty stamp for the value of 6.20 euro.
CIVIL CEREMONY
The first step is to bring the Atto Notorio and Nulla Osta to the Ufficio Matrimoni, or Marriage Office, in the Italian city where you plan to marry.
If one or more of the parties is Italian or is an Australian with Italian residency, then Banns (pubblicazione di matrimonio) must be posted for at least two weeks before the date of the marriage.
For further information, please contact the Australian Embassy in Rome on 06/8527224606/85272246
(email: consular-rome@dfat.gov.au & website; www.italy.embassy.gov.au/rome/Marriage.html
Australian Embassy - Rome
Consular Section
Fax: 0685272300
Ph. 0685272299
The above information is provided by the Consular Section of the Australian Embassy in Rome for the convenience of enquirers, but neither the Australian Government nor the Embassy can take any responsibility whatsoever in regard to the consequences of using the above information.
Specifics For Canadia Citizens
Italian law requires EACH non-Italian wishing to be married in Italy to present a "Nulla Osta" (Certificate of non-Impediment) or equivalent documentation.
The Canadian Government does not issue "Nulla Osta". However, to assist Canadians to meet the Italian requirements, the Canadian Embassy in Rome issues a declaration containing the relevant information.
Requests for the declaration can be made by appointment or by mail. Our delivery service standards are 5 business days from the time we receive a complete application.
Obtaining a Declaration (Nulla Osta) from the Embassy in Rome
www.canadainternational.gc.ca/italy-italie/consular_services_consulaires/marriage-mariage.aspx?lang=eng
You must first complete and swear an affidavit to the effect that there is no impediment to the proposed marriage. You may swear the affidavit in Canada or at the Canadian Embassy in Rome upon appointment. by e-mail or fax to request an appointment.
Each Canadian Citizen must:
Fees
Fees are payable for each declaration and for each affidavit, if sworn at the Embassy.
The fees are non-refundable. For more information, please see Fees and Method of Payment
Where do I submit the application?
By mail or courier:
Embassy of Canada
Consular Affairs (LN)
Via Zara, 30
00198 Rome
Italy
In person: same as above, Monday to Friday from 09:00 to noon
What to Do After Obtaining the Declaration
The Canadian Embassy in Rome cannot assist with marriage arrangements. If you or a delegated person are unable to make the necessary arrangements with the local Municipality, you may wish to contact an agency to assist you.
Italian law requires EACH non-Italian wishing to be married in Italy to present a "Nulla Osta" (Certificate of non-Impediment) or equivalent documentation.
The Canadian Government does not issue "Nulla Osta". However, to assist Canadians to meet the Italian requirements, the Canadian Embassy in Rome issues a declaration containing the relevant information.
Requests for the declaration can be made by appointment or by mail. Our delivery service standards are 5 business days from the time we receive a complete application.
Obtaining a Declaration (Nulla Osta) from the Embassy in Rome
www.canadainternational.gc.ca/italy-italie/consular_services_consulaires/marriage-mariage.aspx?lang=eng
You must first complete and swear an affidavit to the effect that there is no impediment to the proposed marriage. You may swear the affidavit in Canada or at the Canadian Embassy in Rome upon appointment. by e-mail or fax to request an appointment.
Each Canadian Citizen must:
- Complete and swear an affidavit
- The affidavit may be sworn:
- In Canada in front of a Canadian Notary
- In Italy at the Embassy of Canada in Rome
- Abroad at any Embassy, Consulate or Honorary Consulate of Canada
- Submit the sworn affidavitto the Embassy of Canada in Rome together with the following supporting documents in person or by mail:
- Certified true copy of his/her own valid Canadian passport
- Proof of Canadian Citizenship:
for persons born in Canada, original or certified copy of the long format birth certificate which includes information on the parents
for persons born outside of Canada, original or certified copy of the Certificate of Canadian citizenship - Original or certified true copy of a marriage record search issued by the Vital Statistics office of each Canadian province and/or territory where he/she resided since reaching the age of 16
- Original or certified copy of a final divorce certificate or decree (if divorced)
- Original or certified copy of a deceased spouses death certificate(if widowed)
- Certified copy of the fianc(e)s valid passport
- Copy of the consular processing fee payment receipt or payment in person
- Mailing/pick-up instructions (mailing is done by registered post to a Canadian or Italian address at no additional cost)
Fees
Fees are payable for each declaration and for each affidavit, if sworn at the Embassy.
The fees are non-refundable. For more information, please see Fees and Method of Payment
Where do I submit the application?
By mail or courier:
Embassy of Canada
Consular Affairs (LN)
Via Zara, 30
00198 Rome
Italy
In person: same as above, Monday to Friday from 09:00 to noon
What to Do After Obtaining the Declaration
- Present the declaration to the competent "Prefettura - Ufficio Legalizzazioni" (provincial authority) to be formally authenticated. The Prefettura in Rome is located at: Via Ostiense n.131/L, 2nd floor, tel. 06-6710694806-67106948. Typically the office is open from Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 9:00 - 12:00. Before going to the Prefettura, you will need to purchase a revenue stamp (marca da bollo) which costs € 14,62 (approximately) at any Tabacchino/Tabaccaio (tobacco store) for each document you received from the Embassy/Consulate
- After it has been authenticated, you must present it to the Marriage Office of the Municipality in Italy. Banns are waived if neither party is Italian nor residing in Italy.
- The Municipal authorities will request the couple to return (usually in 2 or 3 days) with 2 witnesses PLUS an interpreter (if one or both parties are not familiar with the Italian language) to execute a declaration before the "Ufficiale dello Stato Civile" (Registrar of Vital Statistics) of the Municipality. Arrangements are then concluded and a date is scheduled for the civil marriage ceremony. Two witnesses PLUS an interpreter (if necessary) must be present at the civil marriage ceremony.
Although the Italian authorities usually extend assistance to foreigners wishing to marry in Italy, a date for a civil marriage ceremony is generally NOT scheduled unless the above- mentioned declaration (see point 3) has first been executed by the couple.
The waiting period (from the date the required documents are presented to the marriage office to the date of the civil marriage ceremony) may vary depending on the period of the year and on the number of requests received by the municipality.
Some municipalities levy marriage fees for non-residents.
The Canadian Embassy in Rome cannot assist with marriage arrangements. If you or a delegated person are unable to make the necessary arrangements with the local Municipality, you may wish to contact an agency to assist you.
Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany,Greece, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Serbia-Montenegro, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey
Note: some town-halls are unaware of detailed marriage regulations for certain countries - it is important you check with us first.
Citizens of countries taking part in the Monaco Convention of 05/09/1980, must present a Certificate of legal capacity to marry issued by the Civil Status Office of the city of residence (membership) in the country of origin (no need for legalization).
Most other countries require one of the following:
Note: some town-halls are unaware of detailed marriage regulations for certain countries - it is important you check with us first.
Citizens of countries taking part in the Monaco Convention of 05/09/1980, must present a Certificate of legal capacity to marry issued by the Civil Status Office of the city of residence (membership) in the country of origin (no need for legalization).
Most other countries require one of the following:
- A CNI (certificate of No Impediment to marriage) issued by your embassy or consulate in Italy AND authenticated by the Italian government office local to that embassy or consulate.
- An authenticated CNI (certificate of no impediment to marriage) issues by your nearest Italian embassy or consulate. This certificate will be authenticated by the embassy/consulate.