Getting married to a Brazilian

Hi,

Im currently living with my brasilian girlfriend here in the UK, we've been living together for just over a year now but been together for nearly 3 years. She is currently on a student/work placement visa that runs out in April 2008. Hoowever we are planning on getting married in Brsil at the end of the year.

Will our brasilian marriage certificate be sufficient for a visa for her in the uk or will we have to get married in England for her to get a visa to stay and live here.

Thanks for any advice!

Ben

Will our brasilian marriage certificate be sufficient for a visa for her in the uk

I have not got a clue about Brazilian marriage law, but I do know the principle the UK law adopts.

As regards the marriage in Brazil, if that is recognised as a proper legal marriage under Brazilian law, then yes, the UK will also recognise it as a legal marriage. This is stated in the UK's Foreign Marriages Act 1892 (yes, 1892!).

Following the marriage in Brazil you will need to get the marriage certificate translated into English, and then when the application is made for a 2-year spouse visa your evidence will include by just the original Brazilian certificate, but also the certified translation into English.

Following the Brazilian marriage you will not be allowed to get married in the UK! Why? You will already be married .... and therefore totally unable to certify that you are free to marry.

Will my wife have the same rights if we marry in brazil compared to if we married in England?

Thanks again!

Yes exactly the same rights, and not just your wife having those rights, and responsibilities, but of course you as well.

Under the terms of the UK's Foreign Marriages Act 1892 the UK recognises as legally valid any marriage that happens outside the UK which is legally valid in the place where the marriage took place.