Getting married abroad

What is it?

To get married abroad, you must meet the requirements of that country. Get timely information about this from the authorities of the country where you want to get married.

In certain countries, you need a declaration if you want to get married there. The declaration must state that you are not yet married and are authorized to marry. Do you, as a Dutch citizen, want to get married abroad? Then apply for a "declaration of competence to marry" at the municipality.

What does it cost?

A declaration of marriage license costs €29.80.

What to do.

  • If you live in the Netherlands, apply for the declaration at the municipality.
  • If you are a Dutch citizen living abroad, ask for an extract from the Basisregistratie PersonenBRP) at an RNI municipality.
  • Do you not live in the Netherlands and have never lived in the Netherlands? Then apply for the certificate at the Dutch embassy or consulate in the country where you are getting married.

What do I need?

  • A valid ID of you and your partner.

The municipality may ask for the following documents from you and your partner:

  • A recent copy of the birth certificate.
  • If you were previously married: a divorce certificate or death certificate.
  • If you or your partner live abroad: a certificate from that country showing your place of residence, nationality and marital status.

Foreign deeds or other foreign documents must be in Dutch, English, French or German. Is this not the case? Then you must first have the documents translated by a translator who is sworn in the Netherlands. Sometimes foreign documents must be legalized in the country of origin. Check with the municipality.

Additional information

You can find information about the documents you need at:

  • The Dutch embassy in the country where you want to get married.
  • The foreign authority that will perform your marriage.

After the conclusion of the marriage

After the marriage is concluded, the marriage certificate usually has to be legalized. After that certificate is issued, the marriage can, at your request, be registered in the Netherlands.