If you are planning to get married in the Netherlands, one of the requirements is to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment or CNI, also known as a Verklaring van Huwelijksbevoegdheid. This document is an official statement that confirms you are free to marry and that there are no legal impediments to your marriage. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment in the Netherlands.
What is a Certificate of No Impediment?
A Certificate of No Impediment is a legal document that is required by many countries before you can get married. It is also known as a CNI, Certificate of Freedom to Marry, or a Single Status Certificate. This document serves as proof that you are free to marry and that there are no legal impediments to your marriage, such as being already married, being underage, or having a close blood relationship with your partner.
In the Netherlands, a Certificate of No Impediment is required if you are a foreign national who wants to get married in the country. This document confirms that you are legally allowed to marry and that there are no legal obstacles to your marriage. Without this document, you cannot get married in the Netherlands.
Who Can Get a Certificate of No Impediment?
To obtain a Certificate of No Impediment in the Netherlands, you must meet certain requirements. You must be at least 18 years old and be legally eligible to marry. This means that you are not currently married or in a registered partnership, and that there are no legal impediments to your marriage.
You must also have lived in the Netherlands for at least four weeks before you can apply for a Certificate of No Impediment. If you are a foreign national, you must have a valid residence permit or a visa that allows you to stay in the country for at least four weeks.
How to Apply for a Certificate of No Impediment?
To apply for a Certificate of No Impediment in the Netherlands, you must visit your local municipality or gemeente. You will need to provide certain documents, such as your passport or identity card, your birth certificate, and possibly a divorce certificate or death certificate if you have been married before.
You will also need to fill out a form and pay a fee. The fee for a Certificate of No Impediment varies depending on the municipality, but it usually ranges from €25 to €100.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Certificate of No Impediment?
The processing time for a Certificate of No Impediment in the Netherlands can vary depending on the municipality and the complexity of your case. In general, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to obtain this document.
If you are in a hurry, you can request an expedited processing time, but this will usually cost more. It is recommended to apply for a Certificate of No Impediment at least six weeks before your wedding date to allow for enough processing time.
What Happens After You Get a Certificate of No Impediment?
Once you have obtained a Certificate of No Impediment, you can use it to get married in the Netherlands. You will need to provide this document to the municipality where you are getting married, along with any other required documents.
It is important to note that a Certificate of No Impediment is only valid for a certain period of time. In the Netherlands, this document is typically valid for six months from the date of issue. If you do not get married within this timeframe, you will need to apply for a new Certificate of No Impediment.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment is an important step if you are planning to get married in the Netherlands. This document confirms that you are legally allowed to marry and that there are no legal impediments to your marriage. To apply for a Certificate of No Impediment, you must visit your local municipality and provide certain documents and pay a fee. The processing time for this document can vary, so it is recommended to apply at least six weeks before your wedding date.
