Getting married abroad

Getting Married Abroad: What You Need to Arrange

If you want to get married abroad, it is important that you can prove there that you are not already married and do not have a registered partnership with anyone else. 

You can do this by obtaining a certificate of unmarried status. This is an extract from theBRP that states your marital status—in this case, that you are not married and do not have a registered partnership. You can apply for this online at . 

But sometimes a certificate of single status isn't enough, and the country where you want to get married requires a certificate of legal capacity to marry. 

This is an international document stating that you are not currently married and that, under Dutch law, you and your partner are eligible to marry each other.

You can apply for a certificate of eligibility to marry at the municipality of Kerkrade if you live in Kerkrade or if Kerkrade was your last place of residence in the Netherlands. You must be a Dutch citizen. 

DigiDRequest a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage

How does it work?

Would you like to get married abroad? If so, in some countries you will need a “certificate of no impediment to marriage.” 

You can use this page to request a certificate of no impediment to marriage only if you:

  • is currently registered in Kerkrade;
  • You were registered in Kerkrade when you moved abroad.

What do I need?

About Yourself

  • A valid Dutch passport or a valid Dutch identity card (ID-Map), 

From your partner

  • A valid passport or a valid ID card.

From both of you

  • A recent certificate of registration from the municipality where you live, stating your address.
  • A birth certificate or an official copy thereof.
  • An official certificate of unmarried status issued by a Dutch or foreign government agency.

Please note: A self-declaration or a declaration from a notary will not be accepted.

Have you been married before, or have you been in a registered partnership?

Please also include one of the following documents:

  • A divorce decree or court order granting the divorce;
  • Proof of the termination of a registered partnership;
  • A death certificate for your former partner.

Foreign Documents

The documents must be in Dutch, English, French, or German. Otherwise, you must have the documents translated by a certified translator. 

Sometimes you will need to have documents legalized. You can find more information about thelegalization of foreign documents for use in the Netherlands on the website of the Dutch Ministry of Justice, Security, and Immigration ( Rijksoverheid ).

What to do.

Before you submit your application, you must have the original documents verified for authenticity at our City Hall. To do so, please make an appointment by calling 14 045.

Only once you have all the required documents available in digital form can you apply for the certificate of no impediment to marriage online using DigiD

DigiDRequest a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage

What does it cost?

Applying for a certificate of eligibility to marry costs €31.10.

How long does it take?

We will process your application once we have received all the necessary documents. After that, it will take another 5 business days to process the application.

Learn more

Do you have any questions about the application or the required documents? If so, please contact the Civil Registry Office at gemeentehuis@kerkrade.nl or call 14 045. 

How long is the statement valid?

The certificate of eligibility to marry is valid for 6 months from the date it was issued. That is the date on which the municipality issued the certificate.