Birth
Births must be registered within 15 days in the municipality where the child
was born by the father, mother or both, or by the person who was present at the
birth. The following documents must be produced: the birth certificate, the
marriage certificate and identity cards of the parents, your identity card. You
will be given the following documents: certificates for the mutual benefit
association and child benefit (certificate for maternity allowance, for
pregnancy and/or rest allowance), certificate for inoculations against polio, a
copy of the birth certificate on request, and proof of identity.
Marriage
In Belgium two people may marry once they reach the age of 18. This can take
place in the municipality where one of the intended spouses is registered at the
time the marriage is announced.
The future spouses must make a marriage declaration which is recorded by the
civil status officer in the municipality where at least one of the future
spouses is registered. The documents to be attached to it are: an authentic copy
of the birth certificates, proof of identity, proof of registration on the
population register and proof of nationality. Someone who has been married
previously must also bring with them the death certificate of their partner or
proof of divorce.
A church marriage can only be consecrated after the civil marriage.
One important point to note: the law of 13/2/2003 made it possible for two
persons of the same sex to be married.
Divorce or Legal Separation
Legal separation does not end the marriage, but does involve the separation
of property. Tax debts are covered in the same way as in a divorce. Separation
can be a step towards divorce. Be sure to make the necessary inquiries in good
time.
There are two forms of divorce in Belgium: divorce for irreconcilable
differences, and divorce by mutual consent. Divorce is pronounced by the courts.
The divorce is valid from the date on which the order is transferred to the
registers of the records of births, deaths and marriages of the municipality
where the marriage was contracted.
Persons who cohabit can submit a declaration of legal cohabitation to the
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages of the place of residence. This states:
the date of the declaration, surname, first name, place and date of birth of
both persons, the joint address, express declaration that both parties wish to
live together legally, and, where appropriate, a reference to the agreement
concluded by the parties. Legal cohabitation ceases to exist if one of the two
parties marries or dies, or by mutual consent or by unilateral dissolution by
one of the cohabitees.
Death
The family or the undertaker (or a friend/neighbour) must notify a death as
soon as possible to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the
municipality where death occurred, and if necessary also in the municipality
where the deceased is to be buried. Bring with you: the doctor’s certificate,
the identity card of the deceased, the marriage certificate of the deceased and,
where appropriate, information about the method of burial and the ceremony.
One adult witness must be present. In the case of a death in a private
dwelling, this must be attested to by two adult witnesses, preferably next of
kin or close relations.
Text last edited on: 05/2009
Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2009
Reproduction is authorised.
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