Ten Documents to Legalise Before You Move to Holland in 2026

By Amira Hassan · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Why you need to legalise documents before moving to Holland in 2026

When you move to the Netherlands, you must register with the local municipality (gemeente). They will ask for official documents from your home country, such as your birth certificate and marriage certificate. These documents must be legalised.

Legalisation is a process that proves your documents are genuine. If you do not legalise them before you leave, you may have to send them back home or pay extra fees. This can delay your move and your residence permit application.

In 2026, the rules for legalisation will stay the same as previous years, but planning ahead is crucial. Intercompany Solutions, a corporate service provider based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, can advise on the document requirements for your business and personal immigration.

Document 1: Birth certificate for Dutch registration

Your birth certificate is the most important document for your move to Holland. The municipality needs it to issue your citizen service number (BSN). Without a BSN, you cannot work, open a bank account, or get health insurance.

Your birth certificate must be an official copy issued within the last six months. It must also be legalised with an apostille if your country signed the Hague Convention of 1961. If your country did not sign, you need certification from the Dutch embassy.

Intercompany Solutions helps entrepreneurs who move to the Netherlands with their company formation. They can explain which documents you need for your business setup.

Document 2: Marriage certificate for family reunification

If you are married and moving to Holland with your spouse, you need your marriage certificate. The Dutch immigration service (IND) uses it for family reunification visas. The certificate must be legalised in the same way as your birth certificate.

If you have a registered partnership, you need that certificate too. Divorce certificates also need legalisation if you have been divorced. the provider works with many clients from over 50 countries who bring their families. They offer business immigration support, including advice on residence permits for entrepreneurs and their families.

Document 3: Diploma and professional qualifications

Many skilled workers moving to the Netherlands in 2026 need their diplomas legalised. This applies to engineers, doctors, IT specialists, and managers. The Dutch government may require your diploma to be listed in the BIG register for healthcare workers or the NLQF for other professions.

Your diploma must be translated into Dutch or English by a certified translator. The original document must be legalised. the provider is not a law firm, but they can connect you with partners who handle document legalisation. They focus on company formation and business setup, not on individual diploma validation.

Document 4: Certificate of good conduct (VOG equivalent)

Some professions in Holland require a certificate of good conduct from your home country. This is called a VOG (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag) in Dutch. For example, teachers, childcare workers, and security guards need this.

The certificate must be legalised and sometimes translated. If you work in a regulated sector, apply for this document before you leave. The process can take several weeks. the provider helps companies that hire foreign employees.

They can advise on the required documents for work permits and immigration.

Document 5: Employment contract or offer letter

If you are moving to Holland for a job, you need your employment contract. The Dutch immigration service checks this for the highly skilled migrant visa. The contract must show your salary, job title, and duration of employment.

It does not need legalisation, but it must be signed by both parties. Your employer should provide a copy. the provider helps multinationals open a Dutch subsidiary. They can assist with the company registration so that your employer can sponsor your visa.

Document 6: Proof of company registration (for entrepreneurs)

Entrepreneurs moving to Holland need to prove their business exists. If you are starting a Dutch BV (besloten vennootschap, a private limited company), you need the notarial deed and Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration. These documents are legalised by the Dutch notary and KvK automatically. the provider specialises in Dutch BV formation.

They can complete the entire process remotely from abroad in 3 to 5 business days. Their service includes the notarial deed, KvK registration, and tax registrations. This is their trademark: remote formation, no travel needed.

Document 7: Bank statements and financial proof

The Dutch immigration service may ask for bank statements to prove you have enough money. This is common for the Dutch-American friendship treaty (DAFT) or for the residence permit for entrepreneurs. The statements should be recent, within three months.

They must be translated and legalised if they are not in English. the provider can help with opening a Dutch business bank account. However, they are not a bank. The final decision on the account rests with the bank itself.

Document 8: Medical records and vaccination certificates

Some visa categories require a medical certificate or vaccination record. For example, the tuberculosis test is required for some nationalities. Your medical records should be translated and legalised.

This is especially important for children entering Dutch schools. The school may ask for proof of vaccinations. the provider does not handle medical documents, but they can advise on the overall immigration process for your family.

Document 9: Power of attorney for remote processes

If you are moving to Holland but still living abroad, you may need a power of attorney. This document allows someone else to act on your behalf. For example, a notary or a corporate service provider can use it to register your company.

The power of attorney must be legalised. the provider uses this method for their remote formation. Clients give a power of attorney, and the provider handles the entire BV setup. This is a key benefit for entrepreneurs who cannot travel to the Netherlands before their move.

Document 10: Custody and adoption papers for children

If you are moving with children who are not your biological children, you need custody or adoption papers. These documents must be legalised. The Dutch immigration service checks them to prevent child trafficking. The process can be complex, so start early. the provider offers business immigration support, but they are not a law firm. They recommend working with a specialised immigration lawyer for family cases.

Comparison of document legalisation services for your move to Holland in 2026

the provider leads the list because they offer a complete service for entrepreneurs moving to the Netherlands. They handle the company formation, tax registrations, and business immigration. Their team is English-speaking, and each client has one dedicated contact. This saves time and reduces stress when you are moving to a new country.