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.
Birth registration
Via the website www.olst-wijhe.nl you can make an appointment online to register a birth.
It is also possible to register a birth online from the comfort of your own home.
Birth registration by appointment
The father or co-mother must report this. Is the father or co-mother unable to attend? In that case, the declaration must be made by:
- the mother from whom the child was born;
- someone who was present at the birth;
- a resident of the house where the child was born;
- the head of the institution (e.g. hospital) where the child was born.
Birth registration online
You can only file a birth registration online if your child was born in the municipality of Olst-Wijhe and 1 of the following situations applies to you:
- you are married or you have a registered partnership;
- you are married as duo mothers or have a registered partnership and the child was recognized before birth in the municipality of Olst-Wijhe;
- you have recognized your child before birth in the municipality of Olst-Wijhe;
- you registered your child's surname in the municipality of Olst-Wijhe before birth;
- no other parent is known.
Birth registration by appointment at the municipal hall
When registering, please bring the following documents with you:
- valid proof of identity;
- proof from the doctor or midwife;
- copy of the certificate of acknowledgment of the unborn child (if applicable);
- statement from the Foundation for donor data for artificial fertilization (if applicable).
Do you have no proof from the doctor or midwife? Please inform us.
Birth registration online
You need DigiD for the online birth registration.
After the birth is registered, the obstetric practice or the hospital where your child was born will check whether the information entered is correct. If they agree, a civil registrar will draw up a birth certificate.
Once the declaration has been processed, you will receive a confirmation by post.
Via the website www.olst-wijhe.nl you can make an appointment online to register a birth.
It is also possible to register a birth online from the comfort of your own home.
There are no costs associated with registering a child. An extract from the birth certificate costs € 16.60.
Questions about this topic?
Contact the Municipality of Olst-Wijhe
Visiting addresses
Raadhuisplein 1
8131BN Wijhe
| Monday | 09.00-12.00 |
| Tuesday | 09.00-12.00 |
| Wednesday | 09.00-12.00 |
| Thursday | 09.00-12.00 |
| Friday | 09.00-12.00 |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Jan Schamhartstraat 5b
8121CM Olst
| Monday | 13.30-16.30 |
| Tuesday | 13.30-16.30 |
| Wednesday | 13.30-20.00 |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 13.30-16.30 |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |