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Questions about sworn translations in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands you need a sworn translation when an authority cannot read your document and its rules require a translator from the Rbtv register. The IND accepts Dutch, English, French and German without translation; a municipality, a notary or a court may ask for Dutch.

Apostille: it depends on the country

People often ask whether they need an apostille on top of the translation. There is no single answer, because it depends on the country where the document was issued and the country where it will be used.

Between EU member states, public documents about birth, marriage, death and nationality have been accepted without an apostille since 16 February 2019. For a document from outside the EU that is used in the Netherlands, the authority may ask for an apostille or a legalisation from the country of issue. For a Dutch document that goes abroad, the receiving country decides. A Dutch apostille is issued by a district court. You can add one to your order; for an apostille without a translation, see our sister site.

Apostille on a Dutch document (apostilleonline.nl)

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Frequently asked questions

Only when the document is not in Dutch, English, French or German. In that case the IND asks for a translation by a translator sworn in by a Dutch court. You submit a copy of the translation together with a copy of the document. A translation made abroad usually has to be legalised as well.

For civil-status documents, usually not. Since 16 February 2019 a birth, marriage or death certificate from one EU member state has to be accepted in another without an apostille. You can also ask the issuing authority for a multilingual standard form, which in most cases makes a translation unnecessary.

That depends on the country where you will use it. Countries that joined the Apostille Convention accept a Dutch apostille; other countries require legalisation through a ministry and an embassy. Ask the receiving authority first. If you need one, an apostille can be added to your order for €99 per document, excluding VAT.

For the IND, yes: it accepts documents in English. A municipality that has to enter your birth or marriage in the Dutch records, and most notaries and courts, will ask for Dutch. Check with the office that receives the document before you choose the target language.

Sometimes, but it is the harder route. A translation made abroad usually has to be legalised or carry an apostille from that country, together with the document itself. A translation by a translator in the Dutch Rbtv register needs no further stamp for use in the Netherlands.

Both are possible. The paper version carries the wet stamp and signature and is sent by registered post for €9.95, free from €299. A digital copy by e-mail is a separate option at €9.95 per document. Both amounts exclude VAT. Ask the authority which form it accepts; many counters still want paper.

As they appear in your passport or residence permit, not as they are written in the source document. Send a copy of the passport page with your order when the source uses another alphabet. A difference of one letter between translation and passport is enough for a civil servant to send you back.

Under the acceptance guarantee, a translation that an authority rejects in writing for a reason that lies in the translation is corrected at no cost. Send us the letter or e-mail with the reason. A rejection because the document itself lacks an apostille or is too old falls outside the guarantee.

You can place and pay for an order at any time. Translators work on working days, and nothing is translated or shipped at the weekend. An order placed on Saturday therefore starts on Monday, and the 5 to 7 working days of standard delivery count from then.