On this page you can read what certifying is and who is allowed to certify documents (evidence). You will also find information about when a translation of a document is necessary and what the requirements are.

What is a hallmark?

A hallmark is a sign of authenticity or validity. A copy of an original document (for example, a diploma) bearing a hallmark, demonstrates that the copy is the same as the original. Only then a copy is considered as valid evidence.

Certified paper document?

This could be:

  • An original document with an authenticity stamp and signature of the issuing authority (e.g., a diploma).

  • A copy of the original, bearing a stamp and signature by an authority or organization authorized to certify.

Please note!

An apostille only proves that a signature is authentic, not that the content is correct. Therefore, an apostille is not accepted.

Digitally certified?

This is a digital document with a code (e.g. a QR code) that allows its authenticity to be verified directly with the issuing authority.

Please note!

Other forms of digital verification are not accepted. If there is no valid code on it, the original document or a certified paper copy must be sent by post.

Where can you go to have (copies of) documents certified?

This may differ per document. The table below shows where you can go for certification per document type. Good to know; Some courses or universities immediately provide a number of certified copies with the original diploma. These are suitable as supporting documents for your recognition application.

This may vary per document. The table below indicates where you can go for certification per document type. Good to know: some study programs or universities provide a number of certified copies directly with the original diploma. These are suitable as supporting evidence for your application for recognition.

Overview of who is allowed to certify which documents

Type of document

Where to authenticate?

Passport
  • Civil Affairs Department/municipality of the country from which the passport originates
  • A notary established in the Netherlands or in another EEA Member State
  • Other authorities or organizations  (for example, a ministry) that are authorized to do so in the country where you obtained your diploma.
Diploma and subject overview
  • Educational institution where the course was taken.
  • A notary established in the Netherlands or in another EEA Member State
  • Other authorities or organizations  (for example, a ministry) that are authorized to do so in the country where you obtained your diploma.

Training program
  • Educational institution where the course was taken
  • A notary established in the Netherlands or in another EEA Member State
  • Other authorities or organizations  (for example, a ministry) that are authorized to do so in the country where you obtained your diploma.
Declaration of authority
  • Authority where the registration took place
  • A notary established in the Netherlands or in another EEA Member State
  • Other authorities or organizations  (for example, a ministry) that are authorized to do so in the country where you obtained your diploma.
Residence document
  • IND counter
  • A notary established in the Netherlands or in another EEA Member State
  • Other authorities or organizations  (for example, a ministry) that are authorized to do so in the country where you obtained your diploma.
Employer's declaration
  • The employer can issue the original document
  • A notary established in the Netherlands or in another EEA Member State
  • Other authorities or organizations  (for example, a ministry) that are authorized to do so in the country where you obtained your diploma.
Specializations/further training
  • Educational institution where the course was taken
  • A notary established in the Netherlands or in another EEA Member State
  • Other authorities or organizations  (for example, a ministry) that are authorized to do so in the country where you obtained your diploma.
Courses/training
  • Educational institution where the course was taken
  • A notary established in the Netherlands or in another EEA Member State
  • Other authorities or organizations  (for example, a ministry) that are authorized to do so in the country where you obtained your diploma.
Translations of documents
  • The sworn translator 
  • A notary established in the Netherlands or in another EEA Member State
  • Other authorities or organizations  (for example, a ministry) that are authorized to do so in the country where you obtained your diploma.

Translations

  • documents in a language other than Dutch or English must be translated;
  • you send the document in the original language and the original translation;
  • The translation must be carried out by a sworn translator. The translator provides the translation with a hallmark.

Copy of the translation?

If you wish to submit a copy of the original translation, you must have it certified. The table on this page shows who is authorized to certify a translation.

Important to know

  • We strongly advise you not to send original documents, but certified copies. Unfortunately, documents are frequently lost in the mail.
  • If you still wish to send an original document, you do so at your own risk.
  • Originals and/or certified copies will be returned to you once by registered post. If these documents are returned to us, they will be taken to a central archive and collection will only be possible by appointment.
  • A translator can only certify translations or copies of translations. The translator can never certify the original document.