Registration of birth

If your child is born in The Hague, you must register the birth within three days at the municipality. An official will draw up a certificate of the registration, which is then included in the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. The certificate provides legal proof of the birth.

In order to register, you must bring along valid proof of identity for both the child’s mother and father and a statement by the doctor or midwife. You can register the birth at any of the sub-municipal offices.

If you are married, the baby's name can be added immediately to the marriage booklet (received if you were married in the Netherlands). If you are not married and have had a deed of acknowledgement (akte van erkenning ongeboren kind) drawn up, please take this along.

There are times when you might need a copy of a birth certificate (uittreksel), for example if your child was born in the Netherlands and you move abroad again. This can be collected at any of the sub-municipal offices. Remember to bring along valid proof of identity.

Choosing a surname

Parents can decide whether to give their children the father’s surname or the mother’s. Please download the PDF 'Choosing a surname' from the Ministry of Justice.

More info

• Register a birth (product)
• Birth certificate