What do I need to arrange if I want to marry outside the Netherlands?
If you are a Dutch national planning to marry outside the Netherlands, you will need to provide certain documents. And you may need to meet extra requirements. The requirements depend on the country.
Can I marry outside the Netherlands?
Ask the authorities in the country where you want to marry if you are allowed to marry there as a Dutch national. The requirements for getting married are different in different countries. You also have to meet the requirements that apply to all Dutch nationals who want to marry, even if they marry outside the Netherlands.
Requirements that apply to all Dutch nationals who want to marry
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 the guardian or the limited jurisdiction judge.
- 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 outside the Netherlands?
The documents you need depend on what country you want to get married in. You may also need extra documents depending on your own situation. You may need the documents below. Ask the authorities in the country where you want to get married what documents you need.
A certificate of legal capacity to marry shows that you and your partner are legally allowed to marry. To get this certificate, you will need to submit a number of other documents.
- If you live or previously lived in the Netherlands, you can get this certificate from the municipality where you live or last lived. Go to the municipality’s website to find out how to apply for this certificate (verklaring van huwelijksbevoegdheid).
- If you have never lived in the Netherlands, you can get this certificate from the Dutch embassy or consulate-general in the country where you live. You can apply online.
A declaration of marital status shows that you are unmarried. You can get this declaration from the Dutch embassy or consulate-general in the country where you plan to marry. To get this declaration, you will need to submit a number of other documents.
More information about applying for a declaration of marital status
Is my foreign marriage valid in the Netherlands?
If you marry outside the Netherlands, your marriage will usually be recognised in the Netherlands. But there are exceptions. You should therefore check this first.
Do I have to register my foreign marriage in the Netherlands?
You may need to register your foreign 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. You may need to have your marriage certificate legalised first in the country where you got married.
- If you live outside the Netherlands, you can have your marriage certificate converted into a Dutch marriage 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.
Read more about registering a foreign marriage certificate in the Netherlands
Do I have to inform any Dutch organisations about my foreign marriage?
Getting married can affect your taxes or entitlement to benefits or allowances, for example. So you should tell the Dutch organisations you have dealings with that you have got married.
- If you live outside the Netherlands, find out how to report a change in your personal information to the Dutch government from abroad.
- If you live in the Netherlands, you must register your marriage with your municipality. The municipality will inform other government organisations about this change to your situation. You will still need to inform some organisations yourself.
You will still need to inform some organisations yourself.
Contact
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.