Register an intended marriage or registered partnership for Dutch citizens living abroad

Do you and your partner live abroad? And do you want to get married or enter into a registered partnership in the Netherlands? Then you first need to inform the Municipality of The Hague. This used to be called a ‘notice of intent to marry’ (in ondertrouw gaan).

You can get married or enter into a registered partnership in every municipality.

Conditions

  • Both of you live abroad.
  • At least 1 of you has Dutch citizenship (nationality).
  • You must both be at least 18 years old.
  • You must register your intent at least 8 weeks before the date of the ceremony. Please do not wait too long to do this. Register your intent as soon as you know that you want to get married or enter into a registered partnership. Because you need to submit the original documents, you will often need more time for your application. Your registration of intent is valid for 1 year. Are you getting married after 1 year? Then you must register your intent again.
  • The following family members are forbidden to marry each other or enter into a registered partnership with each other: (grand)parents and (grand)children, brothers and sisters, cousins, uncles and nieces/nephews, and aunts and nieces/nephews. There are exceptions to this rule.
  • Are you under guardianship? You will first need the permission of the guardian or the limited jurisdiction judge.
  • Please note: Does 1 of you live in the Netherlands? In that case, contact the municipality where you will get married or enter into a registered partnership.
Belangrijke informatie: The municipality where you will get married or enter into a registered partnership will decide which documents you need.

How does it work?

  • Notify the Municipality of The Hague that you want to get married or enter into a registered partnership. You also indicate in which municipality you want to do this.
  • The Municipality of The Hague will forward your registration of intent to the municipality where you want to get married or enter into a registered partnership.
  • This municipality will contact you and let you know which documents you need.

Fees

Registering your intent is free.

Do you want to reschedule or cancel your wedding? In certain cases you will have to pay to do this. Read more under Getting married in The Hague: locations and fees.

How long does it take?

Within 1 week you will receive a message that the Municipality of The Hague has forwarded your registration of intent and the accompanying documents to the municipality where you will get married or enter into a registered partnership.

Register your intent

  1. Complete the online Register an intended marriage form in its entirety.
  2. The form will then be provided to you as a PDF file.
  3. Print this file.
  4. Both partners have to sign the printed paper form.
  5. Scan the signed document together with a copy of both of your passports. Afterwards you can submit your intent to marry.

    Register your intent

    Fill in the form

    Let op!
    Keep the original document in a safe place. The municipality where you will get married or enter into a registered partnership can always request this document.  

    Good to know