Registered partnership
Like marriage, a registered partnership is a legally regulated form of cohabitation. You can enter into a registered partnership when you want to formalize your cohabitation with your partner but do not want to get married. The consequences of registered partnership are pretty much the same as marriage. However, there are some differences that you can read about below.
Entering into a civil partnership
In the registered partnership, you can agree on terms with each other just like in marriage. Instead of prenuptial agreements, we then speak of partnership conditions. Since 2018, as with marriage, when entering into a registered partnership without conditions you do so in limited community of property.
Differences registered partnership and marriage
The differences between registered partnership and marriage include:
The establishment of the commitment
In marriage, you are required to say ‘yes. In registered partnership, this is not mandatory.
Dissolution of commitment
Dissolution of registered partnership can be done outside of court if both parties agree and there are no minor children. Dissolution of marriage must always be pronounced by a judge. Registered partnership also has no legal separation, whereas marriage does.
Converting to marriage
You can convert a registered partnership to a marriage if you later decide you still want to get married. The reverse is not possible: you cannot convert a marriage to a registered partnership.
Abroad
Abroad, a registered partnership is not always recognized or different rules apply.

Why choose Marks Wachters notaries?
- Personal
We combine high-quality service with personal attention. - For over 75 years
A household name in Greater Eindhoven and Nuenen since 1949. - Clear
We communicate in understandable language and avoid unnecessary legal jargon
We are also happy to help you with:
Personal and non-committal
Schedule an appointment
Are you in need of a free consultation or would you like a quote for creating partnership agreements? Let us know, fill in your details below and one of our staff will contact you as soon as possible.