Certificate of legal capacity to marry in Vanuatu

Have you ever lived in the Netherlands?

Are you a Dutch citizen and do you live in the Netherlands or have you lived in the Netherlands? In that case, you must apply for a certificate of legal capacity to marry (verklaring van huwelijksbevoegdheid) from the municipality where you live or where you last lived. Were you a minor when you left the Netherlands? Then you must also apply at the municipality where you last lived. The certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.

What documents do you need?

To apply for a certificate of legal capacity to marry, you need copies of the following documents:

• a valid Dutch identity document
• an extract from the register of births
• a civil status extract showing that you are not married. The extract may not be more than 12 months old
• a divorce certificate if you have previously been married

You may need to have the original documents legalised and translated. The rules vary per country.

What documents does your non-Dutch partner need?

When you apply for a certificate of legal capacity to marry, your non-Dutch partner needs copies of the following documents:

• a passport or another identity document

• an official document stating his or her address (this document varies from country to country)
• a declaration of unmarried status.

You may need to have the original documents legalised and translated. The rules vary per country.

How do I apply for a consular declaration?

You can apply by e-mail:

1. Send your e-mail to: syd-ca@minbuza.nl.
2. Include the name of declaration and your surname in the subject of your email.
3. Please indicate in the email what you need the declaration for. So the consulate-general will state the purpose of your declaration in the declaration.
4. Do not forget to mention your (mobile) telephone number in the email.
5. Make a PDF of all the required documents and send it as an attachment (a photo of your documents is not allowed).
   Is the PDF file too large to send in one go? Then split the documents and send them in 2 (or more) emails.

Is your file not complete? Or is something unclear or do you have questions? Then you may have to send additional documents.

How much should I pay?

Is your application complete? Then you will receive an e-mail with the following information:

• The total amount you have to pay: a statement costs €30.
• The reference number to use with your transfer. Please note: if you do not use the reference number, this will lead to a delay in issuing the statement.
• Payment instructions: transfer in euros to the bank account of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague.

As soon as your payment has been received, the consulate-general will draw up the declaration.

You will receive your declaration digitally by e-mail.

How long does it take?

After receiving your proof of payment, it takes about 10 working days to process your request.

Do you have to send additional documents because your application is not complete? Then it takes longer.

Any questions?

In case you have a question, you can send an email via the contact form.