What is an apostille?

Sticker issued by a district court

In the Netherlands an apostille is a sticker issued by a district court. This sticker is placed on your document and bears the district court’s stamp and the signature of a court official. In other countries an apostille may be issued as a stamp, a sticker or a separate document.

Example of an apostille 

E-apostille

An apostille can also be issued digitally. This is called an e-apostille. If you have a foreign document with an e-apostille, you can use your document in the Netherlands. The Netherlands does not yet issue e-apostilles. For a Dutch document you can only get a paper-based apostille.

Also useful

• In which countries are apostilles valid?
• Do I need an apostille?
• Where can I get an apostille?