Birth registration
What is it?
Congratulations on the birth of your child. To make this official, you must register the birth within three days. You do this in the municipality where your child was born. This is required by law.
How does it work?
The mother, father, or co-mother registers the birth.
If they are unable to do so, one of the following persons may do so on their behalf:
- every person who was present at the birth
- in the case of a home birth: a co-resident of the house
- in the case of childbirth in hospital: the head of the hospital or an employee authorized by the head
If this is also not possible, the declaration will be made by or on behalf of the mayor of the municipality where your child was born.
Birth certificate
After the registration, the municipality will issue a birth certificate. The birth certificate will state your child's first name(s) and surname. It will also state the names of the parents, the date, time, and place of birth. If you wish, you can purchase a copy of the birth certificate on the spot.
What should I do?
- Register your child's birth with the municipality where your child was born. Do this within 3 days.
- You cannot file a report on Saturdays, Sundays, or national holidays. In that case, you will be given one extra working day.
- Are you registering later? Then the civil registrar will report this to the Public Prosecutor's Office. You may then be fined.
What do I need?
- valid proof of identity of the person filing the report
- valid proof of identity of the mother
- statement from the doctor or midwife (if you have one)
- marriage certificate (not required)
- certificate of recognition of unborn child (if you have one)
- deed of name choice (if you have one)
Child born in lesbian relationship
The mother and co-mother who are married or in a registered partnership must bring a statement from the Artificial Insemination Donor Data Foundation (Stichting donorgegevens kunstmatige bevruchting ) if the donor is anonymous.