What do I need to arrange if I want to marry in Ukraine?
If you are a Dutch national planning to marry in Ukraine, you will need to provide certain documents. And you may need to meet extra requirements.
Can I get married in Ukraine?
Ask the organisation that you want to perform the marriage in Ukraine if you are allowed to marry there as a Dutch national.
To get married in Ukraine as a Dutch national you must be in Ukraine legally on the day you submit the required documents to the registration office. This means you must submit your application to register your marriage at least one month before the end of your stay in Ukraine.
Same-sex couples cannot get married in Ukraine.
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 Ukraine?
To get married in Ukraine you will need the following 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 Ukraine you will need a valid passport and a legalised Ukrainian translation of your passport.
If you are divorced, you will need a document proving this. For example, an official copy of your divorce certificate. You will also need a legalised Ukrainian translation of this document.
Is my marriage valid in the Netherlands?
Marriages performed in Ukraine 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.
More information about having documents from Ukraine 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