The HMPO only accepts a certified English translation of a full birth certificate that is issued in Dutch. Makes sense, right? Not entirely. HMPO used to accept a certified “translation” of the birth extract of the original birth certificate, which is issued in multiple languages, including in English. On its website, HMPO explains why this document is no longer accepted:

“Following the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, HM Passport Office cannot accept Multilingual Standard Forms (MSFs) issued by member states. These documents are an extract of a civil registration record translated into the language needed and not a full, original certificate.
You need to contact the issuing authority and request a full birth certificate.”

In the anonymised example at the end of this blog, you can see what details are listed. Please note that the design, colours and text on the reverse side may vary per municipality.

You can apply for a birth certificate from the municipality where you registered your child’s birth. This can easily be done online. You will need a DigiD to do so. If you don’t have a DigiD yet, you can apply for one online.

If you live in Rotterdam, you can apply for the certificate on the municipality’s webpage Akte aanvragen.

At some point you will be asked the following: “Would you like an extract of a certificate in several languages?” Make sure that you select No, because again, a certified translation of this document will not be accepted by HMPO.

Please allow a week or two to receive the birth certificate in your letterbox.

You’ve finally received the birth certificate and now you need to have it translated by a certified translator. HMPO lists the following requirements that the translator and translation should meet:

The translator has to:

• be registered with an official translation organisation or trade body for translators, or is employed by a recognised translation company listed on the UK’s list of translators and interpreters;
  • You can find me on the above gov.uk list as well as in the Dutch register of Sworn Court Interpreters and Translators (Register beëdigde tolken en vertalers) under registration number 5269.

• confirm on the translation that it’s a “true and accurate translation of the original document”;
• sign, date and stamp the translation;
• write his/her full name and contact details;
  • In the image at the end of this blog, you can find points 2 to 4. For privacy purposes, I’ve removed my address details.

• attach the translation to the original document.
  • There has been some debate about this requirement, as up to the beginning of 2025, a copy of the original was still enough. However, HMPO no longer seems to accept this. This means I will need to attach the original document to the translation – you can’t do this yourself. So, you will have to either send the birth certificate, preferably by recorded delivery, to my home address (I will forward my details to you after you confirm the certified translation with me), or, if you live in or near Rotterdam, you can make an appointment with me to hand over the birth certificate. Either way, I suggest you send a photograph or scan of the full birth certificate to me in an email, so I can have the translation ready and attach it to the original birth certificate immediately after having received the certificate by post or when we meet.

• One birth certificate with one page (including reverse side): EUR 70.00.
• If a birth certificate has two pages (including reverse side), I charge EUR 75.00.
• Two or more birth certificates at once: every extra certificate: EUR 35.00.
• Recorded delivery costs within the Netherlands: EUR 11.30 (in 2025).

After receipt of payment, the translation(s) can be ready and sent by recorded delivery or picked up within one to three working days. 

I require payment in advance. If you agree to price and turnaround time, I will send you an invoice and a payment link. The invoice should be paid within one day.

If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.