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Getting married in the Netherlands

What types of relationship contracts are there in the Netherlands for couples?

What is the Dutch law on matrimonial property?

My partner and I would like to have a religious marriage. What are the steps involved?

What is the difference between marriage and registered partnership?

What are the steps to be followed and the costs to get married in the Netherlands?

What are the requirements to get married in the Netherlands?

The documents needed may vary depending on nationality, previous marriages and residence status in the Netherlands. It is advisable to find out well in advance what documents you need and whether they meet the requirements.

  • A birth certificate
  • Proof of identity, e.g. passport
  • A marriage certificate in the case of a previous marriage, a divorce decree in the case of a previous divorce or a death certificate in the case of being widowed
  • Completed witness forms for two to four witnesses
  • A certificate of no impediment to marriage or a certificate of civil status proving you are not married elsewhere. This is available from your respective Consulate General or you may have to apply for the certificate in the last place you lived abroad. In most cases you will need to have the document legalised to make it legally valid in the Netherlands. Note: A certificate of no impediment to marriage is issued after a notice of marriage has been displayed at your Consulate General for 21 days and if no objection has been made about the proposed marriage. It is issued in Dutch.

Documents from abroad that are not written in Dutch, French, German or English must be translated into Dutch by a sworn translator in the Netherlands. Furthermore, documents from certain countries must be legalised or provided with an ‘apostille’ stamp. More information about this is available on the Dutch government’s website:https://www.government.nl/topics/marriage-cohabitation-agreement-civil-partnership