What do I need to arrange if I want to marry in Malaysia?

Can I get married in Malaysia?

Ask the main marriage registration office whether the rules in Malaysia allow you to marry there as a Dutch national.

Same-sex couples cannot get married in Malaysia.

If you want to enter into a Muslim marriage, both you and your partner must be Muslims or convert to Islam.

You cannot get married at the Dutch embassy.

Requirements for getting married for Dutch nationals

If you are a Dutch national and you want to marry, you must meet the following requirements:

• You and your partner must be 18 or older. If you are under 18 and you marry abroad, the Dutch authorities will not recognise your marriage until you and your partner are both 18.
• You and your partner must not already be married to or have a registered partnership with someone else.
• If you are under guardianship, you will need the permission of your guardian or of the limited jurisdiction judge (‘kantonrechter’).
• The following family members are not allowed to marry each other or enter into a registered partnership with each other: parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, and brothers and sisters.

What documents do I need to marry in Malaysia?

To get married in Malaysia you will need the following documents:

Is my marriage valid in the Netherlands?

Marriages performed in Malaysia are recognised in the Netherlands. But you must have your marriage certificate legalised.

Do I have to register my marriage in the Netherlands?

You may need to register your marriage in the Netherlands. This depends on where you live.

If you live in the Netherlands, you must register your marriage with your municipality. You will need your marriage certificate to do this. First have your marriage certificate translated and legalised.

More information about having documents from Malaysia legalised

If you live outside the Netherlands, you can have your marriage certificate converted into a Dutch certificate by the municipality of The Hague. This is not mandatory, but it can be useful if you ever need an extract in the future.

More information about registering a foreign marriage certificate in the Netherlands

Additional information

Register with the marriage registration office in the place where you plan to marry. You and your partner must register in person. After you register your marriage date, your notice of marriage will be displayed for 21 days. After this you can get married.

The official marriage takes place at the marriage registration office. Two witnesses must be present. They must show their passports as proof of identity. You are free to arrange a ceremony after the official marriage at a location of your choosing.