Marrying abroad (certificate of no impediment)
Do you want to get married abroad? You may need a certificate of no impediment. It states that you are not married and are permitted to marry under Dutch law. The statement is in Dutch, with an explanation in multiple languages. Ask the authority where you will marry what documents you need. This will depend on the country.
Where to apply
At the City of Leeuwarden if you live here or if your last Dutch place of residence was within the City of Leeuwarden.
Have you never been registered in the Netherlands?
Apply for the license at the Dutch consulate in the country where you will marry.
What do you need?
The same documents are required as for a marriage in the Netherlands:
Which document |
Necessary when or where |
Additional explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Valid proof of identity. | Always. | Passport, ID card or driver’s licence. |
| A divorce certificate or a certificate of dissolution of a registered partnership. Or a death certificate. | If you have been married before or have had a partnership, and the deed has not yet been registered in the Key Register of Persons (BRP). | Apply for the divorce certificate or deed of dissolution at the local authority where you committed to your marriage/partnership. Apply for the death certificate at the local authority where your partner died. |
| A recent transcript of your birth certificate and that of your partner. | Always. | Apply for this transcript at your place of birth. |
| Declaration of residence/nationality/civil status. | You or your partner live abroad. | Apply for this declaration at the local authority where you live now. |
| Authentication. | Sometimes a document needs to be authenticated. More information is provided on the website of the Rijksoverheid (opens in new tab). | |
| Translation. | When a document is not in Dutch, German, French or English. If documents concerning dissolution of marriage/partnership are not in Dutch, German of English. | Translation in Dutch by a translator who is sworn in the Netherlands. |
How to apply
At the counter in the Town Hall
Make an appointment (opens in new tab) online for your visit.
You will receive the license immediately if all documents are complete. You pay by cash or by card at the counter. Want to make sure the documents are correct and complete? Send an email to burgerzaken@leeuwarden.nl. Bring the original documents of both partners with you to the Town Hall.
By post
Are you unable or unwilling to apply for the declaration at the counter at the Town Hall? In that case, send your application my post:
- First send an email to burgerzaken@leeuwarden.nl. Attach the required documents. We check that the documents are correct and complete.
- After that, send us the documents by post. We advise you to do this by registered mail.
- You will receive the invoice by post.
Term of validity
Maximum six months from the date you receive the statement.
Charges
A certificate of capacity to marry costs: €31.10.
Questions
For general information, go to the Marriage and registered partnership page.
Or Contact the City of Leeuwarden.
Quick to:
Where to apply
At the City of Leeuwarden if you live here or if your last Dutch place of residence was within the City of Leeuwarden.
Have you never been registered in the Netherlands?
Apply for the license at the Dutch consulate in the country where you will marry.
What do you need?
The same documents are required as for a marriage in the Netherlands:
Which document |
Necessary when or where |
Additional explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Valid proof of identity. | Always. | Passport, ID card or driver’s licence. |
| A divorce certificate or a certificate of dissolution of a registered partnership. Or a death certificate. | If you have been married before or have had a partnership, and the deed has not yet been registered in the Key Register of Persons (BRP). | Apply for the divorce certificate or deed of dissolution at the local authority where you committed to your marriage/partnership. Apply for the death certificate at the local authority where your partner died. |
| A recent transcript of your birth certificate and that of your partner. | Always. | Apply for this transcript at your place of birth. |
| Declaration of residence/nationality/civil status. | You or your partner live abroad. | Apply for this declaration at the local authority where you live now. |
| Authentication. | Sometimes a document needs to be authenticated. More information is provided on the website of the Rijksoverheid (opens in new tab). | |
| Translation. | When a document is not in Dutch, German, French or English. If documents concerning dissolution of marriage/partnership are not in Dutch, German of English. | Translation in Dutch by a translator who is sworn in the Netherlands. |
How to apply
At the counter in the Town Hall
Make an appointment (opens in new tab) online for your visit.
You will receive the license immediately if all documents are complete. You pay by cash or by card at the counter. Want to make sure the documents are correct and complete? Send an email to burgerzaken@leeuwarden.nl. Bring the original documents of both partners with you to the Town Hall.
By post
Are you unable or unwilling to apply for the declaration at the counter at the Town Hall? In that case, send your application my post:
- First send an email to burgerzaken@leeuwarden.nl. Attach the required documents. We check that the documents are correct and complete.
- After that, send us the documents by post. We advise you to do this by registered mail.
- You will receive the invoice by post.
Term of validity
Maximum six months from the date you receive the statement.
Charges
A certificate of capacity to marry costs: €31.10.
Questions
For general information, go to the Marriage and registered partnership page.
Or Contact the City of Leeuwarden.