Intercountry adoption involves adopting a child from another country. This process is complex and subject to strict regulations to prevent child trafficking and to safeguard the child's welfare.
Hague Adoption Convention
The Netherlands is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention, which provides guidelines to ensure that intercountry adoptions take place in the best interests of the child and without financial motives.
Process of intercountry adoption
| Step | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Registration with Stichting Adoptievoorzieningen | - |
| 2 | Information and preparation phase | 6-12 months |
| 3 | Family assessment by the Child Care and Protection Board | 4-6 months |
| 4 | Application for principle consent | 2-3 months |
| 5 | Registration with a mediation agency | - |
| 6 | Waiting for a match with a child | 1-5 years |
| 7 | First acquaintance and picking up the child | Several weeks |
| 8 | Legal completion in the Netherlands | 6-12 months |
Requirements for adoptive parents
- At least 18 years older than the child
- Maximum 46 years old at the start of the procedure (with possible exceptions)
- Positive outcome of the family investigation
- Obtaining principle consent via the Minister
- A stable living and financial situation
Cost overview
Intercountry adoption involves significant costs:
- Information course and preparation: approximately € 1,500
- Family investigation: approximately € 1,100
- Mediation costs: between € 10,000 and € 30,000 (varies per country)
- Travel costs: depending on the situation
- Legal handling in the Netherlands: approximately € 1,000
Cooperation with countries of origin
The Netherlands works with a select number of countries for adoption. Each country applies its own criteria for adoptive parents, such as rules for single persons, same-sex couples, and age limits.
Procedure after arrival in the Netherlands
Upon arrival in the Netherlands, the process proceeds as follows:
- The child resides on the basis of the principle consent
- The Child Care and Protection Board conducts a follow-up investigation
- An adoption request is filed with the court
- The judge ratifies the adoption under Dutch law
- The child receives Dutch nationality
How long does an intercountry adoption take on average?
The total process usually takes 3 to 6 years. The preparation phase takes 1-2 years, followed by a waiting period that can vary from 1 to 5 years per country.Can we choose which country to adopt from ourselves?
You can express a preference for a country, but the final choice depends on your personal circumstances (such as marital status and age) and the countries with which the Netherlands cooperates.Is adoption possible for same-sex couples?
In the Netherlands, same-sex couples may adopt, but many countries of origin do not permit this. This significantly limits the options.Frequently asked questions
What is the average duration of an adoption process?
The entire process takes an average of 3 to 6 years. Preparation takes 1 to 2 years, the waiting period varies between 1 and 5 years, and completion in the Netherlands takes another 6 to 12 months.
What are the costs and is there financial support?
Costs range between € 15,000 and € 40,000, depending on the country. This includes family investigation (€ 1,100), mediation (€ 10,000-€ 30,000), and travel. Sometimes tax deductions via the Tax Authorities or local subsidies are available.
Can single persons adopt from abroad?
Yes, single persons may adopt in the Netherlands, but not all countries permit this. The possibilities are limited and are assessed during the family investigation.
What if the country of origin does not recognize the adoption?
If the country of origin does not recognize the adoption, legal complications may arise, for example with nationality or rights. The Netherlands recognizes the adoption after the local procedure, but it is advisable to seek advice in advance from an expert or mediation organization.
How does the procedure proceed after arrival in the Netherlands?
After arrival, the child resides on the basis of the principle consent. Subsequently, a follow-up investigation is conducted by the Child Care and Protection Board, followed by a request to the District Court of The Hague. After approval by the judge, the child receives Dutch nationality.
Contact and support in Westland
For legal questions or guidance, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Westland. For adoption procedure matters, Westland falls under the jurisdiction of the District Court of The Hague.