The original Dutch document
is required.
Did a foreign authority reject a scan or copy and ask for the original Dutch document? Apostille Assist helps identify what “original” means for that document type and coordinates the agreed request, certified-copy, apostille, translation and secure-delivery route.
Choose the right level of support
Use apostille submission when the correct original or officially issued Dutch document is already available and suitable. Choose document coordination when a replacement, official copy, certified copy, issuing-body step or protected shipping route still needs to be arranged.
Apostille Submission
For an available and suitable original or officially issued Dutch document when only apostille submission remains.
- Submission for a Dutch apostille
- For a document already suitable for the confirmed route
- WhatsApp progress updates
Document Coordination
For a request involving document interpretation, replacement, certified copy, prior legalisation or delivery.
- Review of what the foreign recipient means by original
- Coordination of the agreed Dutch-side document route
- External costs confirmed before work begins
“Original” means different things by document type
The issuing system determines whether an original is unique or whether a newly issued official copy is the correct formal document.
Protect the document before sending it
A one-of-a-kind diploma or difficult-to-replace record should not be shipped until the route and return method are clear.
From “original required” to the correct paper document
Clarify the recipient’s terminology before requesting a replacement or sending an irreplaceable record.
Share the wording
Send the original-document instruction and any rejection message.
Identify the formal document
Determine whether this means a unique original, official copy or certified copy.
Complete Dutch formalities
Arrange the agreed issuing-body, certification and apostille steps.
Deliver securely
Coordinate tracked shipping and the confirmed return destination.
The foreign recipient may require a document issued or certified by the competent Dutch authority. Confirm whether a certified copy is acceptable before risking a unique original.
Why use Apostille Assist?
Terminology clarified
The foreign word “original” is matched to the Dutch document system.
Unique records protected
Replacement and certified-copy options are checked before an irreplaceable item is sent.
Tracked paper route
Issuing, apostille and international delivery steps are coordinated in order.
Related document guidance
Use these existing pages when the request involves a broader or more specific Dutch document route.
Frequently asked questions
Is an official copy of a birth or marriage certificate an original?
A newly issued official extract or copy from the municipality is itself an official civil-status document. Confirm which version and details the foreign recipient requires.
Must I send my unique original diploma?
DUO requires eligible educational documents presented for legalisation to be original, complete, on the institution’s original paper and signed. Confirm the full destination route before sending it.
Can a certified copy replace the original?
Sometimes. The foreign recipient must confirm whether it accepts the type of certified copy available for that document and purpose.
Can an ordinary photocopy receive an apostille?
Not automatically. The court must be able to authenticate a recognised official, notarial or certified signature or capacity on the document.
Should translation be attached to the original?
That depends on the recipient’s procedure. Confirm whether translation follows authentication and whether the original, a certified copy or both must accompany it.
Can the document be shipped internationally after apostille?
Yes. Tracked international delivery can be included in the agreed route, with destination and shipping cost confirmed beforehand.
Has the foreign authority requested the original?
Share the exact wording and document type so the correct Dutch original, official-copy or certified-copy route can be reviewed.
