How can you get married in the Netherlands🤵👰🏻FAQ | A Filipina Dutch Living

Summary

In this informative video, Liz shares her experience and guides foreigners and expats on the process of marrying a Dutch partner in the Netherlands. She outlines the basic criteria, such as being 18 or older, not currently married, and not related to the partner. The video details the necessary documentation, including birth certificates and passports, and addresses the challenge of obtaining a Certificate of Non-Marriage from abroad. Liz also discusses the importance of document legalization and language requirements. She provides practical advice on scheduling the wedding with the municipality and answers common questions about marriage in the Netherlands, including the possibility of a free wedding and the recognition of same-sex marriages.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video discusses the process for foreigners and expats to get married in the Netherlands with a Dutch partner.
• 📜 The minimum criteria for marriage include being 18 or older, not currently married or in a registered partnership, and not closely related to the partner.
• 📚 Essential documents for marriage include birth certificate, passport, and possibly a certificate of non-marriage from the home country or last place of residence.
• 🏛️ If previously married, a marriage certificate, divorce papers, or death certificate may be required depending on the situation.
• 🌐 For documents not in Dutch, English, French, or German, translation and legalization or an apostille stamp are necessary.
• 📆 Notify the municipality at least two weeks before the planned wedding with an 'undertroon' or notice of intent to marry.
• 💒 The wedding venue and date are subject to the municipality's availability and the number of guests can vary based on the chosen location.
• 🅿️ A parking permit for up to five cars, including the bridal car, is required for the wedding.
• 💰 Fees for the wedding process vary by municipality, and some may offer free weddings with certain restrictions.
• 🏳️‍🌈 Same-sex marriages are legally recognized and allowed in the Netherlands.
• ✈️ It is possible to marry in the Netherlands on a tourist visa, but one should not submit an MVV application while on a Schengen visa.

Q & A

What are the minimum criteria for getting married in the Netherlands as a foreigner?

The minimum criteria include being 18 years old or older, not being married or in a registered partnership, and not being related to your partner in a direct line (parent-child, grandparent-grandchild, or siblings).

What documents are typically required for a foreigner to get married in the Netherlands?

The required documents may include a birth certificate, passport, two witnesses, a marriage certificate if previously married, divorce papers if separated, a death certificate if a partner is deceased, and a certificate of non-marriage for singles.

What is the process if you cannot obtain a Certificate of Non-Marriage from your last place of residence?

If you cannot obtain a Certificate of Non-Marriage, you should contact the Dutch municipality where you plan to marry and inform them of the situation. They may accept a Certificate of Non-Marriage from your home country or request a sworn statement of your marital status.

How can you ensure your documents are valid for use in the Netherlands?

Ensure all documents are attested or have an apostille stamp, and are written in Dutch, English, French, or German. If not, they must be translated and legalized or have an apostille stamp.

What is the 'undertroon' and when should it be done?

The 'undertroon' is the notice of intent to marry in Dutch. It should be done at least two weeks before the planned wedding date by making an appointment with the municipality.

Can you get married in the Netherlands on a tourist visa?

Yes, you can get married in the Netherlands on a Schengen visa, but you should not submit an MVV application while your tourist visa is still valid.

Is it necessary to pass a basic exam to get married in the Netherlands?

No, the basic exam is only required for an MVV application, not for the wedding itself.

What are the options if you cannot provide witnesses for your wedding?

The municipality can arrange witnesses for you, but there may be an additional fee for this service.

Is same-sex marriage allowed in the Netherlands?

Yes, same-sex marriage is allowed in the Netherlands.

Can you hold a religious wedding ceremony instead of a civil one?

You can have a religious ceremony, but it must take place after the civil marriage has been solemnized by a registrar.

What should you do if you're planning to get married in the Netherlands and need to know the fees?

Check with the specific municipality where you plan to marry, as each may have its own fee schedule. For Alkmaar, the fees can be found via a link in the video description.