NEWS
Same-Sex Marriage Becomes Legal in New Zealand and Uruguay in August
31 Jul 13
GLOBAL, NEW ZEALAND, URUGUAY
Employees wishing to sponsor same-sex spouses on their work permits will soon be able to do so in Uruguay and New Zealand. Uruguay is set to begin allowing same-sex marriages on Aug. 1, and New Zealand will follow suit on Aug. 19. Altogether, four countries have legalized same-sex marriage this year. France legalized same-sex marriage in May. Also, United Kingdom recently passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in England and Wales, which may go into effect as early as summer 2014. Now, including these four new countries, 16 nations recognize same-sex marriage.
While several nations recognize civil registration and domestic partnership for immigration purposes, both situations often require more documentation and time to process. Immigration authorities may also be less likely to approve them. The recognition of same-sex marriage provides a simpler and more efficient route for married same-sex couples to migrate together.
Below is a breakdown of the countries that have legalized same-sex marriage. Each has a brief summary of the nation’s policies for recognizing relationships for immigration purposes.
Country | Marriage | Civil Registration | Domestic Partnership |
EMEA | |||
Belgium | Yes | Possibly, if documented. | Possibly, if documented. |
Denmark | Yes | Yes | Yes |
France | Yes | No | In certain specific situations, domestic partners who have lived together for at least one year may apply for a reunion and residence permit. |
Iceland | Yes | Yes | Under certain circumstances. |
Netherlands | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Norway | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Portugal | Yes | Yes, if living together for at least two years. | Yes, if living together for at least two years. |
South Africa | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Spain | Yes | Under certain circumstances. | Under certain circumstances. |
Sweden | Yes | Yes | Yes |
United Kingdom | Yes | Yes | Yes |
APAC | |||
New Zealand | Aug. 19 | Genuine, stable partnership must be proven. | Genuine, stable partnership must be proven. |
AMERICAS | |||
Argentina | Yes | No | No |
Brazil | Yes | Must prove “stable union.” | Must prove “stable union.” |
Canada | Yes | May be required to submit a Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union form. | May be required to submit a Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union form. |
Uruguay | Aug. 1 | Yes | Yes |
For additional information, please contact GlobalVisaGroup@bal.com.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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