Registration
A baby’s birth can be registered by the mother, father, or mother’s female partner. If neither the mother nor her partner are able to register the birth, then the birth can be registered by:
- someone who was present at the birth
- the owner of the house in which the the child was born
- an employee of the institution where the child was born
The registration of a birth is free of charge.
Documents to bring
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identification of the father and mother
-
the date and time of birth
-
marriage certificate, if mother is married
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in some cases, proof of the birth from a doctor, the hospital, or a midwife
You must register a stillborn or deceased child
It is compulsory to register the birth of a stillborn child. This applies if the child was born after 24 or more weeks of pregnancy. A death certificate will be issued for the child.
If the child dies immediately after the birth, you must register the birth within three days. A birth certificate and death certificate will be issued.
Parental authority
Married parents or parents with a registered partnership automatically have joint custody over their child.
For more information regarding the arrangement of parental responsibility, click here.
For additional information, please read the government website about the rules of registering a birth in the Netherlands.
