How to get married in Belgium: legal requirements, tips for foreigners

Getting married in Belgium requires a number of legal formalities, especially for foreigners. From providing the right documents to complying with local marriage laws, every detail matters. In this article, we will look at the main steps, the necessary documents, and the things to consider to avoid complications. Understanding the process correctly will help make your day special and hassle-free.

Who can get married in Belgium

Belgian law sets clear rules and conditions for marriage, ensuring equality and legality of the relationship. One of the main conditions is the voluntary consent of both partners and the absence of obstacles, such as an existing marriage. These rules apply equally to both Belgian citizens and foreigners wishing to register their relationship in the country.

Conditions for marriage registration:

• The minimum age for marriage is 18 years, except in special cases with court permission.
• No other registered marriage or partnership.
• Voluntary consent of both partners to enter into marriage.
• Availability of valid identification documents (passport or ID card).
• Providing birth certificates of both partners.
• Certificate of marital status and absence of obstacles to marriage.
• In the case of foreigners – legalization and translation of documents, if required.
• Respect for Belgian legal requirements, including possible additional documents for citizens of other countries.

The conditions for marriage in Belgium are aimed at protecting the rights of spouses and ensuring the legality of the union. In 2025, some procedures for foreigners are expected to be simplified, including the digitalization of applications. These changes will make the marriage registration process more convenient and faster. However, it is important to familiarize yourself with the current requirements in advance to avoid any difficulties. These are the basics of family law in Belgium.

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Interesting fact: the country has recognized same-sex marriage since 2003, becoming the second country in the world to legalize it.

Documents for registration

To successfully register a marriage in Belgium, it is important to prepare the necessary documents in advance. Each of them must comply with the requirements of local legislation, which includes translations, certifications and, in some cases, an apostille. Incorrect registration can lead to delays or refusal of registration. Therefore, it is better to start collecting documents several months before the planned date. These are the key rules for concluding a marriage.

List of documents for marriage in Belgium:

1. Birth certificate:
   • Where to get: Civil Registry Office in the country of residence.
   • Registration: translation into one of the official languages of Belgium, notarization.
   • Waiting period: up to 10 working days.
   • Cost: from 20 to 50 euros, including translation.
2. Certificate of marital status:
   • Where to get: marriage registration authority or embassy.
   • Registration: certification and translation.
   • Waiting period: 5-15 days.
   • Cost: about 20 euros.
3. Copy of passport or ID card:
   • Where to get: passport office or MFC.
   • Registration: certification is not required.
   • Waiting time: instantly.
   • Cost: free.
4. Divorce certificate or death certificate of spouse (if applicable):
   • Where to get: civil registry offices or archives.
   • Registration: translation and certification.
   • Waiting period: up to 10 working days.
   • Cost: 15–30 euros.
5. Marriage license (if required):
   • Where to get: embassy or municipal authorities.
   • Design: depending on the country of origin.
   • Waiting period: 2-4 weeks.
   • Cost: 50–100 euros.
6. Document confirming legal residence in Belgium:
   • Where to get it: commune or migration services.
   • Registration: without additional certifications.
   • Waiting period: up to 10 days.
   • Cost: free.
7. Medical certificate (if required):
   • Where to get: certified medical institutions.
   • Design: in Belgian language or with translation.
   • Waiting period: 1-3 days.
   • Price: 20–40 euros.

When collecting documents, it is important to pay attention to the validity periods of certificates and the correctness of their translation. Often there are errors related to incorrect execution of the apostille or lack of certifications. Another common problem is expired documents, which can slow down the process. To avoid such situations, it is recommended to carefully check the list and clarify the requirements in the local commune.

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Advice: it is better to order certificates and documents from abroad in advance, as their legalization and translation can take up to several months.

Registration procedure

The process of registering a marriage in Belgium begins with filing an application at the local municipal service. Before you begin the procedure, it is important to prepare all the necessary documents that will be required for official registration. Often, a marriage can be registered without the participation of a lawyer, but it is necessary to take care of all the legal details in advance. In this part of the article, we will analyze all the steps that need to be taken to register a marriage in Belgium.

The procedure for registering a marriage in Belgium in detail:

1. Contacting the local commune (registration authority).
   • Address: Commune of Brussels, Grote Markt 1, 1000 Brussels.
   • Phone: +32 2 279 22 11.
   • Website: https://www.brussels.be/marriage .
2. Preparing documents for submission.
   • List of documents: birth certificate, certificate of marital status, passport.
   • Additional documents for foreigners: translations, apostille, certificates of legal residence in Belgium.
3. Filing an application for marriage registration.
   • Submitting an application in writing.
   • Indication of the date and time when the ceremony will take place.
4. Waiting for application review.
   • The waiting time is usually between 10 and 30 days.
   • Receiving notification of the ceremony date.
5. Conducting a marriage registration ceremony.
   • The ceremony is held in the presence of an official (mayor, deputy or other representative of the public service).
6. Obtaining a marriage certificate.
   • After the ceremony, you can obtain a marriage certificate.

The process of registering a marriage in Belgium is usually straightforward if all the documents are prepared properly. However, refusals are possible, for example if the spouses cannot provide the necessary documents or if one of them is already married. The marriage may also be rejected if the age or legal requirements are not met. Only after these errors have been corrected can the marriage certificate be obtained.

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Interesting fact: it is interesting that marriage can be registered not only in special institutions, but also outdoors, for example, in a park or on the beach, if this is provided by local authorities. Traditional Belgian marriage ceremonies can also be held there.

Legal nuances for foreigners

For foreigners and immigrants, the process of getting married in Belgium can be more complicated than for citizens of the country, as it involves additional legal requirements. It is important to properly prepare all the necessary documents, take into account local legalization rules and be prepared for verification of personal data. Knowing these nuances will help to avoid delays and problems when registering a marriage in Belgium. Let’s consider what you need to take into account so that the process goes smoothly.

Legal nuances for foreigners:

• Preparation and translation of documents into the official language of Belgium (French, Dutch or German).
• Legalization or apostille of foreign documents.
• Checking legal status – availability of a residence permit or residence permit.
• Providing a certificate of marital status or a document confirming the absence of marriage.
• Submission of documents to the municipality taking into account national requirements.
• The process of obtaining a marriage permit for third-country nationals from outside the EU.
• In the case of mixed marriages, there are additional requirements for verifying kinship and legal capacity.
• The importance of having all signatures and seals for the validity of documents in Belgium.

Marriage registration denials for foreigners can be due to a number of reasons, including documents that do not meet legal requirements or insufficient evidence of legal status. There may also be problems with recognizing a marriage if the documents have not been properly legalized or translated. To avoid denial, it is important to prepare carefully and consult with local authorities or a lawyer who specializes in marriage matters.

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Tip: If you are planning to get married in Belgium, it is advisable to find out all the requirements for documents and their translation in advance to avoid delays and additional costs.

Rights and responsibilities of spouses

In Belgium, as in most European countries, marriage entails not only personal but also legal consequences for both spouses. Their rights and obligations are enshrined in law, which regulate various aspects of family life. Knowing these rights will help to avoid misunderstandings and protect interests in the event of conflict situations. In this section, we will consider in detail the main rights and obligations of spouses in Belgium.

Rights and responsibilities of spouses in detail:

• Right to cohabitation – spouses have the obligation to live together and care for their marriage, maintaining physical and emotional unity.
• Right to joint property – property acquired during marriage usually becomes joint property.
• Childcare Duty – Both spouses are required to provide care for children, if any, and to fulfill their responsibilities for their upbringing and support.
• Right to alimony – in the event of a divorce, spouses can demand alimony if one of them cannot provide for themselves.
• Right to health care – spouses have the right to health care through the health insurance system.
• Responsibility to support each other – in marriage, spouses are obliged to help each other both materially and morally.
• Right of inheritance – spouses have a legal right to inherit property in the event of the death of their partner.
• Right to information – spouses have the right to request information about each other’s financial situation and joint affairs.
• Duty of Honesty – Spouses have a duty to be honest with each other, especially in matters of finance and family matters.
• Duty to respect personal freedom – despite legal obligations, each spouse retains the right to personal space and independence.

Violating the rights and obligations of spouses in Belgium can lead to serious consequences, including divorce, financial sanctions or even criminal liability in cases of violence or deception. It is important to remember that each spouse has the right to protect their interests and go to court in the event of a violation of the terms of the marriage. Knowing your rights and obligations will help to avoid conflicts and ensure harmonious coexistence in marriage.

And an interesting fact: in Belgium, spouses can enter into a marriage contract that defines their property and financial relations, which allows them to avoid many legal disputes in the future.

Frequently asked questions about marriage in Belgium

1. What documents are needed to get married in Belgium?
   To get married in Belgium, you must provide a passport or identity card, a birth certificate, proof of civil status (if you have not been married before), and proof of residence in Belgium. All documents must be translated into one of the official languages of Belgium.
2. Is it possible to get married in Belgium if one of the partners is not a citizen of this country?
   Yes, it is possible. However, you will need to provide additional documents confirming your legal stay in Belgium, as well as fulfilling all legal requirements for foreigners.
3. What is the minimum age for marriage in Belgium?
   The minimum age for marriage in Belgium is 18 years. However, with the consent of a judge or in special circumstances, it is possible to marry from 16 years.
4. Is a prenuptial agreement necessary in Belgium?
   A prenuptial agreement in Belgium is not mandatory, but it can be useful to establish property and financial relations between spouses in advance.
5. Is it possible to get a divorce in Belgium by mutual consent?
   Yes, a divorce by mutual consent is possible if both spouses agree to the divorce and have settled all issues such as alimony, division of property and custody of children.
6. How does the marriage process work in Belgium?
   The marriage process in Belgium involves filing an application at the local registry office, where all documents are checked. After that, a wedding date is set, and if all conditions are met, the marriage is registered.
7. What is marital property in Belgium?
   Marital property in Belgium includes all property acquired during the marriage, unless the spouses have entered into a marriage contract that determines a different distribution of property.
8. How is property divided in a divorce in Belgium?
   In a divorce, property is divided equally, unless the spouses have agreed on a different distribution in the marriage contract. This applies to all assets, including real estate, money and other valuables.
9. Is there an age limit for marriage in Belgium?
   Yes, the minimum age for marriage in Belgium is 18. Persons under 18 require judicial authorization.
10. What to do if the marriage was concluded abroad?
    If the marriage was concluded outside Belgium, it must be registered in Belgium, providing all the necessary documents and a translation certified by a notary.
11. What inheritance rights do spouses have in Belgium?
    Spouses in Belgium have the right to inherit each other’s property in the event of the death of their partner. This right can be limited or changed through a marriage contract.