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Non-Convention Adoptions in Amsterdam: Adoption from Countries Outside the Hague Convention

In Amsterdam, non-convention adoptions require local court verification via the Rechtbank Amsterdam, without automatic recognition. The procedure involves an application to the Amsterdam family court judge, strict document checks and screening for abuse, with increased administrative burdens and local support.

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Non-Convention Adoptions in Amsterdam: Adoption from Countries Outside the Hague Convention

In Amsterdam, adoptions from non-convention countries, such as various African or Asian states, are subject to stricter national rules to safeguard children's rights. The procedure differs from convention adoptions and requires additional verification via the local Rechtbank Amsterdam, with specific attention to the multicultural context of the city.

Legal Basis

  • Act on the Admission of Foreign Children for Adoption (Wobka), art. 12-15
  • Civil Code Book 1, art. 1:227a
  • Ministerial recognition, supplemented by local procedure at Rechtbank Amsterdam

Procedure in Amsterdam

  1. Application: Submission to the family court judge of the Rechtbank Amsterdam (location Prins Bernhardplein), including duly legalised documents (3-6 months).
  2. Verification: Independent check of country of origin by certified agencies, often in collaboration with Amsterdam youth care (6-12 months).
  3. Court Decision: Amsterdam judge decides on the adoption, with a hearing session in the city.
  4. Nationalisation: Child acquires Dutch citizenship; registration with the Amsterdam civil registry.

Risks and Requirements for Amsterdam Adoption Parents

  • No automatic recognition; exequatur via Rechtbank Amsterdam required.
  • Stricter screening for child trafficking, with input from local authorities such as the GGD Amsterdam.
  • Adoptive parents must have their main place of residence in Amsterdam or the surrounding region.

Cost Indication for Amsterdam

  • Legal assistance via Amsterdam law firms: €3,500-€7,500
  • Translations/legalisations and local notary costs: €2,500-€5,500
  • Total, including municipal levies: €18,000-€38,000

These adoptions often take longer in Amsterdam due to bureaucracy in countries of origin and additional local checks, but provide access to city-specific aftercare via organisations such as Stichting Kind en Groei.