Marrying a Belgian Citizen: Here Are the Important Documents You Need to Prepare!
Marrying a Belgian citizen should be a happy moment, but the reality is that many couples feel overwhelmed by complex bureaucracy. The long list of documents, strict requirements, and different procedures between Indonesia and Belgium often make the process confusing and full of uncertainty.
Just one wrong or late document can delay your wedding for months, and even risk having your application rejected. Don’t let your dream fall apart due to a lack of preparation.
Procedures & Documents for Marrying a Belgian National
Don’t worry. We have compiled a complete guide for you. This article will detail the essential documents you must prepare when marrying a Belgian citizen, ensuring your journey to the altar is smooth, structured, and free of obstacles.
1. Birth Certificate
The first and most important document you must prepare is your birth certificate. This must be an original document or an official copy issued by the relevant authority in your country. Some things to note regarding the birth certificate are legalization or Apostille, depending on where it was issued.
The Apostille is a certification that simplifies the legalization of public documents so they can be recognized in countries that are members of the Apostille Convention. In addition, if your birth certificate is not in Dutch, French, or German, you must have it translated by a professional translator.
2. Proof of Single Status
To marry a Belgian citizen, you need to prove you are single and not tied to any other marriage or registered partnership. The required proof is a Certificate of No Impediment, or a letter stating there is no obstacle to marrying. This letter is an important document that states your marital status.
Generally, this letter is issued by your country’s embassy or consulate located in Belgium. Therefore, it’s important to contact the relevant embassy or consulate to understand the specific procedures and requirements. This letter is usually valid for a limited period, typically around 6 months.
3. Proof of Citizenship
You must prepare proof of citizenship as one of the essential documents. This is usually a valid passport. Make sure the passport is legitimate and active. The passport’s validity period is also a crucial thing to note. Ideally, its validity should be more than 6 months after the planned wedding date.
Read Also A List of Attractive Locations for Marrying a Swiss Citizen
4. Proof of Residence
As a foreign national planning to get married in Belgium, one of the important requirements is to prove you have a legal place of residence. This is needed to ensure you have a solid basis for being in Belgium during the wedding process and afterward.
There are several types of documents that can be used as proof of legal residence. If you have been living and working in Belgium, you can include a copy of your Belgian ID card. If you have just moved to Belgium and don’t have an ID card yet, you can provide proof of registration with the municipality (commune or gemeente) where you live.
5. Additional Documents
This point depends on your personal situation. There are some additional documents that may still be needed to marry a Belgian citizen. If you were previously married and are divorced or your spouse has passed away, you need to provide a divorce certificate or death certificate.
These documents also need to be legalized or Apostilled and translated if they are not in Dutch, French, or German. Also, if you are under 18, you will need permission from a guardian to get married, as the minimum age to marry in Belgium is 18 and over.
6. Marriage Registration Process
After you have collected all the necessary documents, the next step is to register the marriage in the municipality (gemeente/commune) where you will get married. You and your partner must be present in person at the civil registry office to submit the documents you have collected.
After the documents are approved, the municipality will issue a marriage notice (huwelijksaangifte/déclaration de mariage). This notice is usually valid for 6 months, which means you must get married within that timeframe.
7. Wedding Ceremony
The civil wedding ceremony is a mandatory stage that must be performed at City Hall. This is also known as Stadhuis in Dutch or Maison Communale in French. This location is where the marriage is officially recognized by the state. The ceremony can be led by the mayor or an appointed civil registry official. Although witnesses are not strictly required, couples are free to have up to four witnesses.
Marrying a Belgian citizen can be a wonderful experience. With thorough preparation and complete documents, you can ensure that your wedding day goes smoothly and is unforgettable. Hopefully, this article helps you prepare for your dream wedding in Belgium!
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