Thailand Marriage Registration for Belgian Nationals is possible whether you are marrying a Thai citizen, another fellow Belgian, or a citizen of a different foreign nationality. But as with every nationality, there are some special considerations you will need to keep in mind when marrying in Thailand as a Belgian national.

Affirmation of Freedom to Marry

All foreign citizens, including those with valid visas, need to provide an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry. This document confirms that you or your foreign fiance are not already married, are of legal age in their home country, and have no impediments to joining you in matrimony. Only the Belgian government can confirm this, so you must go to the Belgian Embassy to get this document. It is known as a "certificat de celibataire."

• Contact your embassy ahead of time to double-check their rules on providing this document. The process and fees may change over time, so get the most up-to-date information from the source.
• You may need to make an appointment.
• Bring with you your passport, as proof of identity, and any evidence that any previous marriages have been dissolved/terminated such as a divorce decree or death certificate.
• Other required documents may include:
  • A certificate of good character ("certificat de bonne vie et moeurs")
  • An attestation from your employer or a bank statement
  • The names and addresses of 2 witnesses in Belgium
  • If you are under 18 years old, you must provide a letter of consent by your parents/guardians
• This service is only available for Belgian citizens.

Translation and Authentication of the Affirmation of Freedom to Marry

Once the affirmation has been signed, it will need to be translated into Thai to be acceptable by the Thai authorities. You will also need certified translations of any divorce or death certificates to act as proof of freedom to marry. Please note that the Consular Section does not undertake the preparation or translation of documents.

Visit our translation page to learn more about translating documents in Thailand.

The Belgian Consular Official's signature and all Thai translations must also be authenticated by the Thai government. Fortunately, a certified translator can also perform this task for you.

Registering a Thai Marriage as a Belgian Citizen

Bring all documents as well as copies of your passport biodata page, Thai visa, and arrival card (if applicable) to the local district office when you go to register your marriage. Also, bring any proof of payment for any translation, legalization, and registration fees required for any of these documents and their translations.

If your partner is Thai, they will need to bring their ID card and house registration. If they are under 20 years old, you will need written permission from their parents.

You will also need to bring 2 witnesses to view your registration, though the district office may provide you with witnesses for a fee if needed.

Present the documents to the registrar, pay a small fee, and then complete and sign all forms the registrar requires of you. If you have a Thai prenuptial agreement, now is the time to enter it into the official record, so inform the registrar if you have one.

Important Reminders When Getting Married in Thailand as a Belgian National

• The Belgian Embassy in Bangkok is not authorized to perform marriages.
• A religious ceremony on its own is not sufficient. Only registration at a district office (AKA "Amphur" or "Khet") will provide a legal marriage certificate.
• Approval of your marriage registration is at the discretion of each individual Registrar. Most Registrars will be satisfied with an Affirmation of Freedom of Marry, but they may require additional documents.
• The marriage certificate you receive from the district office will be in Thai only. You may wish to commission a "sworn translation" of the marriage certificate from a certified translator so that you may register it with your embassy and use the document for legal purposes in Belgium.
• The Consular Section can arrange for your marriage to be recorded in Belgium. This is not a legal obligation, but it is an easy way to have your marriage registered back home and may be helpful if you lose your marriage certificate.
• Please note that a foreign national, Thai or otherwise, does not automatically acquire Belgian citizenship through marriage to a Belgian national.
• If you are marrying a Thai national, they will require a Schengen Visa to visit Belgium or a Belgian Spouse Visa if the plan is to settle back home.
• If you marry a Thai citizen or a foreigner with residency in Thailand, you are eligible for a Thai Marriage Visa.

Secure Your Marriage Registration and Visas With Siam Legal

If you’re dreaming of a wedding in Thailand and don’t want red tape to get in the way of your big day, contact Siam Legal’s marriage consultants. We’re a full-service law firm and visa consultancy in operation for over 20 years, so we have a deep understanding of the laws governing marriage in Thailand, Thai visas, and Belgian visas.

Our knowledgeable advisors will answer all your questions and walk you through each step of the marriage registration process in Thailand, ensuring you have all the required documents and that they are prepared correctly. This way, you can get your marriage registered swiftly and smoothly so you can focus on your wedding ceremony and what lies ahead.

Once you’ve tied the knot, our immigration consultants can assist you with applying for a Thai visa if you’re planning on staying in the Kingdom with your spouse, or help your foreign partner apply for a Belgian spouse visa if you want to settle back home.

Let Siam Legal’s experienced team handle the legalities so you can enjoy a seamless and stress-free transition to married life.

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Marriage Registration by Nationality