The Process for Adopting a Child from Abroad

A clear guide to international adoption from the UK

Adopting a child from abroad can be a life-changing decision. It offers the opportunity to provide a permanent home to a child while growing your family.

However, international adoption is more complex than adopting within the UK. It involves multiple legal systems, immigration requirements, and strict procedures designed to protect the child's welfare.

Understanding how the process works is essential before you begin.

Understanding international adoption

International adoption, sometimes referred to as intercountry adoption, involves adopting a child who is habitually resident in another country.

Unlike domestic adoption, the process must comply with UK law, the legal requirements of the child's country of origin, and, in many cases, international agreements designed to safeguard children.

If you are looking for an overview of adoption within England and Wales, see: Adoption Solicitors or How to adopt a child in the UK

Hague Convention vs Non-Hague Adoption

One of the most important distinctions in international adoption is whether the child's country of origin is part of the Hague Convention on intercountry adoption.

This affects how the process works, the level of differences regulation involved, and whether the adoption will be recognised in the UK.

What is the Hague Convention?

The Hague Convention is an international agreement designed to protect children and ensure that intercountry adoptions are carried out safely, ethically, and in the child's best interests.

Countries that are part of the Convention must follow a structured process, including cooperation between central authorities and safeguards against improper practices.

Adopting from a Hague Convention country

Where the Hague Convention applies, the process is more clearly defined and regulated.

You will be required to be assessed and approved in the UK through an authorised adoption agency, and the adoption must proceed through official channels in both countries. The matching and approval process follows a structured framework designed to prioritise the child's welfare.

A key advantage of a Hague Convention adoption is legal certainty. If the process is followed correctly, the adoption will usually be recognised automatically in the UK. This provides clarity around parental responsibility and reduces the risk of complications after the child arrives.

Adopting from a non-Hague country

Adopting from a country that is not part of the Hague Convention is often more complex.

There is no single standardised process, and requirements can vary significantly between countries. This means additional care is needed to ensure that the adoption meets UK legal standards.

You may need to provide further evidence about how the adoption was carried out, and in some cases apply for recognition in the UK or make a fresh application for a UK adoption order after the child arrives.

These cases can involve additional scrutiny, particularly in relation to safeguarding and immigration.

Why the distinction matters

The difference between Hague and non-Hague adoption is not just procedural. It has a direct impact on the legal outcome.

If an adoption is not properly recognised in the UK, it can affect parental responsibility, the child's immigration status, and their entitlement to British citizenship.

Understanding which process applies at an early stage is essential.

Step 1: Are you eligible to adopt internationally?

Before starting the process, you must meet the UK's adoption eligibility criteria.

This includes being over 21 and able to provide a stable and supportive home. You must also be assessed and approved as an adoptive parent in the UK before proceeding with an international adoption.

In addition to UK requirements, you must also meet the criteria set by the country you are adopting from. These can vary significantly and may include restrictions based on age, marital status, or other factors.

Step 2: Choosing a country and adoption route

International adoption is not a single process. The route you take will depend on the country you are adopting from.

Some countries operate under the Hague Convention, while others do not. This distinction will affect both the process you follow and how the adoption is recognised in the UK.

At this stage, you will usually work with an approved adoption agency that specialises in intercountry adoption.

Step 3: Assessment and approval in the UK

Before adopting from abroad, you must be formally assessed and approved as an adoptive parent in the UK.

This process is similar to domestic adoption and involves a detailed assessment, preparation training, and safeguarding checks.

Once approved, you can move forward with the international process.

Step 4: The overseas process

After approval, your application will be considered by the relevant authorities in the child's country of origin.

This stage may involve submitting documentation, attending interviews, and complying with local legal requirements. In some cases, you may need to travel to the country.

The process varies depending on the country, but it is structured to ensure that the child is placed with a suitable family.

Step 5: Matching with a child

As with domestic adoption, the focus is on matching a child with a family that can meet their needs.

You will be provided with information about the child, including their background and circumstances. If you agree to proceed, the match will be formalised through the appropriate legal channels.

Step 6: Immigration and entry to the UK

One of the most important stages of international adoption is ensuring that the child can legally enter and live in the UK.

This usually involves applying for entry clearance or a visa. The requirements depend on the type of adoption and whether it is recognised under UK law.

Step 7: Recognition in England and Wales

Once the child arrives in the UK, it is important to ensure that the adoption is legally recognised.

In some cases, the overseas adoption will be automatically recognised. In others, you may need to register the adoption or apply for a UK adoption order.

This step is essential for securing parental responsibility and the child's legal status.

How long does international adoption take?

International adoption can take longer than domestic adoption.

Timescales vary depending on the country involved, the legal process, and how long it takes to be matched with a child. It is not uncommon for the process to take a year or more.

Do you need a solicitor?

International adoption involves multiple legal stages, and advice can be particularly important where:

The adoption is from a non-Hague country

There are immigration or citizenship questions

You are unsure whether the adoption will be recognised in the UK

How this differs from UK adoption

International adoption involves additional legal layers, particularly around immigration and legal recognition.

If you are considering adopting within England and Wales, you can read more here: How to adopt a child in the UK

Final thoughts

Adopting a child from abroad can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and a clear understanding of the legal process.

Each stage plays an important role in ensuring that the adoption is safe, lawful, and in the best interests of the child.

With the right preparation and support, the process becomes clearer and more manageable.

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We pride ourselves on being friendly and approachable so if you need advice, please do get in touch by calling 0208 889 3319 or via the form below.

Vasoulla Constantinou, Family Law Solicitor

About the Author

Vasoulla Constantinou is a partner at the firm and Head of Family Law. She is a SRA regulated family law solicitor with over 20 years of experience and has been awarded a specialist accreditation by Resolution, an organisation committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes in a non-confrontational manner. Vas advises clients on all matters relating to family law including divorce, financial issues and child law. For more information visit her full profile.

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How to Adopt a Child in the UK
Can I Adopt My Partner’s Child? Step-Parent Adoption
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Surrogacy and the Parental Order

How to Adopt a Child in the UK
Can I Adopt My Partner’s Child? Step-Parent Adoption
What Should Be Included in a Surrogacy Agreement and Why
Surrogacy and the Parental Order

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