What do I need to arrange if I want to marry in Cambodia?
If you are a Dutch national planning to marry in Cambodia, you will need to provide certain documents. And you may need to meet extra requirements.
Can I get married in Cambodia?
Ask the organisation that you want to perform the marriage whether the rules in Cambodia allow you to marry there as a Dutch national.
If you are a Dutch national and want to marry a Cambodian national in Cambodia, your monthly income must be at least 2,500 US dollars. This applies to both men and women.
Same-sex couples cannot get married in Cambodia
You cannot get married at the Dutch embassy.
Requirements for getting married for Dutch nationals
If you are a Dutch national and you want to marry, you must meet the following requirements:
- You and your partner must be 18 or older. If you are under 18 and you marry abroad, the Dutch authorities will not recognise your marriage until you and your partner are both 18.
- You and your partner must not already be married to or have a registered partnership with someone else.
- If you are under guardianship, you will need the permission of your guardian or of the limited jurisdiction judge (‘kantonrechter’).
- The following family members are not allowed to marry each other or enter into a registered partnership with each other: parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, and brothers and sisters.
What documents do I need to marry in Cambodia?
To get married in Cambodia you will need the following documents:
A certificate of legal capacity to marry shows that you and your partner are legally allowed to marry. To get this certificate, you will need to submit a number of other documents.
A declaration of marital status shows that you are unmarried. To get this document, you will need to submit a number of other documents.
More information about applying for a declaration of marital status
To get married in Cambodia you must complete an application form. You can request this form from the authorities in Cambodia.
To get married in Cambodia you will need a valid passport (or a photocopy). An ID card will not be accepted. To use a photocopy of your passport you must first have it legalised.
More information about having Dutch documents legalised for use abroad
You will need a certificate of conduct. Where you can get this certificate depends on where you live.
You will need a medical certificate. The Cambodian foreign ministry can tell you where you can get this document.
If you are a Dutch national and want to marry a Cambodian national in Cambodia, your monthly income must be at least 2,500 US dollars. To prove this you must provide an employer's declaration stating your income.
If you do not have an employer, you can show bank statements or a declaration from your bank. The Cambodian foreign ministry will assess your documents and may ask for additional documents.
Is my marriage valid in the Netherlands?
Marriages performed in Cambodia are recognised in the Netherlands. But you must have your marriage certificate legalised.
Do I have to register my marriage in the Netherlands?
You may need to register your marriage in the Netherlands. This depends on where you live.
If you live in the Netherlands, you must register your marriage with your municipality. You will need your marriage certificate to do this. First have your marriage certificate translated and legalised. In Cambodia marriage certificates are issued in Khmer. The Cambodian foreign ministry can translate the certificate into English or French.
More information about having documents from Cambodia legalised
If you live outside the Netherlands, you can have your marriage certificate converted into a Dutch certificate by the municipality of The Hague. This is not mandatory, but it can be useful if you ever need an extract in the future.
More information about registering a foreign marriage certificate in the Netherlands