Register foreign documents in the BRP
If your vital events took place abroad, you are required to have them registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP) of your municipality. Life events are, for example, a birth, marriage, death, divorce, acknowledgement of a child or adoption. The documents about these life events are also called source documents.
Everyone who:
- is registered in the BRP of the Municipality of The Hague and
- had vital events take place abroad, which are not yet registered in the BRP
- You must have the documents registered in the BRP of your place of residence.
- The vital detail must be ‘legally valid’ in the country where it took place. This means that the document must be drawn up according to local regulations and by a competent authority.
If you would like to register a foreign document, you will need the following documents:
- A Begin link: valid form of identification, end link. .
- An original foreign document.
- Would you like to register a foreign marriage certificate? Then you may need an extra declaration. If this applies to your situation, both partners need to sign this declaration. You will get this declaration at the municipal counter.
- Would you like to register a divorce and did this take place in an EU country (with the exception of Denmark)? Then you will also need a ‘Brussels II bis Certificate’. This document is usually available from the authority which pronounced the divorce. A legalised divorce document or a divorce document with apostille is then no longer required.
- Are you submitting the documents on behalf of someone else? Bring a written authorisation and (a copy of) a valid form of identification for the person who authorised you. The person for whom you are submitting the documents can at any time be asked to visit the municipal counter in person.
Legalisation
A foreign document is not automatically legally valid in the Netherlands. Check whether your documents need to be legalised or have an apostille (look on the Begin external link: website of the Government of the Netherlands(External link), end external link.).
Translations
Documents drawn up by the issuing authority in French, German or English will be accepted in most cases. In case of doubt the municipality can request a Dutch translation. Check which rules apply under Begin link: Translating foreign documents, end link. .
- Make an appointment online to register your documents in the Personal Records Database (BRP).
- Bring your documents to the Public Service counter where you have the appointment.
Free.
How long it takes to register differs per case. It can take between 8 to 12 weeks. If further investigation is needed, it can take longer.
- You can make a safe copy of your identity document with your mobile telephone or tablet using the KopieID app. Read more on the Begin external link: website of the Government of the Netherlands(External link), end external link..
- You can see if your document has been registered in the BRP in Begin external link: MijnOverheid(External link), end external link.. And you can check if it has been registered properly.
Dying abroad
Information on what you need to do in the event of a death abroad can be found on the Begin external link: website of the Government of the Netherlands(External link), end external link..