Submitting documents from abroad
Were you born, married, or divorced abroad? Or are you planning to marry a partner from another country? In these cases, you may need to submit documents such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce certificate. Please schedule an appointment to submit these documents.
Requirements
Documents from abroad must meet specific requirements. We recommend visiting the Netherlands Worldwide website. There, you can find detailed information about how to request documents and the requirements they need to meet for each country.
Below are the general requirements. Click each requirement for more details.
Requirement 1: the document must be original (not a copy)
You must always submit the original document. Copies or photos are not sufficient, as original documents often have (invisible) authenticity features that are not visible on reproductions.
In some countries, such as Belgium, official documents are issued digitally. In these cases, you can share the original digital file with us, as it contains digital authenticity features.
Requirement 2: the document must be legalised
Documents from abroad often need to be “legalised” before they can be used in the Netherlands. Legalisation confirms that the document has been issued by a competent official in the originating country. Legalisation requirements vary greatly by country and by document type. Always check the Netherlands Worldwide website for specific instructions on whether and how to legalise your document.
Requirement 3: the document must be in Dutch, English, French, or German
The document must be in a language we can understand, specifically Dutch, English, French, or German. If the document is in another language, it must be translated. We recommend having the translation done by a sworn translator in the Netherlands. You can find one via the website of ‘Bureau Wbtv’.
If you choose to have the document translated abroad, the translation must also be legalised. Visit the Netherlands Worldwide website for instructions on how to do this.
Schedule an appointment
Do you need to submit documents or pick them up? Schedule an appointment using the button below. Currently, scheduling an appointment online is only available in Dutch.
If you prefer, you can also call us to arrange an appointment (073 – 615 51 55).
Questions about submitting documents from abroad
What if I don’t submit the required documents?
In most cases, submitting these documents is mandatory. If you fail to provide the required documents, we may issue a fine of up to € 325 per document.
You will always be given sufficient time to collect the document from abroad. If you need more time, please contact us.
What are the costs for obtaining documents?
The costs for requesting, legalising, and translating documents vary by country. Unfortunately, we cannot provide information about these costs.
Can I get help with requesting documents from abroad?
The Consular Service Center (CDC) can sometimes assist with requesting and legalising documents. This service is available only in certain countries and exclusively for individuals with Dutch nationality. Visit the Netherlands Worldwide website for more information.
What if I cannot submit the required documents?
In some cases, it may be impossible to provide the required documents, such as when fleeing the country of origin. In these situations, you can make a sworn statement regarding your personal details. This statement is made under oath, meaning you legally swear that the information provided is correct. Submitting a false statement is a criminal offense.
We will always verify your statement, for example, by comparing it with information from the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
If you have questions about this, please contact us.