Americans moving to the Netherlands, many under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty, register at their municipality, and the municipality asks for an apostilled birth certificate and, if married, an apostilled marriage certificate.
Dutch offices generally accept documents in English, so U.S. records often need no translation. Where one is needed, it is made by a Dutch sworn translator.
At a glance
Why U.S. documents go to the Netherlands
| Purpose | Documents usually apostilled |
|---|---|
| Municipal registration (BRP) | Birth certificate, marriage certificate |
| DAFT residence permit | Birth and marriage certificates |
| Company formation | Good standing certificate, formation documents |
Translation
Usually none for English. Otherwise a Dutch sworn translator (beëdigd vertaler). Translate after the apostille, so it is translated too. See translation requirements.
Things worth knowing
- Municipalities keep what you hand in, so order spare certified copies.
- State or federal? A document issued by a state or county, or notarized, is apostilled by that state. One issued by a federal agency, such as an FBI check, by the U.S. Department of State.
How it works
Step 1
Tell us the documents
And what they are for in the Netherlands.
Step 2
We check each one
Certified, notarized where needed, and recent enough.
Step 3
State and federal apostilles
Together, in one order.
Step 4
Back to you
Ready to translate and submit in the Netherlands.
Apostille for the Netherlands: common questions
Does the Netherlands accept apostilles?
Yes. The Netherlands has been a party to the Hague Apostille Convention since 8 October 1965, so a U.S. apostille is all the certification it needs. No embassy step is involved.
Do I need a translation for the Netherlands?
Usually none for English. Otherwise a Dutch sworn translator (beëdigd vertaler).
Who apostilles my document?
The state that issued it, or where it was notarized. Federal documents such as an FBI check go to the U.S. Department of State. See apostille by state.
Official sources
Requirements, fees and processing times are set by the authorities below and can change without notice. Verify anything time-critical directly with them.
HCCH Apostille Convention status table
Ready to get started?
Tell us what is going to the Netherlands, and we will price every document in one order.
Related: Netherlands DAFT · Business abroad · Country checker