Netherlands Worldwide

Legalisation of documents from China for use in the Netherlands

You want to use a document from China in the Netherlands. You must first have it translated into English by a notary in China. Then you must have it legalised by the Chinese authorities and by the Dutch embassy or one of the Dutch consulates-general in China.

The legalisation process for documents from Hong Kong and documents from Macau is different.

Attention: If you want to use a Dutch document in China, see Legalisation of Dutch documents for use abroad

Good to know

  • Documents in Chinese must be translated into English in China for use in the Netherlands.
  • Your document must be original and complete. If it refers to other documents or annexes, these must be included.

Step 1: Having your document translated

In China documents are issued in Chinese. Have your Chinese document translated into English by a notary.

The notary will attach the translation to the original document. You must then have this ‘booklet’ legalised.

Step 2: Legalisation by the Chinese and Dutch authorities

Take your document to the Department of Consular Affairs at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs or at a provincial Foreign Affairs Office. Documents cannot be sent in for legalisation by post.

Ask for double legalisation:

  • The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs will first legalise your document.
  • Then the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs will take your document to the Dutch embassy or one of the Dutch consulates-general. The embassy or consulate-general will legalise the document again, so that it is ready for use in the Netherlands.

The document is then also fit for use in Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten, Bonaire, Saba and St Eustatius.

Documents issued by the Chinese consulate in Willemstad (Curaçao)

Your document was issued by the Chinese consulate in Willemstad (Curaçao):
•    Have the document and, if applicable, the translation legalised by the Foreign Relations Department (DBB) in Willemstad.

Once your document has been legalised it is fit for use in the Netherlands.
It is then also fit for use in Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten, Bonaire, Saba and St Eustatius.

Special documents

Read the information below about common documents from China.

Don’t have the document you need?

Find out below where to obtain a document that you need but do not yet have.

After legalisation

Verification of your document in the Netherlands

Legalisation does not prove the authenticity of a document or the truthfulness of its content. A municipality in the Netherlands, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) or another authority may decide to verify these things. Legalisation of your document simply means that your document bears the correct signature.

How recently must your document have been issued or legalised

Organisations have different requirements for how recently your document must have been issued and legalised. For more information, contact the organisation in the Netherlands requesting the document.

Contact

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

More about legalisation