The Civil Partnership Act came into force in the UK on 5 December 2005.  This allows same-sex couples to register their partnership in a civil ceremony that will confer the same rights, under British law, currently enjoyed by married couples. British law allows for couples, where at least one partner is a British national, to register their partnership overseas, if the local authorities do not object to us doing so.  

We consulted the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) to ask if there were any objections to the British Consulate-General Hong Kong registering civil partnerships of eligible same-sex couples under this legislation. The HKSARG has informed us that it does not consider it appropriate to agree to the registration of civil partnerships of same-sex couples at the British Consulate-General Hong Kong at present.

However, an eligible couple can register their partnership by visiting the UK or a British Consulate in one of the countries where we can provide this service. These countries are:

Argentina, Australia*, Austria*, Bulgaria*, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia*, Guatemala, Hungary, Ireland, Israel*, Japan, Latvia*, Moldova, Mongolia*, Peru, Philippines*, Portugal*, Turkmenistan, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam*

*Specific rules apply, so contact the Consular Section before planning a trip to any of these countries to register your partnership.

Civil Partnership registration cannot take place at the British Consulate in a country which has its own civil partnership or same-sex marriage legislation. In these countries you need to contact the local authorities to perform this service. These countries are:

Australia (Tasmania only), Belgium, Canada, Czech Rep, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United States (California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey only)

To register your partnership at a British Consulate you both must have been in the country of registration for at least 7 days prior to making your application. Following your application a notice of partnership will be posted in the Consular waiting room for 14 full days. If no impediment to your partnership is shown then you can register your partnership within 3 months of the date of application. You do not have to remain in the country following the application for registration, but must return within 3 months to complete the registration process.  

For specific guidance on making such an application please contact the Consular Section in Hong Kong before you make any travel plans.