How to register a civil partnership in Australia

Where do I go to register?

Civil partnership registrations can be undertaken by appointment in our consular offices in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne only.  They can also be undertaken at our offices in Brisbane or Perth but there may be a delay in arranging an appointment at these two consular offices.

See our offices in Australia page for contact details.

What are the eligibility requirements?

At least one party must be a British national.  This means that they must be either:

• a British citizen
• a British Overseas Territories citizen
• a British Overseas citizen
• a British National (Overseas)
• a British subject or
• a British protected person within the meaning of the British Nationality Act 1981.

(Note: Civil Partnerships registered under the laws of Tasmania meet the requirement of the UK’s Civil Partnership Act. Therefore a British national who has registered their relationship in Tasmania does not need to also register under the UK scheme)

If one party is not British, the non-British party must:

• If an Australian citizen, produce a Single Status Certificate issued by State or Territory authorities.
• If a citizen of a third nation, produce a Certificate of No Impediment (or national equivalent) from their national authorities; or, if resident in Australia for at least 21 days, and if the Australian authorities are prepared to issue it, a Single Status Certificate issued by the State or Territory authorities.

The two parties must not be related within the prohibited relationship defined in the Civil Partnership Act 2004.

Both parties must be over the age of 18, or if aged 16 or 17 have obtained consent.

Both parties must have resided for at least seven days in the consular district in which the registration will occur, and produce evidence of this.  This could include an employer’s letter confirming a period of continuous work attendance, or bank or credit card statements showing recent local transactions.  (see ** below)

If one or both parties have been married or had a civil partnership previously, they must produce evidence that they are now free to register, ie a death certificate, decree absolute or nullity decree.

What do I have to do?

The British party must give written notice of registration of the civil partnership, at their local consular office.

Each party must also swear a separate declaration stating, inter alia, that they believe there is no impediment or other lawful hindrance to the partnership.

Fees are payable, both when the application is submitted, and again before the actual registration takes place.

The written notice will be displayed publicly at the relevant British consular office for at least 14 days.  (see ** below)

Provided there has been no objection of the registration, the registration may take place on the 15^th day after the notice has been displayed.  (see ** below)

The registration must take place within 3 months of the date of giving notice.

**  Please note that, because it may take some time before we can arrange a registration appointment at our consular offices in Perth and Brisbane, the residence and notice requirements for Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia residents have been waived.

What happens at the registration?

There is no formal ceremony for a civil partnership registration.  Civil partnership registration is an entirely secular process, and the Civil Partnership Act prevents any religious service from taking place during the registration of a civil partnership. 

The registration officer may, if he and the couple wish, allow the couple to say the following words before the registration document is signed:

"I declare that I know of no legal reason why we may not register as each other\s civil partner. I understand that on signing this document we will be forming a civil partnership with each other".

The registration must occur between 9am and 5pm, and must occur in an area open to the public.

Both parties and two witnesses must be present, and the relevant fees must have been paid.  Additional guests may be allowed, but this should be discussed with the registration officer at the time of application.

All parties, including witnesses and the consular officer, must sign the registration documentation.

Forms to download (in PDF format)

Notice of Registration [94KB]

Declaration of Registration [115KB, new window]

Fee Schedule [30KB]