formality
noun
uk/fɔːˈmæləti/ usplural formalities [ C ]
something official that must be done before something else can happen or be done:
It is essential to observe all the formalities when setting up a business.
complete/go through the formalities (of sth) This should be a means of injecting share capital into a company without going through the formalities of a share issue.
Approval of the documents is a legal formality.
[ C, usually singular ]
something that must be done but that is unlikely to affect an agreement that has already been made:
little more than/only/merely a formality There are still some details to be sorted out, but I believe it's only a formality.
Background checks often are a mere formality in the hiring process.
[ U ]
formal writing, behaviour, etc. that is suitable in important or official situations:
The bank says its business overdrafts are arranged with a minimum of formality and fuss.