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
Here is some information from your municipality.
Municipality of Laarbeek: Registering a birth
You want to register the birth of your child. Congratulations on the family expansion. You always register the birth with the municipality where your child was born. This can be done digitally from home or in person at the town hall.
Who makes the declaration?
The father, mother, co-mother or a person who was present at the birth must make a personal declaration.
When do you file a declaration at the latest?
You must register the birth within 3 days of the birth at the latest. Does the final declaration day fall on a recognized public holiday? Then you file the declaration the next working day.
Your child was born on; You file a declaration at the latest;
Monday thursday
Tuesday Friday
Wednesday Monday
Thursday Monday
Friday Tuesday
Saturday Tuesday
Sunday Wednesday
What you need for the digital birth registration;
Your DigiD login details
A statement from the midwife or doctor stating the date and time of the birth and the birth names of the child
A copy of the acknowledgment certificate if the child has been recognized before birth
What you need for the personal birth registration at the town hall;
A statement from the midwife or doctor stating the date and time of the birth and the birth names of the child
A valid proof of identity of the person making the declaration
Valid ID from both parents
A copy of the acknowledgment certificate if the child has been recognized before birth
If you have a marriage or partnership booklet, you may bring it with you so that the municipality can state the name of the child in it.
In duo mothers; possibly the donor statement
You can arrange the birth registration digitally or in person at the town hall.
Digital
You register your birth with your DigiD
Click here to start the declaration
We will send you a confirmation of your child's registration. If we have any questions, we will contact you.
Do you want to file a personal declaration at the town hall? Make an appointment.
To register the birth in person, you can make an appointment by telephone. You cannot schedule the appointment digitally. Contact our Customer Contact Center 0492 469 700.
Registering a birth is free of charge. A birth certificate costs: € 14.30.
[extra optie]
You pay a fee for a birth certificate. For more information, contact the municipality [contactgegevens].
Questions about this topic?
Contact the Municipality of Laarbeek