Marriage in the Netherlands
Marriage in the Netherlands is one of the ways of immigration to the Netherlands. For this purpose, both parties must be over 18 years of age, both must have met each other in person at least once in the past two years, and for the marriage ceremony, 2 to 4 witnesses of legal age or older are required.
This article is written for your information, friends and applicants who wish to immigrate and obtain residency in the Netherlands through marriage. You can contact the Malekpour Institute for more comprehensive information about immigration to the country through other methods and benefit from free consultations. You can also ask your questions in the comments section and receive a response in a short time.
Benefits of Obtaining Dutch Citizenship Through Marriage
Obtaining citizenship through marriage in the Netherlands can have many benefits. Below are some of the most important benefits:
- Possibility of free entry to the Netherlands
- Right to hold a Dutch passport
- Ability to vote in Dutch elections
- Obtaining Dutch citizenship for children
- Right to join the Dutch armed forces
- Automatic EU citizenship
- Ability to move and reside freely within the EU
Conditions for Immigration Through Marriage to the Netherlands
For immigration to the Netherlands through marriage, the following conditions and steps must be considered:
- Both parties must be over 18 years old.
- Neither party should have previously been married.
- For the wedding ceremony, 2 to 4 witnesses of legal age or older are needed.
- The parties must have met in person at least once in the past two years.
Registering Marriage in the Netherlands
To register a marriage in the Netherlands, at least one partner must have legal residency. The process begins by declaring your intent to marry (ondertrouw) at the local municipality at least two weeks before the wedding.
Required documents include a valid passport, birth certificate, and a certificate of no impediment. Foreign documents must be officially translated into Dutch and legalized. Once approved, the ceremony can take place at the municipality or other authorized venues. Dutch marriages are internationally recognized and can be registered in your home country.
Obtaining a Marriage Visa for the Netherlands
To marry a Dutch citizen or legal resident and live in the Netherlands, you need a spouse visa (MVV – Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf). The Dutch partner must apply for residency for their spouse through the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).
Key requirements include proving a genuine relationship, valid IDs, and sufficient income. The applicant must pass the civic integration exam at the Dutch embassy in their country. Once approved, the MVV visa allows entry and temporary residency, which can later be converted to long-term residency after registering the marriage in the Netherlands.
Marriage Laws in the Netherlands
There are relatively specific laws regarding marriage in the Netherlands. The legal system in the Netherlands regarding property community states that all debts of both men and women, before and after marriage, are equally divided between both parties.
In case of divorce in the Netherlands, all assets are divided equally, and each spouse has half ownership of the property. Spouses can reach an agreement regarding property community and determine the division of property either before marriage or during the marriage, although this is less common.
Examining Sham Marriages in the Netherlands
As mentioned, individuals seeking residency and Dutch passportmust prove that their marriage is genuine and not merely for obtaining a passport.
Consequently, for reassurance, the applicant is monitored by some relevant organizations, including the police, to confirm the authenticity of this claim. Therefore, individuals cannot obtain permanent residency and a passport through sham marriages in this country, as it is required to provide official marriage documents along with photos and messages from the couple as evidence of the legitimacy of their words and marriage.
Required Documents for Immigration Through Marriage to the Netherlands
To live in the Netherlands through marriage in the Netherlands, the following documents are required:
- Marriage Certificate
- Identity Card
- Valid Passport
- Proof of Financial Means
- Proof of Legal Residency
- Proof of Relationship
- Health Insurance
- Proof of Address
Steps for Immigration and Obtaining a Marriage Visa for the Netherlands
The steps for immigration to the Netherlands through a marriage visa (Visa for Marriage) for those wishing to marry a Dutch citizen or permanent resident generally involve several legal and administrative steps. Below, I will outline the general steps of this process:
- Preparing Documents and Checking Eligibility
- Registering Marriage Application in the Netherlands
Before you apply for a marriage visa, you must register your marriage in the Netherlands. You must register your marriage application at the municipality of your partner’s city of residence in the Netherlands. For this purpose, you may need to have your documents validated by the registry office. Usually, after registering the marriage application, you will need to wait for a while (typically about 2 weeks) to set the marriage date.
- Applying for a Marriage Visa
After registering the marriage, you can submit a marriage visa application for entry into the Netherlands through the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country. The required documents for the visa application typically include: visa application form, a recent passport photo, marriage certificate, proof of a genuine relationship, and …
- Interview and Case Review
In some cases, you may be required to participate in an interview in person at the embassy or consulate. This interview will be conducted to confirm the authenticity of the relationship and compliance with the marriage visa requirements.
- Issuance of the Marriage Visa
If your application is approved, a marriage visa will be issued to you, which allows you to travel to the Netherlands and live there. This visa is usually valid for six months, but after arriving in the Netherlands, you can also apply for long-term residency or permanent residency.
Cost of Marriage in the Netherlands
The main costs associated with immigration through marriage in the Netherlands are as follows:
| Expense Description | Cost (Euros) |
|---|---|
| Marriage registration fee | 100 to 150 EUR |
| Marriage visa application fee (Netherlands) | 174 EUR |
| Civil integration exam fee (marriage) | 150 EUR |
Obtaining Residency in the Netherlands Through Marriage
Residency in the Netherlands can be obtained through marriage, regardless of where the marriage took place. Key conditions include living together continuously for three years without separation and having only one marriage. Divorce during this period disqualifies applicants from residency. Additionally, the marriage must be registered at a Dutch municipality and proven genuine—not solely for citizenship purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage in the Netherlands
- How many countries can you visit visa-free with a Dutch passport?
With this passport, one can travel to 125 countries without a visa and to 33 countries with a visa on arrival.
- Can residency in the Netherlands be obtained through sham marriage?
No. To obtain residency in the Netherlands through marriage, it must be proven that the marriage is genuine, and all aspects of the marriage are examined.
- Does marriage in the Netherlands grant all the rights of Dutch citizenship?
Yes. By obtaining residency in the Netherlands through marriage, you can enjoy all the rights of Dutch citizenship.
- How much does residency in the Netherlands through marriage cost?
The visa fee for traveling to the Netherlands is 174 euros, and the fee for participating in the civil test is also 150 euros.
Conclusion:
Marriage to a Dutch citizen can lead to legal residency, Dutch citizenship, and eventually a Dutch passport after meeting specific conditions. This is one of the simplest and most direct pathways to live in a developed European country with excellent benefits. If you’re considering marriage in the Netherlands contact Malekpour Institute for expert advice. You can also leave your questions in the comments section and receive a prompt response.
