What do I need to arrange if I want to marry in Chile?
If you are a Dutch national planning to marry in Chile, you will need to provide certain documents. And you may need to meet extra requirements.
Can I get married in Chile?
Ask the organisation that you want to perform the marriage in Chile if you are allowed to marry there as a Dutch national.
Same-sex couples can get married in Chile.
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 Chile?
To get married in Chile you will need the following documents:
If you have a residence permit for Chile, you will need to show your Chilean identity card.
If you are in Chile temporarily, you will need to show a Dutch passport with a tourist visa. This is a separate piece of paper that is inserted into your passport by the border police when you arrive in Chile.
Is my marriage valid in the Netherlands?
Marriages performed in Chile (registro civil) 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. A Chilean marriage certificate is drawn up in Spanish. First have your marriage certificate translated and legalised.
More information about having documents from Chile 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
Extra information
Two witnesses must be present at the marriage. They must state that there is no impediment to the marriage.