Living in Belgium - Private life

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. Bring all the necessary documents with you: 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 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.

For the publication of the banns they must bring with them: a copy of the birth certificates, proof of residence not more than 14 days old (for the partner living in a different municipality). 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.

Divorce or legal separation

Legal separation has consequences for, among other things, taxation and can be a step towards divorce. Be sure to make the necessary inquiries in good time.

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.

Declaration of legal cohabitation

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 legally to live together, that both parties are aware of the statutory regulations concerning the status of legal cohabitation. Legal cohabitation ceases to exist if one of the two parties marries, dies, by mutual consent or by unilateral dissolution by one of the cohabitees.

Death

Both the family and the undertaker can notify a death 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: doctor's certificate, the identity card of the deceased, the marriage certificate of the deceased or, failing that, a copy of the certificate of marriage, the marriage certificate of the parents or a copy of the birth certificate if the deceased is unmarried, 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.

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Text last edited on: 08/2006

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2007
Reproduction is authorised.