Before celebrating a civil marriage in Belgium with a foreign partner, the municipality requires a certificate proving the civil status of the future spouse. This document - the certificate of celibacy or capacity to marry : must be translated by a Belgian sworn translator before it will be accepted.
What is the certificate of celibacy (or capacity to marry)?
The certificate of celibacy is an official document issued by the authorities of the future spouse's country of origin, confirming that they are not currently married and are free to enter into marriage. Depending on the country, this document may be known by different names:
- Morocco: certificat de célibat (شهادة العزوبية) or birth certificate with marital status
- Turkey: bekarlık belgesi
- Algeria: certificat de célibat issued by the municipality or civil registry
- Congo (DRC): certificat de résidence et d'état civil
- Philippines: CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage Record) issued by the PSA
- Netherlands: uittreksel basisregistratie personen
- France: certificat de coutume or certificat de non-empêchement
What the Belgian municipality requires before the marriage
When you decide to get married in Belgium, you must submit your dossier to the civil registrar of the Belgian municipality where the marriage will be celebrated. This dossier includes:
- Birth certificates of both future spouses
- Identity documents (passport, identity card)
- Certificate of celibacy or capacity to marry
- If applicable: divorce judgment or death certificate of a previous spouse
All foreign documents must be accompanied by a sworn translation into French, Dutch or German depending on the municipality concerned.
Good to know
The minimum period between submitting your dossier and the ceremony is 14 days in Belgium (publication of banns). Some municipalities have longer delays due to workload. Plan to obtain and have all your documents translated at least 3 to 4 weeks before your desired date.
Country-by-country requirements
| Country of origin | Document required | Apostille / Legalisation |
|---|---|---|
| Morocco | Certificate of celibacy + birth certificate | Legalisation at Belgian consulate |
| Turkey | Bekarlık belgesi + nüfus cüzdanı | Apostille (Hague Convention signatory) |
| Algeria | Certificate of celibacy + birth certificate extract | Legalisation at Belgian consulate |
| Congo (DRC) | Certificate of residence and civil status | Consular legalisation required |
| Philippines | CENOMAR (PSA) | Apostille (Hague Convention signatory) |
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Special cases: foreign divorce and previous marriage
If one of the future spouses has previously been married, they must prove that the marriage has been dissolved. Depending on the case:
- Divorce pronounced abroad: the foreign divorce judgment must be translated and, depending on the case, recognised by a Belgian court or under the Brussels II bis Regulation (for EU divorces)
- Death of a previous spouse: the foreign death certificate must be translated and apostilled or legalised
- Marriage annulment: the foreign annulment judgment must be translated and recognised
These situations can complicate the procedure and extend timelines. It is advisable to contact the Belgian municipality in advance to obtain the exact list of documents required for your specific situation.
Marriage at the Belgian embassy abroad
If you wish to get married abroad at a Belgian embassy or consulate, the same rules generally apply for the documents of the foreign partner. The embassy may however have specific requirements depending on the host country. Contact the relevant Belgian consulate directly for the up-to-date list of required documents.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can the municipality refuse to celebrate the marriage if the translation is not sworn?
Yes. The Belgian civil registrar is legally required to verify that all foreign documents are accompanied by a properly sworn translation. An unofficial translation - whether from Google Translate or a personal translation - will not be accepted. If documents are not compliant, the municipality will refuse to process the dossier until they are regularised.
Can we get married in Belgium if the country of origin does not issue a certificate of celibacy?
Some countries do not issue a formalised certificate of celibacy. In that case, it may be possible to provide a sworn declaration certified by the embassy or consulate of the country concerned in Belgium, or a certificate of custom establishing that the home country's law does not provide for such a document. Your municipality will advise you on the procedure for this specific situation.
Does the certificate of celibacy have an expiry date?
Yes. In most countries, the certificate of celibacy has a limited validity period, typically 3 to 6 months. Obtain it as close as possible to your appointment at the Belgian municipality to avoid it expiring. The municipality will check the date of issue and may refuse a document that is too old. The sworn translation itself does not expire, but if you need a new certificate, a new translation will also be required.
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