Introduction
Many official documents used for immigration or administration in the Netherlands must be authenticated.
This authentication is often done using an apostille certificate, which confirms the authenticity of a document so it can be recognised internationally.
An apostille simplifies the process of recognising foreign documents between countries that signed the Hague Apostille Convention.
What an apostille is
An apostille is an official certificate attached to a document confirming the authenticity of the signature and issuing authority.
This certificate allows the document to be accepted in another country that participates in the Apostille Convention.
In the Netherlands, apostilles are typically issued by district courts.
Apostille vs legalisation
Two main ways documents are authenticated: Apostille (used between Hague Convention countries; faster and simpler) and full legalisation (used when countries are not part of the convention; may require multiple authorities).
Documents are usually validated with a stamp or sticker during this process.
| Aspect | Apostille | Full legalisation |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Single step: one stamp or sticker from designated authority | Multiple steps: often ministry then embassy or consulate |
| When it applies | Between Hague Convention countries | When the issuing country is not in the Hague Convention |
| Typical speed | Often a few days to a few weeks | Several weeks, depending on country |
When expats need an apostille
Many expats must provide apostilled civil documents such as birth or marriage certificates when registering or applying for permits.
Common documents requiring apostille
These document types are often required with apostille for use in the Netherlands. Whether apostille or full legalisation applies depends on the country that issued the document.
- Visa applications
- Residence permits
- Marriage registration
- Municipality registration
- Education recognition
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce certificates
- Diplomas
- Police certificates
- Notarial documents
How to obtain an apostille
In the Netherlands, you can request an apostille from a district court. You may apply yourself or have someone do it on your behalf.
Legalisation or apostille is usually completed in the country where the document was issued.
Obtain the original official document
Have the document verified by the relevant authority
Apply for apostille at the designated authority (e.g. district court in the Netherlands, or the competent authority in the country of issue)
Costs and timelines
Government apostille fees and processing times vary by country and authority. The figures below are indicative; always confirm with the authority that will legalise your document.
| Category | Typical range (indicative) |
|---|---|
| Government apostille fee (Netherlands) | About €20–€25 per document |
| Additional service costs | May apply if using intermediaries or couriers |
| Processing time | Same day to several days depending on authority |
Start early
Apostille and legalisation can take from a few days to several weeks depending on the country. Start as soon as you know which documents you need.
Country-specific examples
Procedures differ per country. Foreign documents used in the Netherlands usually need apostille or legalisation in the country where they were issued. Below are examples; always check the official Netherlands Worldwide page for the country that issued your document.
Common mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls to save time and avoid rework.
Official sources
Always confirm requirements with the authority that will receive your document (IND, municipality, university). Use these official sources for apostille and legalisation.
- Starting translation before apostille when the correct order is apostille first
- Using copies instead of originals where originals are required
- Assuming apostille and translation are the same (they are different steps)
- Waiting too late to start the process
Order matters
Translating first when apostille should happen first is a common mistake. Check the official steps for the country that issued your document.