Legalisation of documents from the United States of America for use in the Netherlands
If you want to use a document from the United States in the Netherlands, you must first have it legalised by the US authorities. This is done with an apostille. This is a simplified form of legalisation which allows you to use your documents in the Netherlands.
If you want to use a Dutch document in the United States, see Legalisation of Dutch documents for use abroad.
Good to know
- Documents in English do not have to be translated for use in the Netherlands.
- Your document must be original and complete. If it refers to other documents or annexes, these must be included.
Where can you have your document legalised?
You can get an apostille from the US authorities. See the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) website for contact details.
Once your document has been legalised it is fit for use in the Netherlands.
It is then also fit for use in Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten, Bonaire, Saba and St Eustatius.
If your document was issued by the US consulate in Amsterdam, have it legalised by the Consular Service Centre in The Hague.
Once your document has been legalised it is fit for use in the Netherlands.
It is then also fit for use in Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten, Bonaire, Saba and St Eustatius.
If your document was issued by the US consulate in Willemstad (Curaçao), have it legalised by the Foreign Relations Department (DBB) (information in Dutch) in Willemstad.
Once your document has been legalised it is fit for use in the Netherlands.
It is then also fit for use in Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten, Bonaire, Saba and St Eustatius.
Don’t have the document you need?
Find out below where to obtain a document that you need but do not yet have.
Where you can get civil status records depends on your state or territory. See the National Center for Health Statistics website.
You can request official copies of:
- birth certificates
- marriage certificates
- divorce certificates
- death certificates
You can prove your unmarried status with an affidavit. An affidavit is a written declaration that you make under oath in the presence of a notary. The notary confirms your signature.
If you are registered with a municipality in the Netherlands you can request a copy of the certificate from the municipality.
On the FBI's website, you can request a Rap Sheet. This is a document showing that your past conduct in the United States is not an objection to performing specific duties or functions.
Do you need a Dutch certificate of conduct (VOG)? Read the information on our page Certificate of conduct (VOG) outside the Netherlands.
If you need another type of document, ask the local authorities where you can get this document.
After legalisation
Verification of your document in the Netherlands
Legalisation does not prove the authenticity of a document or the truthfulness of its content. A municipality in the Netherlands, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) or another authority may decide to verify these things. Legalisation of your document simply means that your document bears the correct signature.
How recently must your document have been issued or legalised
Organisations have different requirements for how recently your document must have been issued and legalised. For more information, contact the organisation in the Netherlands requesting the document.
Contact
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.