Apostilles and Authentications 'Legalisation'
An apostille is a statement placed on a public document that facilitates its use in a foreign country. It verifies the document’s origins, the authenticity of the signature and seal which appear on the document, and the capacity in which the person signing the document acted.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is the only authority that can apostille Australian public documents. Overseas, this service is provided by Australian Embassies and Consulates. We call this Legalisation.
An Australian public document is one that is issued by a government authority in Australia. This includes most documents issued by Australian Department of Birth Death & Marriages (i.e. birth certificates, marriage certificates, single status 'record of no result' certificates). It also includes documents issued by Australia courts (i.e. divorce certificate/order), police, and government departments.
In the Netherlands, municipalities will require an apostille to be placed on your original birth certificate (and marriage certificate) for registration and to obtain a BSN.
For documents intended for use in countries which are not signatories to the Hague Convention, we can apply an authentication certificate.
An authentication certificate serves the same purpose as an apostille. The country receiving the document decides which certificate they accept and each country has different requirements. DFAT cannot advise clients of foreign requirements.
A private document (i.e. one not issued by a government authority) can only become a public document if it has been notarised by an Australia public notary.
Please click on the headings below and follow the instructions:
Make sure that you’ve confirmed requirements with the requesting authority (or sought legal advice) and correctly prepared any/all forms and documents you need. Apostilles can only be placed on original documents, not copies.
In the Netherlands it is common for the municpality to request an apostille to be placed on your original birth certificate/marriage certificate for registration and to obtain a BSN.
We can only legalise marriage certificates issued by the relevant state Department of Birth Death & Marriages, and unable to place an apostille on the ceremonial certificate signed by the celebrant.
There are additional requirements if you wish to have your academic and education documents legalised.
Refer to Smartraveller as part of your preparation.
Legalisations (apostille and authentication) services are offered by mail only. No appointment is required.
You can send the original documents to the Australian Embassy in The Hague by registered post.
Please include a cover letter with a description of the service you need, your return address, email and phone number.
All mail should be addressed to:
Consular Services
Australian Embassy the Hague
Carnegielaan 4
2517 KH The Hague
The Netherlands
If you have received your document electronically, please contact the Australian Embassy in the Hague on [email protected] to discuss your scenario.
We require pre-payment in Euro (€) via bank transfer before we proceed with your request.
Fees are charged per document.
If you wish for your document to be returned via registered PostNL payment for postage is also required.
Australian Embassy in The Hague bank details:
IBAN NL56 INGB 0671 7100 44
Bank ING
SWIFT/BIC INGBNL2A
In the name of Australian Embassy
Description Your name, name of service and postage (if applicable).
The fees are current and vary each month, depending on fluctuations in the exchange rate.
Fees charged for notarial services are set by the Consular Fees Act 1955 (Cth) and the Consular fees Regulations 2018 (Cth). Charging for notarial services is not discretionary, and fees are not negotiable or refundable.
Refer to Notarial Fees.
The service will be undertaken within 48 hours of receiving the original document and payment of the appropriate fee.
If you wish for your document to be returned by post, please include this instruction in your cover letter and pay an additional fee for postage. We will return via registered mail using PostNL.
Alternatively, you will be informed when your document is ready for collection.
Information concerning the requirements for driving on foreign licenses within each State or Territory of Australia can be found at Overseas Drivers | Austroads