Intercountry adoption involves adopting a child from another country. This process is complex and subject to strict rules to safeguard the child's well-being and prevent child trafficking.
Hague Adoption Convention and Legislation
The Netherlands is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention, which establishes international standards for adoption. This convention ensures that 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 | Investigation 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 meeting 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 process (with exceptions)
- Positive outcome of the family investigation
- Receipt of principle consent from the Minister
- Financial and housing stability
Cost Overview
The costs for intercountry adoption are significant:
- Information course: approximately € 1,500
- Family investigation: circa € 1,100
- Mediation costs: between € 10,000 and € 30,000 (depending on country of origin)
- Travel costs: variable per situation
- Legal handling in the Netherlands: approximately € 1,000
Cooperation with Countries of Origin
The Netherlands collaborates with a select number of countries for adoption. Each country sets its own conditions, for example regarding the suitability of single persons or same-sex couples.
Procedure after Arrival in the Netherlands
Upon arrival in the Netherlands, the process proceeds as follows:
- Child's residence based on principle consent
- Follow-up investigation by the Child Care and Protection Board
- Filing of adoption request with the court
- Judgment of adoption in accordance with Dutch law
- Granting of Dutch nationality to the child
What is the average duration of an adoption process?
The process typically 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 a specific country for adoption?
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 partnerships of Dutch agencies.Is adoption by a same-sex couple possible?
In the Netherlands, same-sex couples are allowed to adopt, but many countries of origin do not permit this. This significantly limits the options.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average duration of the adoption process?
The entire process takes an average of 3 to 6 years, including 1-2 years of preparation, 1-5 years of waiting time, and 6-12 months of completion in the Netherlands.
What are the total costs and are there financial compensations?
The costs range between €15,000 and €40,000, depending on the country and organization. Consider family investigation (€1,100), mediation (€10,000-€30,000), and travel and legal costs. Tax deductions via the Tax Authorities or local subsidies may sometimes be available.
May single persons adopt intercountry?
Yes, in the Netherlands this is possible, but many countries of origin do not allow it. During the family investigation, suitability is assessed. Ask a mediation organization about the options.
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, such as with nationality or rights. The Netherlands recognizes the adoption after completion here, 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 based on principle consent, followed by an investigation by the Child Care and Protection Board, and the adoption is legally finalized via the court, such as the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location.
More information: For legal advice, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Leiden, Stationsweg 46.