The legal consequences depend on the type of relationship, nationality and date. Use the government's personalised checklist for your situation.
Check acknowledgement of parenthood and parental responsibility before the birth
Someone who does not automatically become a legal parent can often acknowledge parenthood before the birth at the municipality. Acknowledgement affects matters including legal family ties, maintenance obligations, inheritance rights and choice of surname. The rules vary according to the type of relationship and personal circumstances.
For acknowledgements made from 1 January 2023, unmarried partners and partners who are not in a registered partnership will in many cases automatically share parental responsibility with the mother, although there are exceptions. Use the Dutch government's personalised checklist or ask the municipality which steps apply to you. Seek specialist advice in good time for international situations.
Make a deliberate choice about the surname
Subject to certain conditions, parents can choose the surname of one parent or a combination of both surnames. In principle, the choice made for their first child together also applies to subsequent children of the same parents.
Sometimes the choice must be recorded before the birth or at the same time as acknowledging parenthood. For certain choices, both parents must go to the civil registry in person. Check the procedure and required documents with the municipality.
Register the birth on time
The birth is registered in the municipality where the child was born. This must be done within three days, excluding the day of birth, and rules apply for weekends and public holidays. Some municipalities offer online registration.
Bring valid identification and, where applicable, the deed acknowledging parenthood or recording the choice of surname. Registering a birth is free. The municipality may charge for an official copy of the birth certificate.
Add your child to a health insurance policy
Register your baby with a health insurer within four months of the birth. The cover will then apply retrospectively from the date of birth. Registering late may mean that healthcare costs are not reimbursed.
Compare which parent's policy is best for adding the baby, especially if their supplementary cover differs. Keep the confirmation and check that the personal details and date of birth have been processed correctly.
Sources for this guide
This guide provides general information. Your healthcare professional or the competent authority can explain what applies in your situation.
- Rijksoverheid: acknowledging a child and parental authorityAccessed on 2026-09-07
- Rijksoverheid: joint parental authority through acknowledgement since 1 January 2023Accessed on 2026-09-07
- Rijksoverheid: choosing a surnameAccessed on 2026-09-07
- Rijksoverheid: registering a birthAccessed on 2026-09-07
- SVB: applying for child benefit and checking insured statusAccessed on 2026-09-07