Free Marriage in Amsterdam

Free Marriage in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, you can enter into a free marriage through special arrangements by the Municipality of Amsterdam, designed for residents with low income. This ensures equal access to civil marriage while imposing certain conditions. This article explains the local procedures, including tips specifically for Amsterdam residents, and how to get help from the Legal Aid Desk Amsterdam.

What does a free marriage in Amsterdam entail?

Civil marriage is the only legally valid way to marry in the Netherlands, and in Amsterdam, it is performed by the civil registrar. Standard fees for the ceremony and registration can amount to €800 or more, but the Municipality of Amsterdam offers waivers for couples facing financial constraints. This means a simple ceremony at the city hall, without extras like special venues along the canals. The goal is inclusivity: everyone in the capital should be able to marry, regardless of budget.

Note: The waiver covers only basic fees, not items like witness travel or a reception. According to CBS statistics, hundreds of Amsterdam residents marry through this arrangement each year, with a growing number of low-income individuals benefiting from urban support.

Legal basis in Amsterdam

Marriage rules are outlined in Book 1 of the Civil Code (BW), particularly Title 5 on marriage. Article 1:30 BW requires a civil ceremony by a registrar. Fees fall under the Municipalities Act (Article 229), allowing the Municipality of Amsterdam to charge for such services.

Locally, the municipality applies the Civil Registration Act and the General Administrative Law Act (Awb), along with its own Policy Rules for Waiver of Municipal Fees. These are based on income and assets. In 2023, fees in Amsterdam are around €800 for a standard marriage, but upon approval, they are fully waived. Check the Municipality of Amsterdam's website or the Legal Aid Desk Amsterdam for current rates and conditions.

Conditions for waiver in Amsterdam

For a free marriage in Amsterdam, you must meet criteria such as:

• A combined net income below the social assistance threshold (e.g., €1,200 per month for a single person in 2023).
• Limited assets (typically under €25,000).
• No additional income exceeding the limit.
• Often, proof of social assistance, benefits, or minimal earnings is required.

Amsterdam residents with children, refugees, or those in social housing receive priority under local low-income programs.

Procedure for a free marriage in Amsterdam

Here's how to arrange it step by step with the Municipality of Amsterdam:

1. Start the application: Schedule an appointment with the civil registry via the Municipality of Amsterdam's website, at least 6 months in advance.
2. Submit documents: Provide passports, birth certificates, and a declaration of marital capacity (no prior marriages).
3. Apply for waiver: Complete the online form with pay stubs and bank details; the municipality decides within 4-8 weeks.
4. Book the ceremony: Select a basic date and time slot on weekdays; no luxury options like marrying in Vondelpark.
5. Conduct the ceremony: Bring two witnesses; the proceedings last about 15 minutes at the city hall.

The entire process takes 3-6 months. If denied, you can file an objection under the Awb (Article 7:1), and the Legal Aid Desk Amsterdam offers free advice.

Practical examples from Amsterdam

Take Lisa and Tom, a couple from Amsterdam-West with a combined net income of €1,500 from social assistance. The €800 fees are unaffordable, so they apply for a waiver with the Municipality of Amsterdam. After reviewing their benefits and bank account, it's approved: they marry for free on a Tuesday morning at the city hall, with family as witnesses – just the essentials.

In the Jordaan, the 'social marriage arrangement' helps a single parent with two children and a €1,100 benefit. After applying via the digital portal, a simple ceremony follows, with immediate entry into the Basic Registration of Persons (BRP). This saves hundreds of euros for vulnerable Amsterdam residents.

Cost overview for Amsterdam:

Rights and obligations for a free marriage in Amsterdam

A free marriage in Amsterdam is as legally valid as a paid one: you receive an extract for the BRP and access community of property (or marital conditions, see Marital Conditions). Inheritance and social security rights remain intact.

Obligations include transparency about finances – fraud leads to sanctions through the Amsterdam District Court. Partners must be of legal age and free to marry (Article 1:31 BW). Afterward, you can request a name change; the Legal Aid Desk Amsterdam assists with questions.

Frequently asked questions