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Registering a birth in the Netherlands

If you have just had a new baby, you must register the birth. This applies to all children born in the Netherlands. You must register the birth within 3 days in the municipality where they were born. The mother, father or the mother's female partner (duomoeder) can register the birth.

You must register the birth of a new baby within 3 days, not counting the day of the birth. For example, was your child born on a Monday? Then you must register the birth on Thursday at the latest.

If the third day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the deadline for registering the birth is extended until the next working day. If that means you have only 1 day to register the birth, you will be given an extra day, to ensure that there are always at least 2 days to register the birth.

Late birth registrations

If you are late registering the birth, then the Registrar of Births, Deaths, Marriages and Civil Partnerships (ambtenaar van de burgerlijke stand) will inform the public prosecutor (officier van justitie). You may then have to pay a fine.

A baby’s birth can be registered by the mother, father or the mother's female partner.

If the mother, father or mother's female partner are not able to register the birth, then the birth can be registered by:

  • someone who was present at the birth;

  • the owner of the house in which the child was born;

  • an employee of the institution where the child was born, such as a hospital.

If none of these people are able to register the birth, the birth can be registered by or on behalf of the mayor of the municipality where the child was born, or where the child was found if they are a foundling.

You do not have to bring the baby with you when you register the birth.

If your baby was born in a vehicle, for example in a car, ambulance, train or aeroplane, you must register the birth at the place of arrival, i.e. the location where your baby leaves the vehicle. This applies if that location is in the Netherlands.

If your baby is born during an international flight or an international sea voyage and the location where you arrive is not in the Netherlands, there are 2 options:

  • if the boat or aircraft is registered in the Netherlands, you must obtain a temporary birth certificate (geboorteakte) from the captain of the aircraft or boat.
  • If the boat or aircraft is not registered in the Netherlands, you must obtain a birth certificate from the authorities in the local area.

When you arrive at your destination, you must obtain a temporary birth certificate at your place of arrival and send this as quickly as possible to the civil registrar in the municipality of Den Haag (The Hague).

The civil registrar at the municipality will issue the birth certificate. The birth certificate is the official proof of birth, and also proves who the child’s parents are.

The birth certificate contains the following information:

  • the baby’s details, for example: name, date of birth, place of birth and time of birth;
  • the personal details of the parent(s).

A different procedure applies if your baby is stillborn.

This is how it works for you

Your (future) place of residence falls under:
Informatie:

Here is some information from your municipality.

Municipality of Houten: Registering a birth

Report the birth of the child to the municipality immediately. This can be done online:

Register birth

Would you still prefer to make an appointment at the town hall? This can be done via the link below:

Make an appointment

Are you making an application online? Then these are the conditions

  • Your child was born in the municipality of Houten. If your child was born in another municipality, please check the website of that municipality to find out how to register.
  • You have DigiD. Do you not have this? Apply for a DigiD.
  • You must upload (photos of) the following documents with the declaration:
    • declaration of birth/birth report from the obstetrician/ treating physician (pdf, 94 KB).
    • certificate of recognition (if applicable).
    • deed of choice of name (if applicable).

When reporting at the town hall, bring:

  • Valid proof of identity of the declarant and of the mother
    Details: date of birth, time of birth and official first name(s) of the child

If you have the following documents

  • Declaration from the doctor or midwife
    Marriage certificate (if applicable)
    Certificate of recognition of unborn child (if applicable)
    Deed of name selection (if applicable)
    For duo mothers: declaration issued by the Foundation for Donor Data on Artificial Fertilisation.

Additional registration in marriage booklet

Do you have a marriage booklet and do you wish to inscribe your child in it? You can add the child yourself and do not have to come to the reception desk.

Registering a birth is free of charge. A birth certificate costs: € 14.30.

Questions about this topic?

Contact the Municipality of Houten

Last updated on 22 September 2022