How do I legalise a Dutch diploma for use abroad?
What would you like help with?
Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
First ask the receiving employer or institution what legalisation is required. DUO legalises the original educational document, followed by a court apostille or consular route. A digital diploma extract does not automatically replace this process.
On this page
1. Your situation
Check destination and documents, such as diploma and transcript. They must be original, complete, on original institution paper and signed. The course must be recognised by OCW.
2. Conditions
A record in Mijn diploma's proves recognition. Missing record or login problem? Email a copy to diplomadiensten@duo.nl for checking; absence does not automatically mean invalidity. Protect the original and keep your own copy.
3. Preparation
Book through the official page in Amsterdam, Groningen or Rotterdam and bring the original. Suitable documents can be legalised immediately. Counter payment is card-only, €6 per document. Check appointment/hours; never send registered post to Amsterdam or Rotterdam.
4. Apply
By post: complete Aanvraag legalisatie of statusverklaring and send with the original by registered post to the Groningen address on the form. After checking, an email payment request: €6 per document plus €10 one-off administration. After payment DUO legalises and returns within three weeks. Keep tracking and payment proof.
5. Decision
For an apostille country, next go to a court. Otherwise use the Consular Service Centre in The Hague and often the destination embassy/consulate. Verify the country route through the official links and allow enough time: DUO's stamp alone is not completion.
6. Next steps
DUO does not translate; arrange a sworn translator if required and confirm the recipient's needs. The source also lists Utrecht Buitenlandbeurs 27/28 November 2026 legalisation, card-only and no certified copies; verify event details beforehand. Contact DUO Diploma Services with questions. Keep originals and translations distinct.
Is the DUO stamp the final step?
No. A court follows for apostille countries, otherwise the Consular Service Centre and often embassy/consulate.
Documents to prepare
Prepare your next stepFill in and save · Word
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Destination and recipient requirement
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Your timeline and evidence
List events and contacts. Note where you keep the evidence; no upload is needed.
What goes in my timeline?
Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.
Is my evidence sent?
No. You only note where it is kept. No files are uploaded or sent automatically.
How do I save my timeline?
Your entries are not saved automatically. Choose Save and continue later to store this preparation, including your timeline, in My overview. Wait for confirmation and save new changes again. You can also download a Word file without an account.
Up to 20 events. Choose a different position for an event to change the order.
0 / 6 · Checked or collected
For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.
Describe the solution you would like, such as an explanation of a deduction and repayment of the outstanding amount.
For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?
Record the date and its source. If unknown, note this and check promptly. This tool does not calculate or monitor deadlines.
After your conversation
These are your own notes. Confirm agreements with the other person; these notes do not prove their agreement.
This is your preparation, not a submitted request, objection or legally reviewed document. A tick records only your own progress. Check the procedure and deadline in the original letter.
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Clear entries
Download anything you want to keep first. Clearing cannot be undone.
- Destination and recipient requirement
- Complete original
- Recognition check
- Appointment or registered form
- Costs and sending proof
- Apostille/consular and translation
Contact with a lawyer
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DUO · Legalisatie diploma ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.