Apply for a certificate of custom and law for marriage in Belgium
Application pack to get a certificate of custom and law for marriage in Belgium by post.
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If you’re getting married in Belgium, you’ll need a certificate of custom and law (‘certificate de coutume’ or ‘certificaat van gewoonterecht’) to prove you’re free to marry.
You need to apply by post. The British Consulate General Brussels will post your certificate within 10 working days.
If you’re registering a civil partnership, you do not need a certificate of custom and law. You may be asked for a certificate of marital status, signed by a local notary public in Belgium. The British Embassy cannot issue this certificate.
If your partner’s a British national, they’ll also need a certificate of custom and law. You can send both applications in the same envelope. You’ll need to pay 2 application fees, but there’ll only be one charge for posting your certificates.
To apply by post:
- Download the application for a certificate of custom and law for marriage in Belgium.
- Fill in and sign the form and payment authorisation slip. You’ll need to get certain documents – these are listed on the form.
- Post your application and supporting documents to the British Consulate General Brussels. Write your own address on the envelope too – this is where your certificate will be sent.
You might need to get your certificate of custom and law ‘legalised’ (certified with a stamped official certificate called an apostille) by the local authorities. Check with the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Last updated 18 April 2024 + show all updates
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Updated to include more detail on the application process and to make clear that this document applies to marriage not civil partnership.
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Updated application pack
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First published.