Working as a translator or interpreter in the Netherlands

Do you want to work as a sworn translator or interpreter in the Netherlands? You must be registered in the Register of Sworn Interpreters and Translators (Register beëdigde tolken en vertalers, Rbtv, in Dutch).

As a sworn interpreter or translator, you can make official translations for:

• the courts of law
• the police
• the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)
• the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee
• the Public Prosecution Service (OM)

Examples include translations of diplomas, driving licences, marriage certificates, birth certificates, and wills.

Registering as a translator or interpreter

Do you want to be sworn in as a translator or interpreter? You must first apply to Bureau Wbtv (Bureau Wet Beëdigde Tolken en Vertalers) to be included in the Rbtv register (in Dutch). You need a valid certificate of conduct (Verklaring omtrent het gedrag, VOG) to apply. You have to meet the conditions on your professional qualifications, work experience, and integrity (in Dutch), based on the language level you wish to register for (C1 or B2). You will then receive proof or registration. You need this proof to apply for the swearing-in ceremony. Please note that you need to pay an administrative fee to complete your application.

Apply for certification as a sworn translator or interpreter

With your certificate of registration in the Rbtv, you can submit a request to be sworn at the district court for your place of residence (in Dutch). The court will invite you to take the oath before the judge. After taking the oath you will receive written proof (akte van beëdiging). You must submit a copy of this via Mijn Wbtv to complete the registration process (in Dutch). Your registration will then be included in the Rbtv.

After registration

Your registration is valid for 5 years. After 5 years, you need to apply to extend your registration (in Dutch). You must demonstrate you have met the training requirements (permanente educatie, in Dutch) for extension.

Foreign translators and interpreters

Do you have a foreign diploma and do you want to become a sworn interpreter or translator in the Netherlands? You must register in the Rbtv via mijn Wbtv (in Dutch). You must submit a copy or scan of your diploma, grades, or course list, along with certified Dutch translation of these documents. You can apply for recognition of your diploma (credential evaluation) to IDW. You have to submit the recognition with your application to Rbtv. You will need DigiD or eIDAS to apply.

If you do not have a DigiD or eIDAS, you can request registration by post or by email (in Dutch). You will then receive a registration form.

You need a Dutch certificate of conduct to register with the Rbtv. If you have lived in the Netherlands for less than 5 years, you also need an integrity statement from your country of origin (in Dutch), equivalent to the Dutch certificate of conduct.

Online registration procedure via Message Box

You can also submit a request to be registered in the RBTV online via Message Box. Message Box is a secure email system that enables you as entrepreneur to exchange digital messages with Dutch government agencies.