NetherlandsWorldwide

Legalisation of documents from Malaysia for use in the Netherlands

To use a document from Malaysia in the Netherlands, you must first have it legalised by the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Then you must have it legalised by the Dutch embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

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

Good to know

  • Malaysia’s official languages are Malay and English. Documents like birth certificates and death certificates are often issued in English.
  • Documents in Malay must be translated for use in the Netherlands. Follow steps 1 to 3.
  • Documents in English do not have to be translated for use in the Netherlands. Follow steps 2 and 3.
  • 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

If your document is in Malay, you must have it translated into Dutch, English, French or German by a sworn translator.

Step 2: Legalisation by the Malaysian authorities

Have your document and, if applicable, the translation legalised by the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Information: In Malaysia the legalisation of documents is called "attestation of documents" or "document attestation".

Go to step 3.

Step 3: Legalisation by the Dutch embassy in Kuala Lumpur

Have your document and, if applicable, the translation legalised by the Dutch embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

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.

Don’t have the document you need? 

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

If you need to obtain another type of document, find out from the local authorities where you can do that.

Help with applying for documents and having them legalised

The Consular Service Centre can assist Dutch nationals with applying for documents and having them legalised in Malaysia.

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.