Conditions for Registered Partnership in Amsterdam
A registered partnership forms a legal bond between two persons, with rights and obligations that closely resemble those of a marriage, but without the ceremonial or religious elements. The law imposes strict requirements to ensure this commitment is voluntary and legally valid. In this article, we highlight the requirements, the process, and the implications, tailored specifically for Amsterdam residents, so you are fully informed within Dutch family law about this option.
What does a registered partnership entail?
The registered partnership (RP) was introduced in the Netherlands in 1998 as an alternative to marriage, initially to provide legal security for same-sex couples. Since 2001, it has also been available to opposite-sex partners. It covers matters such as inheritance rights, asset division, and alimony, and can later be converted into a marriage or dissolved through the Amsterdam District Court. Unlike a simple cohabitation agreement, an RP offers immediate statutory protection without the need for a notarial deed.
The essence of the RP is equality: both partners have identical rights and obligations as in a marriage. This makes it ideal for Amsterdam residents who want an official relationship without a traditional wedding. Amsterdam, with its diverse and inclusive community, sees many such registrations. For more details on partnerships, check our article on Registered Partnership. Need advice? Contact the Legal Aid Office Amsterdam.
Legal basis of the conditions
The rules are outlined in Book 1 of the Civil Code (BW), particularly Articles 80 to 90. Article 1:80 of the Civil Code describes it as an exclusive, mutual bond between two persons for an indefinite period. These conditions prevent abuse and ensure voluntariness.
Key statutory articles include:
- Article 1:81 of the Civil Code: Partners must be of legal age (18+) or previously married, and not under guardianship.
- Article 1:82 of the Civil Code: No existing marriage or partnership, and no blood or affinity relations in the direct line or up to the second degree.
- Article 1:83 of the Civil Code: One partner must be Dutch or reside in the Netherlands; registration occurs through the civil registry officer in the municipality.
These rules ensure that only competent individuals without conflicting relationships can enter into an RP. Recent updates emphasize inclusion, in line with Article 1 of the Constitution, which is particularly relevant in multicultural Amsterdam.
Specific requirements for a registered partnership in Amsterdam
For registration in Amsterdam, personal, relational, and procedural conditions must be met. The Municipality of Amsterdam handles applications through its civil registry.
Personal requirements
- Age and capacity: Both partners must be at least 18 years old. Under 18, only with court permission in cases of emancipation (Article 1:81 paragraph 2 of the Civil Code). Individuals under protective supervision or guardianship require approval from the Amsterdam District Court.
- Nationality and residence: No nationality requirement, but registration must occur in the Netherlands. Foreign nationals must have legal residence; EU citizens benefit from free movement (Directive 2004/38/EC). In Amsterdam, this process is straightforward for expats.
Relational requirements
- No existing marriage or RP: Verification through the Personal Records Database (BRP) is standard.
- No family ties: No direct line (parent-child) or up to the second degree (siblings, cousins).
- Voluntariness: A personal declaration without coercion is required.
Procedural requirements
Registration takes place at the civil registry of the Municipality of Amsterdam, where one of the partners resides. Schedule an appointment via the municipality's website and bring:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Valid identification | Passport or ID card for both partners. |
| Birth certificates | Extract not older than 6 months. |
| Declaration of no impediments | Form confirming compliance with conditions (Article 1:84 of the Civil Code). |
| Foreign documents | Legalized and translated as needed. |
The ceremony is straightforward: the registry officer reads the declaration, and partners sign. No required witnesses, though optional for a celebration. Costs in Amsterdam range from €150-250, depending on additional services.
Practical examples in Amsterdam
Take Anna (28, Dutch) and Bob (30, Belgian), who live together in the Jordaan neighborhood. They verify: no prior relationships, no family ties. At the civil registry of the Municipality of Amsterdam, they submit IDs and certificates, and finalize the RP. They now automatically share assets and inheritance rights, which is not the case with informal cohabitation.
Another case: Two sisters in Amsterdam want a partnership for emotional support. This is not allowed due to the close family tie (Article 1:82 of the Civil Code). They should seek advice from the Legal Aid Office Amsterdam for alternatives like a cohabitation agreement.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.