Legalising a foreign document for use in the Netherlands
In almost all cases, you can have your foreign documents recognised as ‘genuine’. For example, a copy of a birth certificate. This is usually done by the government in the country where the document originated. Once your document has been legalised, you can use it in the Netherlands or at a Dutch embassy.
Last updated on 20 October 2025
Legalisation method per country
On NetherlandsWorldwide.nl, you can see for each country or region how you can have your document legalised.
Legalisation in the Netherlands by the Consulair Dienstencentrum (CDC)
In some cases, the CDC (consular service centre) of the Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) can legalise a document for you or assist you in this process. On NetherlandsWorldwide.nl, you can see under what circumstances legalisation by the CDC or assistance from the CDC is possible.