Marriage is a significant milestone in one’s life, and getting married in another country can be exciting and daunting at the same time. One of the essential documents required for a foreigner to marry in the Netherlands is a Certificate of No Impediment (Verklaring van huwelijksbevoegdheid in Dutch). In this article, we will discuss what a Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring is, why it is necessary, and the process of obtaining it.
What is a Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring?
A Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring is a document that confirms that a person is free to marry, and there are no legal impediments to the marriage. It is issued by the embassy or consulate of the country where the applicant holds citizenship or permanent residency. The Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring is issued in Dutch, English, or French, depending on the embassy or consulate.
The Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring is also known as a single status certificate, no marriage record, or certificate of freedom to marry.
Why is a Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring Necessary?
A Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring is necessary for a foreigner to get married in the Netherlands. It is an essential document that confirms that the applicant is free to marry and meets the legal requirements for marriage in the country of origin.
The Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring is required to ensure that the applicant is not already married or in a civil partnership with someone else. It is also to ensure that the applicant is not closely related to their intended spouse. The Dutch authorities require this document as part of the marriage registration process.
Who Needs a Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring?
Any foreigner who wants to marry in the Netherlands needs a Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring. It applies to both opposite-sex and same-sex marriages. The applicant must be at least 18 years old and not be closely related to their intended spouse.
How to Obtain a Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring?
The process of obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring varies depending on the embassy or consulate. Generally, the following steps apply:
- Make an appointment with the embassy or consulate that issues the Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring.
- Fill out the application form and submit it to the embassy or consulate.
- Provide the required documents, such as a valid passport, birth certificate, and proof of single status.
- Pay the processing fee.
- Wait for the embassy or consulate to issue the Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring, which can take up to several weeks.
It is essential to check the embassy or consulate’s website for specific requirements and procedures.
What Are the Requirements for a Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring?
The requirements for a Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring vary depending on the embassy or consulate. Generally, the following documents are required:
- A valid passport.
- A birth certificate.
- Proof of single status, such as a declaration of single status or a divorce certificate if applicable.
- Proof of address, such as a utility bill or a bank statement.
- The processing fee.
It is essential to check the embassy or consulate’s website for specific requirements and procedures.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring?
The processing time for a Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring varies depending on the embassy or consulate. It can take up to several weeks to issue the certificate. It is essential to check the embassy or consulate’s website for specific processing times.
How Long Is a Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring Valid?
A Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring is valid for six months from the date of issue. It is essential to ensure that the certificate is still valid at the time of marriage registration.
What Happens If You Cannot Obtain a Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring?
If you cannot obtain a Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring, you may need to provide alternative documents to prove your single status. You can contact the Dutch embassy or consulate for advice on alternative documents.
Conclusion
A Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring is an essential document required for a foreigner to marry in the Netherlands. It confirms that the applicant is free to marry and meets the legal requirements for marriage in the country of origin. The process of obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring varies depending on the embassy or consulate, but generally requires submitting an application form, providing required documents, and paying a processing fee. It is essential to check the embassy or consulate’s website for specific requirements and procedures. A Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring is valid for six months from the date of issue. If you cannot obtain a Certificate of No Impediment Verklaring, you can contact the Dutch embassy or consulate for advice on alternative documents.
