Free Marriage in Rotterdam

Free Marriage in Rotterdam

In Rotterdam, you can enter into a free marriage through special municipal provisions for residents with a low income. This arrangement ensures that marriage remains accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. We explain the local rules, steps, and tips, focusing on the Municipality of Rotterdam.

What does a free marriage in Rotterdam entail?

The civil marriage is the only legally valid way to marry in the Netherlands, and thus in Rotterdam. Normally, you pay fees for the civil registrar and any extras, such as a ceremony outside the city hall. With a free marriage, the Municipality of Rotterdam waives or reduces these costs for couples on a limited budget. This often means a simple ceremony at the city hall, without additional embellishments. The goal is to allow Rotterdam residents from all backgrounds to get married.

Note: This covers only the core costs, not items like witnesses, clothing, or a reception. According to CBS statistics, many couples marry in Rotterdam each year, and a portion takes advantage of this waiver through the municipality.

Legal basis

Marriage rules fall under Book 1 of the Civil Code (BW), specifically Title 5 on marriage. Article 1:30 BW states that marriage must be civil and performed by a civil registrar. Cost regulations stem from the Municipalities Act (Article 229), which allows municipalities to set fees.

The Municipality of Rotterdam applies waivers based on the Act on the Civil Registry and the General Administrative Law Act (Awb). This follows the Policy Rules for Remission of Municipal Taxes and Fees, based on income and assets. In Rotterdam, standard fees for a marriage are around €550-€750 in 2023, but upon approval, this becomes €0. Check the Municipality of Rotterdam website or the Legal Aid Desk in Rotterdam for current rates and conditions.

Conditions in Rotterdam

For waivers in Rotterdam, requirements include:

• Combined income below the social assistance threshold (for example, €1,200 net per month for a single person in 2023).
• Limited assets (generally a maximum of €25,000).
• No additional income exceeding the limit.
• Often proof required, such as social assistance, minimum benefits, or a similar situation.

Couples with children or in vulnerable positions, such as refugees in Rotterdam, may receive priority.

Step-by-step guide for a free marriage in Rotterdam

Here's how to arrange it in Rotterdam:

1. Start the application: Contact the civil registry of the Municipality of Rotterdam to schedule an appointment. Do this at least 6 months in advance.
2. Submit required documents: Provide passports, birth certificates, and a declaration of marital eligibility (confirming you are free to marry).
3. Apply for waiver: Submit a form with financial details. The municipality decides within 4-8 weeks.
4. Schedule the ceremony: Select a basic date and time slot; options for registrars or locations are limited.
5. The ceremony: Two witnesses are required; the ceremony lasts about 15 minutes at the city hall.

The process typically takes 3-6 months. If denied, you can file an objection under the Awb (Article 7:1), possibly with help from the Legal Aid Desk in Rotterdam.

Practical examples in Rotterdam

Take Anna and Ben, a Rotterdam couple with a combined net income of €1,800 from social assistance. They can't afford the €600 fees and apply for a waiver with the Municipality of Rotterdam. After reviewing benefits and bank statements, they marry for free on a weekday at the city hall, with two friends as witnesses – no basic costs.

In Rotterdam, the municipality offers a 'social marriage option' for those on low income. A single parent with three children and a €1,000 benefit can arrange a free marriage, including registration in the Basic Registration of Persons (BRP).

Cost overview for Rotterdam:

Rights and obligations

A free marriage in Rotterdam holds the same legal value as a paid marriage: it is fully recognized, with an extract for the BRP. You have rights to community of property (or adjustments via marital conditions, see Marital Conditions) and inheritance rights.

Obligations: Be transparent about finances; dishonesty can lead to fines or cancellation. Both partners must be adults and eligible to marry (Article 1:31 BW). Report any name changes afterward if needed. For advice, contact the Legal Aid Desk in Rotterdam.

Frequently asked questions