Alien passport

What is it?

If you have a valid residence permit, but not (yet) the Dutch nationality, you can apply for a foreigner's passport at the municipality. A foreigner's passport allows you to travel to all countries except your country of origin.

Foreigner or refugee

If you have refugee status, you do not apply for an alien passport. Then you apply for a refugee passport at the municipality.

How does it work?

A foreigner's passport is valid for up to 5 years. Exactly how long your alien passport is valid depends on the length of your residence permit. You can apply for a foreigner's passport if you:

  • do not have refugee status
  • do not have a passport from your country of origin
  • live in the Netherlands, but you do not have Dutch nationality
  • have a residence permit
  • is registered with the municipality where you are applying for the passport

Children's own alien passport

Children with a residence permit, need their own alien passport. Written permission from parents or a guardian is required to apply for it.

What to do?

  • You apply for an alien passport in person at the municipality.
  • When you apply for an alien passport for your child, bring your child with you.
  • Health for clean fingers, as fingerprints will be taken. Children under 12 do not need to be fingerprinted.
  • You pick up your alien passport in person. Do this within 3 months of your application, as the passport will expire after that.
  • When you pick up an alien passport for your child, bring your child with you.

Alien passport lost or stolen

  • You do not have to report it to the police.
  • You can directly apply for a new alien passport at the municipality. With this application, you will sign a Statement of Missing Persons.
  • If you lose your alien passport abroad, report it to the local police.

What do I need?

  • Your valid residence permit.
  • A good-looking passport photo that is not older than 6 months at the time of application. This passport photo meets the passport photo requirements.
  • Your old alien passport (if you have one).
  • Debit card or cash. You pay directly at the time of application.

If you are applying for an alien passport for your child, please also bring the following:

  • Written consent from both parents or a guardian. Use the form provided by the municipality for this purpose.
  • Valid IDs from both parents or a guardian.

How long does it take?

It takes 2 to 4 months before your alien passport is ready. The procedure takes so long because the IND and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs help decide on your application.

What does it cost? 

The fee is €65.70

Additional information

If you cannot provide a fingerprint

If the desk clerk cannot take fingerprints from 1 or more of your fingers, for example because they are in bandages, he will take fingerprints from fingers from which he can.

If you are temporarily unable to provide fingerprints at all, you will be issued an alien passport that is valid for up to 12 months.

If it is physically impossible to fingerprint, you do not have to. For example, if you are missing fingers or if your fingers are permanently damaged.