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The four-language rule
Many Dutch institutions, including Nuffic, which assesses qualifications, accept documents in Dutch, English, German, and French without translation. Turkish documents are not covered and therefore require translation; however, English is a sufficient target language for most procedures.
This rule considerably reduces costs: one English translation can serve the university, assessment body, and many official procedures.
When a sworn translation is required
Sworn translation (beëdigd vertaler) in the Netherlands is a profession registered with the courts, and municipal (gemeente) procedures and certain official registrations may require a translator from this register.
For files prepared in Türkiye, the commonly accepted route is an apostilled original and a notarised translation. If the institution explicitly requires a translator from the Dutch register, confirm this requirement on its application page and have the translation prepared by a translator on that register. We do not provide apostille application or procedure follow-up services; we can provide information about preparing the translation required by the institution.
Qualification assessment: Nuffic and IDW
Nuffic assesses the Dutch equivalents of higher education qualifications; the IDW/SBB route is used for vocational qualifications at mbo level. Applications are digital, with the diploma, transcript, and identity document uploaded.
Assessment takes weeks; if you have a recruitment or enrolment deadline, apply early.
Common procedures
- Family reunification and MVV visa: birth and marriage records — apostilled and translated
- Employment: qualification assessment and employment contract attachments
- Municipal registration (BRP): civil status documents; municipalities are strict about apostilles
- Historical documents submitted to employers for tax benefit applications such as the 30% ruling
Frequently asked questions
Is an English translation sufficient for every procedure?
For most, yes; however, some municipal procedures may require Dutch and a translator from the local register. Confirm the receiving institution's language requirements.
Is notarisation required for Nuffic?
Nuffic works with digital copies and does not require notarisation; a legible scan and an English translation where necessary are sufficient.
This content is for information purposes. The documents and procedures required by institutions may change; we recommend confirming the requirements with the relevant institution before applying.
