Marriage in Luxembourg: what do you need to know?
Getting married in Luxembourg involves a number of administrative steps beyond simply planning the wedding itself. What do you need to know about marriage? Which matrimonial regime should you choose? Can you change your name? What are the tax implications? Do you need to have a previous marriage performed abroad recognized?
Here you will find more information on civil and religious marriage in Luxembourg.
Some statistics on marriage in Luxembourg
- In 2024, approximately 2,567 marriages were celebrated in Luxembourg
- At the same time, there were approximately 1,200 divorces, illustrating the dynamics of family situations in an expat context.
- Nearly half of the population living in Luxembourg is married, and just over 5% are in civil partnerships.
Civil marriage in Luxembourg
Who can get married in Luxembourg?
In Luxembourg, marriage is permitted between two people of different sexes or the same sex. In fact, same-sex marriage has been legal since July 4, 2014. The rights and obligations are the same for all same-sex and opposite-sex couples.
To get married in Luxembourg, both prospective spouses must be at least 18 years old. Additionally, at least one of the spouses must have their official residence in the Grand Duchy.
A minor may marry provided they have authorization from the guardianship judge.
Steps to get married in a civil ceremony in Luxembourg
Timeframe for getting married at the civil registry
Wedding preparations must begin at least two months before the wedding date for residents of Luxembourgish nationality. Non-Luxembourgish residents must allow a minimum of three months.
Where to get married in a civil ceremony in Luxembourg?
The marriage must be celebrated in the municipality of one of the future spouses, provided they legally reside there. Since 2022, it has been possible to get married outside the town hall, in public or historic venues authorized by the municipality, provided they are solemn and accessible.
This change allows couples, including expatriates, to personalize their ceremony while complying with legal requirements. Municipalities designate the authorized venues. In all cases, these are solemn, public, and non-religious locations situated within the municipality’s territory.
Submitting the marriage application to the municipality
The couple must submit their marriage application in advance. One of the future spouses must go to the municipality of their place of residence to complete the various formalities.
Several documents must be provided to get married in a civil ceremony in Luxembourg. The future spouses must present, in particular:
- a valid form of identification,
- a recent birth certificate,
- a certificate of no impediment to marriage,
- the national identification numbers of the prospective spouses
- a certificate of residence. At leastone of the spouses must be a resident of Luxembourg.
The application must be submitted in person, by appointment.
All documents must be submitted in French, English, or German. Translations must be performed by a certified translator. For non-EU citizens , signatures must be legalized with an apostille.
Special cases for marriage applications in Luxembourg based on nationality
- Marriage application for German nationals
The Luxembourg civil registrar requires a certificate of no impediment to marriage called an “Ehefähigkeitszeugnis.” This is issued by the municipality of the national’s birth, by the municipality of their last residence in Germany, or by the Standesamt in Berlin if the bride or groom has never lived in Germany.
- Marriage of Italian nationals in Luxembourg
Marriage banns are published at the Italian Consulate if the nationals were born and have resided in Luxembourg since birth. However, if the future spouses were born in Italy, the marriage banns are published in Italy.
- Portuguese nationals and marriage in Luxembourg
Portuguese nationals must go together to the Consulate General of Portugal in Luxembourg and submit several documents to complete the application: identification, birth certificate, and certificate of residence.
Once the application has been processed, the Consulate issues the certificate of no impediment to marriage—to which the various documents are attached—directly to the municipal administration of the city where the wedding will take place.
Wedding witnesses in Luxembourg
The Luxembourg Civil Code does not require the presence of wedding witnesses.
Marriage ceremony in Luxembourg
The wedding ceremony takes place after all formalities have been completed. It is therefore advisable to begin the process at least two to three months before the chosen wedding date.
The date and time of the wedding are set upon submission of the complete application. Weddings may be held on any weekday. They must be held inside the town hall or at another location authorized by the municipal administration.
Every marriage must be preceded by the publication of banns in the municipality of residence of both spouses. These are posted for 10 days. Once published, the marriage must take place within 12 months. Otherwise, a new publication will be required.
Marriage Leave in Luxembourg
Three days of special leave are granted to each spouse if they are employed under an employment contract.
More information on civil partnerships or PACS in Luxembourg.
Matrimonial Property Regimes in Luxembourg
When getting married, newlyweds may choose a specific matrimonial regime through a contract drawn up before a notary. This set of rules governs the spouses’ financial interests. In the absence of a marriage contract, the statutory community property regime applies.
The Statutory Matrimonial Property Regime in Luxembourg
If the spouses decide not to sign a specific marriage contract, they are automatically subject to the statutory regime. This regime is based on the principle of community of acquired property.
Under the statutory matrimonial regime, assets acquired after the marriage become part of the community property. In other words, this means that the fruits of their labor, income from their assets, and assets acquired during the marriage belong to both spouses.
However, certain assets remain the property of one spouse if that person can prove ownership. These include, for example, assets acquired before the marriage, assets of a personal nature, or assets acquired through a gift or inheritance.
Furthermore, debts incurred before the marriage remain personal. Creditors may, however, pursue the debtor for their personal assets, as well as for assets that have entered the community property. Debts incurred by one spouse for household expenses or the children’s education may be pursued against all community property.
When only one spouse incurs a debt within the community, the other spouse cannot be held liable.
The universal community property regime between spouses
Spouses who wish to do so may choose the universal community property regime. All of the couple’s assets—acquired before and after marriage—belong to the community. There are therefore no separate assets, with the exception of personal clothing and family heirlooms.
All debts are also shared. The spouses are therefore jointly and severally liable, even for debts incurred by one of them before the marriage.
The Separation of Property Regime Between Spouses
By signing a separate property regime, the spouses retain the administration, enjoyment, and free disposal of their personal property. There is therefore no joint property between the spouses.
Each spouse is responsible for their own debts, whether incurred before or during the marriage. However, there is one exception: if the debts were incurred for the children’s education or household expenses, both spouses are liable for these debts.
In the event of death, the community of property may be transferred to the surviving spouse. The surviving spouse will then inherit the couple’s entire estate. This option is, however, subject to special conditions if there are children from a previous marriage.
Changing the Marriage Contract in Luxembourg
After at least two years of marriage, the spouses are free to make changes to their existing matrimonial regime by means of a notarized deed.
Dissolution of the community property
The marriage is dissolved in the event of divorce or the death of one of the spouses.
The liquidation of the marital community is carried out in accordance with the respective rights of the spouses as set forth in their marriage contract. However, under a separate property agreement, since there are no shared assets, there is nothing to liquidate.
Surnames of Spouses Married in Luxembourg
In Luxembourg, the law does not provide for the merging of surnames. Only the name listed in the civil registry is recognized. A married woman may, however, use her husband’s surname and append her maiden name to it.
Note that the law of March 18, 1982, allows for a change of surname. A written request stating the reasons must then be submitted to the Ministry of Justice.
Religious Marriage in Luxembourg
A religious marriage alone is strictly prohibited. However, a civil marriage must take place at the municipal office before the religious wedding ceremony can be held.
To arrange a religious wedding, the future spouses are encouraged to contact their place of worship directly and speak with the officials in charge.
Luxembourg Taxation for Married Couples
Married taxpayers currently fall under tax bracket 2. Spouses are thus taxed jointly and benefit from tax deductions.
A gradual reform is planned for the coming years: taxation will become more individualized, which could make marriage tax-neutral.
Expatriates and international couples may therefore want to reassess their strategy regarding marriage, civil partnership, and income management.
Having a marriage entered into abroad recognized in Luxembourg
Why have a marriage contracted abroad recognized?
A couple married abroad may, if they wish, have their marriage recognized in Luxembourg. In principle, any marriage validly entered into under the law of the country where it was celebrated may be recognized.
Recognition of a marriage offers many advantages to spouses who decide to settle in Luxembourg, whether for tax, social security, or filiation reasons.
Are you the spouse of an expatriate in Luxembourg? You may be interested in this article on the challenges faced by expatriate spouses.
Who can apply for recognition of a foreign marriage?
Recognition of a marriage contracted abroad may be requested by all married couples. This is possible regardless of whether they are Luxembourg nationals or not , provided that both are legally residing in Luxembourg.
Same-sex couples whose marriage was celebratedbefore January1, 2015, may also file an application for marriage recognition. However, several conditions must be met, such as the formalities required in the foreign country, Luxembourg law, or international conventions.
Procedures for Marriage Recognition in Luxembourg
Several steps are required to have a marriage celebrated abroad recognized. The spouses must go to the municipality of their residence. The couple must present several documents to the civil registrar:
- A valid passport for foreign nationals or an identity card for Luxembourg nationals.
- The authenticated marriage certificate.
Once the application is approved, the marriage can be recorded in the civil registry of the couple’s place of residence.
Please note: The application may, however, be rejected if the validity of the marriage is disputable under Luxembourg law.
Find more information on administrative procedures in Luxembourg
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