How to Get Married in Namibia

How to Get Married in Namibia

What is Marriage?

Marriage, also called matrimony or wedlock is a culturally recognized union between people called spouses. It establishes rights and obligations between them, as well as between them and their children, and between them and their in-laws.

Where and how to get married in Namibia

These are Namibian marriage basic requirement;

  1. Legal age for marriage without parental consent is 21 years for both men and women.
  2. Bride and Groom may not be related by blood, marriage or adoption.
  3. Two witnesses are required.
  4. There are no residency requirements to get married in Namibia.
  5. Couple must get a marriage license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get married in court in Namibia?

There are no fees involved when getting married in court. They do require that an appointment be made at least a month before you wish to get married. The Walvis Bay magistrate’s court is fully booked until November. Court weddings only take place on Fridays, and while making the appointment you need to fill in a form.

Can cousins get married in Namibia?

Namibia: Forced marriages, including whether families choose, for a spouse, someone who is a cousin, or uncle; whether polygamy is practiced; state protection available for those who defy traditional customs. Young women are given away to uncles and cousins, usually men who are much older [than] themselves.

Can you get married without a registrar in Namibia?

If you are recently engaged and looking for your perfect venue, it is so important for you to understand that you not only have a say in your choice of flowers and entertainment but you also have a choice in who officiates the heart of your day, the ceremony!

What is a civil marriage in Namibia?

Any person with a marriage certificate has a civil marriage. The law on civil marriages is the same in every part of Namibia. Customary marriage is when a man and a woman are married according to the traditions of their community, but without a marriage officer.

At what age can you get married in Namibia?

Legal age for marriage without parental consent is 21 years for both men and women. Bride and Groom may not be related by blood, marriage or adoption. Two witnesses are required.

How does a will work in community of property marriage in Namibia?

In a community of property marriage, all assets and liabilities belonging to you and your spouse are merged together into one joint or communal estate, subject to a few exceptions. For instance, if a will stipulates that an inheritance should not form part of the joint estate, then that inheritance must be excluded.

Can I get married in Namibia?

Legal age for marriage without parental consent is 21 years for both men and women. Bride and Groom may not be related by blood, marriage or adoption. Two witnesses are required. There are no residency requirements to get married in Namibia.

Can foreigners get married in Namibia?

A non-Namibian spouse is eligible for Namibian citizenship by marriage if he or she has been living in Namibia with the Namibian spouse for at least ten years. The marriage must be in good faith, and not a false marriage entered into only for citizenship purposes.

How does a will work if married in Namibia?

A joint will is one that two people, typically a married couple, sign together. Instead of each spouse having a separate will, they have one document that they’ve both agreed to. Then the entire estate goes to their children when the second spouse passes away.

Do you need a will if married in community of property in Namibia?


That said, it is important for couples married in community of property to remember that only their 50% share of the net joint estate is theirs to bequeath. Further, a spouse cannot use their will to remove assets from the joint estate in the event of his death.

What is the difference between civil marriage and in community of property in Namibia?

What is a civil marriage? It is a marriage that can only be entered into between a man and a woman. A civil marriage will automatically be in community of property, unless an ante nuptial contract is entered into indicating that the marriage will be out of community of property, with or without the accrual system.

What is the best will for a married couple in Namibia?

For most married couples, a joint will is usually the best option. This allows each of you to write your own individual wishes without having to pay for two separate wills. For more complex relationships, a trust may be a better option.

What is the true meaning of marriage in Namibia?

A commonly accepted and encompassing definition of marriage is the following: a formal union and social and legal contract between two individuals that unites their lives legally, economically, and emotionally. Being married also gives legitimacy to sexual relations within the marriage.

What is the purpose of marriage in Namibia?

Marriage is the beginning—the beginning of the family—and is a life-long commitment. It also provides an opportunity to grow in selflessness as you serve your wife and children. Marriage is more than a physical union; it is also a spiritual and emotional union. This union mirrors the one between God and His Church.

How do I know my husband still loves me in Namibia?

Here, he and other experts offer several subtle signs that your husband is still madly in love with you. He looks you in the eye. When he’s sitting across from you at dinner, he’s not on his phone or glancing elsewhere. He’s looking you right in the eyes, attentively listening to everything you have to say.

What is the most hurtful thing to say to a man in Namibia?

The most hurtful thing to say to a guy is to tell him he is a lazy husband, a selfish boyfriend or he is trying to control you and not letting you fly. But when you cool down you realise all the things he is doing for you always but the worse words have already been uttered.

How do you know if your husband hates you in Namibia?

  • He avoids you — or avoids being alone with you.
  • He blames you for the problems in your relationship.
  • He doesn’t work on the relationship.
  • He refuses even to consider counseling.
  • He never has time for you (even when he’s home).
  • He spends less time at home.