Free Marriage in Tilburg

Free Marriage in Tilburg

In Tilburg, you can enter into a free marriage through the Municipality of Tilburg, specifically for residents with a low income. This helps make getting married accessible without high costs. We explain the local rules, steps, and tips so that Tilburg residents can easily navigate the process.

What does a free marriage in Tilburg entail?

A civil marriage is the official way to get married in the Netherlands, and in Tilburg, it is performed by the civil registrar. Normally, you pay fees, but with a free marriage, the Municipality of Tilburg waives or reduces these for couples on a limited budget. This typically involves a simple ceremony at the city hall on Stadhuisplein, without any extras. This way, anyone in Tilburg can get married, regardless of their financial situation.

Note: This covers only the core costs, not items like witnesses or a reception. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), many couples marry each year in regions like West-Brabant, and some in Tilburg benefit from this arrangement.

Legal basis in Tilburg

Marriage rules are outlined in Book 1 of the Civil Code (BW), Title 5. Article 1:30 of the BW states that marriage must be civil and performed by a registrar. Fees are governed by the Municipalities Act (Article 229), which allows the Municipality of Tilburg to collect them. Waivers are possible under the Civil Status Act and the General Administrative Law Act (Awb).

The Municipality of Tilburg follows its own Policy Rules for Remission of Municipal Taxes and Fees, based on income and assets. In 2023, standard fees in Tilburg range from €500-€700; with a waiver, it's €0. Check the Municipality of Tilburg's website for current rates, or contact the Legal Aid Office in Tilburg for free advice.

Conditions for waiver in Tilburg

For a free marriage in Tilburg, certain requirements apply:

• Combined income below the social assistance threshold (e.g., €1,200 net per month for a single person in 2023).
• Assets under €25,000, without significant savings.
• No additional income exceeding the limit.
• Proof of social assistance or a minimum benefit, often provided via the Municipality of Tilburg.

Couples with children or in special circumstances, such as refugees in Tilburg, receive priority.

The procedure for a free marriage in Tilburg

Here's how to arrange it step by step with the Municipality of Tilburg:

1. Submit an application: Schedule an appointment with the civil registry of the Municipality of Tilburg at least 6 months in advance.
2. Provide documents: Submit passports, birth certificates, and a declaration of marital eligibility (confirming you are free to marry).
3. Apply for waiver: Complete the form with financial details; the municipality decides within 4-8 weeks.
4. Book the ceremony: Select a basic date and time slot; options for the registrar or location in Tilburg are limited.
5. Finalization: Bring two witnesses; the ceremony lasts about 15 minutes at the city hall.

The process takes 3-6 months. If denied, you can file an objection under the Awb, possibly with the Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant in Breda. The Legal Aid Office in Tilburg can assist with preparation.

Practical examples from Tilburg

Take Lisa and Tom, a couple from Tilburg with a combined net income of €1,700 and social assistance. They can't afford the €550 fee and apply for a waiver with the Municipality of Tilburg. After reviewing their benefits and statements, they marry for free on a weekday at the city hall, with family as witnesses – just the basics, no extra costs.

In Tilburg, the municipality offers a 'social marriage arrangement' for those on low incomes. A single parent with two children and a €1,100 benefit can have a free marriage, including registration in the Basic Registration of Persons (BRP).

Cost overview for Tilburg:

Rights and obligations for a free marriage in Tilburg

A free marriage in Tilburg has the same legal value as a paid one: fully valid, with an extract for the BRP. You have rights to community of property (or adjustable via marital conditions, see Marital Conditions) and inheritance rights.

Obligations: Be transparent about finances; dishonesty can lead to fines. Both partners must be adults and eligible to marry (Article 1:31 BW). Report any name changes afterward to the Municipality of Tilburg.

Frequently asked questions