Adopting a child from abroad
It is currently not possible to adopt a child from abroad, unless you already have permission to do so.
If you don’t have permission
If you don’t have permission, you cannot begin a new adoption application. International adoptions have been suspended due to a number of irregularities. It is not yet known when international adoptions will once again be possible.
Find out more about the suspension of international adoptions
If you have permission
If you have already submitted an adoption application and received a declaration of approval in principle, you can usually continue with the adoption procedure.
Find out more about the adoption procedure
If you are already further in the adoption procedure, 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.
I am going to collect my child from abroad
I am currently abroad with my child
- Applying for Dutch civil status records from outside the Netherlands
- Applying for a Dutch passport or identity card abroad
- Having foreign documents legalised for use in the Netherlands
- Applying for a long-stay visa (MVV) for the Netherlands
- Applying for a short-stay visa for the Netherlands
- Check the COVID-19 measures that apply when travelling to the Netherlands