Where can I get an apostille?

Document issued in the Netherlands

Apostilles for Dutch documents are issued by the district courts. Before contacting the district court, check these 2 points:

1. Is there a signature on your document?
   You can only obtain an apostille if your document has a signature. If there is no signature on your document, ask the organisation that issued it to provide a signature. Explain that you want to use the document abroad.
2. Do you need to have the document legalised by another body first? In some cases your document may need to be legalised by another body before you can get an apostille from the district court. Check what legalisations are needed for your document.

You can have someone else get an apostille for you. You do not need to authorise them. 

Read how you can apply for an apostille from a district court on the Rechspraak website. (information in Dutch)

Foreign documents 

You cannot get a Dutch apostille for documents from other countries. The apostille must be issued by the country where the document was issued. Which body issues the apostille varies by country. Find out where to get an apostille on the HCCH website.

Translation

If your document was not drawn up in Dutch, English, French or German, you will need to have it translated by a sworn translator.

• If you have the document translated by a sworn translator registered in the Netherlands, you do not need to have the translation legalised.
• If you have the document translated outside the Netherlands,you must also have the translation legalised with an apostille.

Also useful

• What is an apostille?
• Do I need an apostille?
• In which countries are apostilles valid?
• Mediation in obtaining and legalising foreign documents