Thailand Marriage Registration for Dutch Nationals is possible whether you are marrying a Thai citizen, another Netherlander, 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 Dutch 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 Dutch government can confirm this, so you must go to the Dutch Embassy to get this document.

The Dutch Embassy sometimes refers to this document as a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry.

What you’ll need when applying for a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry

Complete the Thailand marriage certificate application form and make an appointment at the embassy. Make an appointment via the online appointment system (use the category 'declaration of marital status').

If you have never been married before, you must bring:

• A valid Dutch passport or a Dutch identity card (ID card).
• Proof of registration from the municipality where you live stating your address. If not available, use a bank statement or a utility bill from the past month with your name and address. You can also use a rental contract if it states your address.
• Official proof from a Dutch or foreign government agency that you are not married (declaration of unmarried status).
• A copy of your partner's valid passport or ID card, if requesting a declaration of marital status to get married.

If have been married before:

• A valid Dutch passport or a Dutch identity card (ID card).
• Proof of registration from the municipality where you live stating your address. If not available, use a bank statement, gas bill, or electricity bill from the past month with your name and address. You can also use a rental contract if it states your address.
• Proof of divorce (divorce certificate or court decision), previously concluded registered partnership or a death certificate.

Note:

• You may need to have non-Dutch documents translated and legalized.
• Do you have all the necessary documents? Then create a PDF of each document. A photo of your documents is not allowed.
• You must provide additional local documents to prove that you are not married or divorced if you live outside the Netherlands. If you cannot obtain an official document, provide other documents proving your marital status. For example, registration with the immigration service, tax papers, or insurance papers.
• Your non-Dutch partner does not have to come to the appointment.

The documents would then have to be emailed to the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok at ban-ca@minbuza.nl. Mention the following information in the email:

• The subject of your email
• Your first and last name
• Your phone number
• The purpose of your statement
• If you want the document sent by post, mention that in the email

You will receive the declaration in a multilingual model form in Dutch, English, French, and German. If you want the declaration in a different language, then you must have the document translated by a sworn translator.

You will also need a witness and income form when getting married in Thailand. You must mention 2 Dutch witnesses on the form. The witnesses mentioned do not have to be present at the wedding.

Thailand Marriage Registration Costs

• A consular statement costs €30. You will pay additional costs for sending the statement to your home address. In the email with payment instructions, you can read how much extra you have to pay.
• The fee of legalization for each document at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs is between 400 - 1,000 THB.

Translation and Authentication of the Affirmation of Freedom to Marry

Once the affidavit signifying you are able to marry 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 Dutch 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 Dutch 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 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 for a fee the district office may provide you with witnesses 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 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 Dutch National

• 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 the Netherlands.
• The Consular Section can arrange for your marriage to be recorded in the Netherlands. 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 Dutch citizenship through marriage to a Dutch national.
• If you are marrying a Thai national, they will require a Dutch tourist visa to visit or a Dutch 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 Dutch 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 Dutch 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.

Marriage Registration by Nationality