Apply for declaration of marital status

If you want to get married abroad, you may need a declaration of marital competence or an unmarried declaration. You can apply for these in person at the municipality.

Contact

Approach

This is how you apply for the statement:

  • You visit the municipality in person.
  • You need, from you and your partner:
    • your valid ID
    • a copy of your birth certificate
    • An extract from the basic registration of persons, showing your nationality and marital status
    • if you were previously married: the divorce certificate or death certificate

Cost

A declaration of marital competence costs €29.00 (2024) / €29.80 (2025). The multilingual model form costs €22.30 (2024) / €23.00 (2025). You pay at the time of your application.

(Rates 2024/2025)

Description

As a Dutch citizen, you can get married abroad. The country where you want to get married may ask for permission from your municipality. The municipality can then make a declaration of marital competence or an unmarried declaration for you. This is always multilingual.

A declaration of marital status is valid for 6 months. How long an unmarried declaration is valid varies by country.

Terms

The conditions for applying for a certificate of marital or unmarried status include:

  • You or your partner have Dutch nationality.
  • You or your partner are registered in this municipality or you lived in this municipality before you left for abroad.

Learn more

Learn more about prenuptial agreements

Find contact information for an embassy, consulate or other representation

Information about getting married or registered partnership abroad

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