Marriage Notice Requirements Rotterdam

Marriage Notice Requirements Rotterdam

The marriage notice, better known as banns, is the official notification to the civil registry of the Municipality of Rotterdam for your intended marriage. Essential for Rotterdam residents who want to wed in this dynamic port city. Without the proper documents and procedure, the ceremony cannot take place. This article offers an overview with local tips, required documents, and steps, including references to the Rotterdam Legal Aid Office for advice.

What does a marriage notice in Rotterdam involve?

The notice informs the civil registry of the Municipality of Rotterdam that you and your partner intend to marry. It must be submitted at least 14 days before the wedding date, with no upper time limit. Both partners must appear in person, or an authorized representative with a power of attorney. The review checks for any impediments, such as existing marriages or close family ties. Upon approval, a certified extract is issued for the ceremony in a Rotterdam registrar's hall.

In Rotterdam, with its multicultural population, special attention is given to international couples.

Legal basis

Governed by Civil Code Book 1 (BW1), articles 38-44. Article 1:38 BW1 covers receipt and verification by the registrar. Article 1:39 BW1 outlines the basic notice, and 1:40 BW1 specifies the documents. Additional laws include the Act of 9 July 2009 for equal marriages, the Registration of Non-Indigenous Children Act for migrants, and the Hague Marriage Convention (1902) for cross-border cases.

Required documents for Rotterdam

Depending on your situation, nationality, and background. Overview in table, specific to notice at the Municipality of Rotterdam:

Registered partnerships: see BW1 art. 1:80 et seq., same office in Rotterdam.

Step-by-step procedure in Rotterdam

1. Schedule an appointment at the civil registry via rotterdam.nl or by phone.
2. Gather documents well in advance; foreign papers can take time.
3. Both partners attend (or authorized representative with notarial power of attorney).
4. Registrar reviews documents and questions intentions and relationships.
5. Pay registry fees (€10-20 for notice, €500+ for ceremony).
6. Receive certified extract after 14 days; schedule your Rotterdam ceremony.

Special cases: foreign nationals and remarriage in Rotterdam

Foreign partners face stricter rules: residence permit plus apostille (Hague Convention). Non-convention countries: consular visa. Remarriage requires a registered divorce decree (art. 1:162 BW). Example: Rotterdam resident Jan, divorced in 2021, presents decree and extract at the desk.

Rights and obligations

• Right to information: Free guidance from the Municipality of Rotterdam.
• Duty of accuracy: False information is punishable (art. 1:44 BW, fine €8,100).
• Right to object: Against refusal, appeal to District Court Rotterdam (Awb 7:1). Advice via Rotterdam Legal Aid Office.
• Attendance requirement: Both partners must participate.

Practical Rotterdam examples

Example 1: Anna and Bob, Dutch Rotterdam residents, file banns at the Rotterdam civil registry. ID and recent birth certificates suffice; ready after 14 days.

Example 2: Spanish Carlos and Dutch Dina in Rotterdam. Carlos provides apostilled birth certificate and single status certificate; check for sham marriage (Aliens Act 3:65a).

Example 3: 17-year-old Eva from a Rotterdam neighborhood: parents sign consent, otherwise void (BW1 1:33).

Frequently asked questions