NetherlandsWorldwide

Adopting a child from outside the Netherlands

As of 21 May 2024, you cannot start a new adoption for a child from abroad. Did you start before that date? If so, this can continue for the time being.

What to arrange for your adopted child?

Did you adopt a child outside of the Netherlands? Then there are many things you will have to arrange. These include applying for a Dutch passport for the child and having foreign documents legalised. What exactly you need to arrange depends on the stage of the procedure you are at.

Attention:  Do you want to apply for a Dutch passport for your adopted child? Then the child's name will appear in the passport as indicated in the birth certificate. Do you want your adopted child's name to appear in the passport as indicated in the adoption declaration? Then you must first have the new name added to the birth certificate. Or you must have a new birth certificate drawn up. Check if you also need to translate and legalise the birth certificate.

I am going to collect my child from abroad

I am currently abroad with my child

I am in the Netherlands with my child