Common-law couples


Definition

Common law couples are partners that maintain a common household as a result of a family life and intimate relationships, sharing a common destiny and desire to live together, and not out of personal need, convenience or economic feasibility.

How to register

To be recognized as common-law couples should fill out and send the questionnaire to determine the status of common-law couples, together with supporting documents, to the Insurance and Collection Department of their local NII branch or through the internet site.

The NII sometimes initiates an examination of the status of the partners and recognize them common-law couples, when it has information according to which a couple apparently lives together and maintains a common household.

Rights and obligations

Couples who were recognized by the NII as common-law couples are considered married couples for purposes of their rights and obligations in national insurance.

Same-sex female couples who are either recognized as common-law couples by the NII or as a married couple by the Ministry of Interior can send a Declaration of female same-sex marriage to the Insurance and Collection Department of their local NII branch or through the internet site, to check if one of them is eligible for a "housewife" exemption of national insurance contributions.