Same-sex marriage in the Netherlands The Netherlands was the first country in the world to extend civil marriage laws to same-sex couples in 2001. Over 15.000 couples have since taken advantage of this.As such any couples of the same sex or gender identity can cement their union by one of the options available to heterosexual couples in the Netherlands: Marriage Registered partnership Cohabitation agreement Same-sex couples and childrenThere is, however, an important difference for same-sex couples wishing to formalise their union in the Netherlands when it comes to children: Marriage between two womenIf a child is born during the marriage between two women, the partner who gives birth to the child is automatically considered to be the child's legal and lawful mother.Marriage between two menSimilarly, if two men in a relationship are caring for a child and one of them is the child's father, he alone is recognised as the lawful father.In both cases, the other partner must adopt the child in order to become its other lawful parent.Recognition by other countriesCouples of the same-sex and / or gender identity who marry in the Netherlands must also be aware that their union may not be recognised by other foreign countries. Facebook Twitter What's up Messenger Email Read also Partnership & Cohabitation Don’t want to get married? Opt for a registered partnership or cohabitation agreement. read more Family & Kids Information about family and kids for expats in the Netherlands including childcare and daycare, getting married, partnership, divorce, birth and adoption. read more Marriage in the Netherlands Thinking of getting married in the Netherlands? Learn about marriage and other issues such as marriage registration, criteria, notices and Dutch ceremonies. read more Divorce & Separation Info on ending marriage, registered partnership and cohabitation agreement in the Netherlands. Maintenance, pensions and children in divorce and separation. read more Lawyers & Legal services In need of legal advice or services in English? Here is a list of expat-friendly Dutch and international law firms, lawyers and advisors in the Netherlands. read more Official issues There are some issues expats in the Netherlands need to deal with e.g. permits, visas, citizenship, passport, registration, BSN, DigiD, banking and more. read more Dutch municipality (Gemeente) A municipality, town hall or city council is known in Dutch as a gemeente. read more
