Register a birth

Have you recently had a baby? Congratulations! You must register the birth within 3 working days at the municipality where your child was born. If the third day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday, you may register the birth on the next working day.

A civil registrar will create an official birth certificate. This document includes your child’s name and place of birth. You can request an official copy of the birth certificate for a fee.

Register a birth online

You can submit the birth registration online using your DigiD.

Submit the birth registration (DigiD)

Don't have a DigiD? Then you must book an appointment to register the birth in person at the municipality.

Which last name can we give our child?

Parents can choose the last name of their first child: the mother’s, duo mother’s or the father’s surname. This choice automatically applies to all future children in the family.

As of January 1, 2024, you may also choose a combined surname, using both parents’ last names. This is possible under the Combined Surname Act (WIGG).

Who can register the birth?

The father or duo mother is required to register the birth. For online registration, the mother may also do it alone. If neither is available, someone present at the birth may register the child.

If no one was present, one of the following can register the birth:

  • A resident of the home where the child was born
  • The head of the institution (e.g. hospital)
  • The mayor or a designated official of the birth municipality (e.g. in the case of a foundling)

How can I register the birth?

You must register the birth at the municipality where the child was born.

Online:

  • Log in using DigiD (from both parents, or just the mother)

  • Upload the acknowledgment of parenthood if available

  • A midwife or doctor must confirm the birth—enter their correct name in the form. Missing or incorrect info will lead to rejection.

Helmond-specific: If your child was born at Elkerliek Hospital and a midwife from Helmond or nearby assisted you, select their practice name during the online form.

In person:

  • Make an appointment at the Huis voor de Stad

  • Bring:

    • valid ID of both parents

    • any relevant documents (hospital declaration, acknowledgment certificate, marriage booklet, birth card)

Is there a cost for registering a birth?

Birth registration is free.

If you request an official copy of the birth certificate, costs are:

  • €17.10 for a standard extract

  • €23.00 for a multilingual model form
    (rates 2025)

Payment by debit card is preferred.

Will my child receive a BSN (citizen service number)?

Yes. Your child will be registered in the mother’s municipality. Within 4 weeks, you’ll receive a letter with your child’s BSN.

Haven’t received it and your child is not registered in Helmond? Contact the child’s municipality of residence.

How do I apply for a residence permit for my newborn?

You can apply for a residence permit online via the IND website. This is faster than applying by post. More info: ind.nl

My baby was stillborn. What should I do?

  • After 24 weeks pregnancy: You must report the stillbirth to the municipality where your child was born. The municipality will issue a certificate of birth (stillborn).
  • Before 24 weeks: You may report the stillbirth if you wish.
  • In both cases, the certificate is recorded in the death register, not the birth register.
  • If your baby died after birth: Register both the birth and death in the appropriate municipalities.
  • Born still in Helmond? You cannot report this online. Please call 14 0492 to make an appointment at the Huis voor de Stad.

More info at Rijksoverheid.nl

Still have questions?

Contact our Civil Affairs team:

Call: 14 0492
Email: gemeente@helmond.nl