Verschillen trouwen & partnerschap

In the Netherlands, a registered partnership is almost the same as a marriage. The rights and obligations between spouses and between partners are the same, as are the conditions, requirements, and documents you must submit. We will therefore refer to both as “marriage/partnership” hereafter. You indicate your choice on the registration form.

There are three differences between marriage and civil partnership:

• A civil partnership is registered by signing a document. In a marriage, you say “I do.”
• Registered partnerships are not always recognized abroad. This can cause problems when working or living in some other countries.
• To dissolve a marriage, you must go to court. A registered partnership can be dissolved through a lawyer or notary, provided there are no minor children.