Register foreign documents
Algemeen
If your vital events took place abroad, you are required to register these in the Personal Records Database (BRP) of your municipality. Such vital details could include a birth, marriage, death, divorce, acknowledgement of paternity or adoption. The documents concerning these life events are also called source documents.
How to register
- Make sure you aquire the original and complete document(s) from the place of origin.
- Bring your document(s) to our municipality during opening hours. There is no need to make an appointment. Do bring your identification with you.
- The time required for the registration differs per case. We hope we can check and register your documents within 4 weeks.
- We will contact you when you can come pick up your document(s).
- There are no fees, registration is free of charge.
Legalise or translate your document(s)
Legalisation of foreign documents
A foreign document is not automatically legally valid in the Netherlands. Check whether your documents need to be legalised or need to have an apostille. You can find more information on the website of the Dutch government.
Translation of foreign documents
Documents drawn up by the issuing authority in French, German or English will be accepted in most cases. In case of doubt we can request a Dutch translation. If your document was translated abroad, you need to legislate the translation.
Registering a foreign document in The Hague
Everybody with Dutch citizenship (and status holders) with a foreign certificate can make a request at the Municipality of The Hague to register their foreign certificates. This includes Dutch citizens who live abroad. (Adoptive) parents, (adopted) children, spouses and registered partners, grandchildren, brothers and sisters can also make a request at the municipality.
You will then get a Dutch certificate.
A Dutch certificate makes it easier for you to arrange certain matters. Such as requesting a copy or (international) extract.