What is a consular certificate?

If you live outside the Netherlands, your pension provider may require you to prove each year that you are still alive. To do this you will need proof of life.

Some pension providers (such as the ABP Pension Fund and the Social Insurance Bank (SVB)) allow you to submit proof of life through an app on your smartphone. Others will send you a pre-completed certificate by post or through the MijnOverheid Berichtenbox (Message Box).

If you need to prove you are alive, but cannot submit proof of life using an app or pre-completed certificate, apply for a certificate of life from the Dutch embassy or consulate-general in the country or region where you live.

Your pension provider can tell you how recently the certificate must have been issued.

Find out how to apply for a certificate of life if you live abroad

This document shows whether or not you are married. If you are divorced or widowed, this will be stated on the document. The document will only show your details.

Other names for this document include:

• certificate of unmarried status
• single statement

The organisation requiring the document can tell you how recently it must have been issued.

Find out how to apply for a certificate of marital status if you live abroad

A certificate of legal capacity to marry shows that you and your partner are legally allowed to marry under Dutch law. The certificate will show your details and those of your partner.

Other names for this document include:

• declaration of capacity to marry
• declaration of intent to marry
• certificate of the capacity to contract marriage

A certificate of capacity to marry issued by a Dutch embassy or consulate-general is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.

Find out how to apply for a certificate of capacity to marry if you live abroad

A certificate of residence is proof of your address and place of residence abroad. You may need this certificate if you wish to renew your driving licence or apply for a travel document at a Dutch border municipality.

The organisation requiring the document can tell you how recently it must have been issued.

Find out how to apply for a certificate of residence if you live abroad

A Dutch nationality certificate is proof that you are a Dutch national. If you have dual nationality, are aged 18 or over and have been living outside the European Union (except Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten) for more than 13 years, you can lose your Dutch nationality. You can prevent this by applying for a Dutch nationality certificate before the 13-year period expires.   

The validity period of a Dutch nationality certificate is not defined by law. The certificate simply shows that you held Dutch nationality on the date that it was issued. 

Find out how to apply for a Dutch nationality certificate if you live abroad

If you are applying for a residence permit in another country, the local authorities may require a letter from the Dutch embassy or consulate-general. This letter states that you have Dutch nationality and what your income is. 

Find out more about applying for a visa support letter in Thailand

Find out more about applying for a visa support letter (no objection statement) in the United States

A certificate of conduct (VOG) shows that your past conduct forms no obstacle to your performing a specific task or job. You can apply for a certificate of conduct from the Integrity and Screening Agency (Dienst Justis) in the Netherlands. Dutch embassies and consulates-general do not issue this certificate.

Find out more about applying for a certificate of conduct if you live abroad