Yes, cousin marriage is legal in the Netherlands under strict conditions. The Dutch Civil Code permits marriages between first cousins if they meet age, consent, and procedural requirements, with no explicit ban. However, municipal registrars and the Rijksoverheid enforce additional scrutiny to prevent forced marriages or violations of public order.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in Netherlands
-
Age and Consent: Both parties must be at least 18 years old, with voluntary consent verified by the gemeente (municipal authority) during marriage registration. Minors are prohibited, aligning with Article 1:32 of the Dutch Civil Code.
-
Residency and Documentation: Non-Dutch citizens must provide valid residence permits or visas, alongside apostilled birth certificates and proof of no prior marriages. The IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) cross-references documents to prevent polygamy or fraud.
-
Public Order Review: Registrars assess whether the marriage threatens Dutch societal values, particularly in cases involving cultural practices like forced cousin unions. Since 2024, municipalities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam employ specialized compliance officers to evaluate such risks, with 2026 guidelines tightening scrutiny on transnational cousin marriages.