Arriving in the Netherlands
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Insurance
If you live in Holland (The Netherlands), you are obliged by law to have health insurance. The third party liability insurance cover (with global coverage of up to EUR 1,250,000) is strongly recommended, as well as the repatriation insurance cover. Fontys University of Applied Science cannot be held liable if a student/trainee does not have (sufficient) insurance cover. Every student enrolled at Fontys is expected to have fulfilled his/her insurance obligations.
Health insurance
By law everyone in The Netherlands must be insured for medical expenses. The type of health insurance cover that you will require will depend on your personal situation. It is very important to ensure you are properly insured during your stay at Fontys.
Liability insurance
If you cause an accident and someone is injured or you damaged someone's property, you are responsible for paying all the costs of the accident. For example, you can accidentally damage other people's stuff. Or, on a more serious note, you might cause a road accident. Accidents like these can be very expensive. You are therefore strongly advised to take out a good liability insurance policy, which will cover the costs in many cases.
Repatriation insurance
Repatriation means returning to your home country. If you happen to become seriously ill, you might prefer to get medical care close to home. It would be wise to have an insurance policy covering the costs of transferring back to your home country in these situations.
Household contents insurance
Household contents insurance covers the contents of your home against loss due to causes such as theft, fire or water damage.
Information for Non EU students
If you require an entry visa and/or residence permit, insurance will form a part of the immigration procedure, which Fontys will arrange on your behalf. Fontys offers a low cost, tailor made insurance called InsureToStudy. As a Fontys student you will get a discount! Price of the cover Master Plan+ is 1,79 euro per day, 54,40 euro per month including Fontys discount. This insurance is a package which covers healthcare including existing conditions for instance asthma, diabetes, eczema, migraines, but also disadvantages have continued from previous operations, extraordinary costs, repatriation, liability, accidents, legal aid and baggage & household goods.
Fontys will apply this insurance on your behalf. InsureToStudy will contact you about the payment of the premium.
Information for EU students and non EEA students who don’t need a residence permit.
If you do not require a residence permit, you will be free to select the insurance cover that we offer, or to arrange your own insurance cover. Fontys offers a low cost, tailor made insurance called InsureToStudy. As a Fontys student you will get a discount! Normal price of the Master Plan is 1,21 euro per day, Fontys price is 1,14 euro per day. This insurance is a package which covers healthcare (existing conditions are not covered), extraordinary costs, repatriation, liability, accidents, legal aid and baggage & household goods.
If you want to apply for the above mentioned cover Master Plan+, which covers healthcare including existing conditions, you have to contact internationalstudents@fontys.nl. You cannot apply for this cover yourself.
If you use this link you will be forwarded to an application portal. If you fill in the institution code "FONTYSITS" you will automatically receive the Fontys discount. Note you have to use your student.fontys.nl email address.IMPORTANT INFORMATION
If you only have a EHIC card, you are not sufficiently insured. The EHIC card is only valid for a short period and provides limited cover.
Combining a parttime study and obligatory work/internship
The Fontys Master of Architecture is a parttime study combining study and work experience. International students having a residence permit STUDY must adjust their ITS student insurance by combining it with the Holland Zorg basic health insurance. Contact InsureToStudy for more information about this combination. This combination is also very interesting for international students studying Fontys Master of Arts Music etc. This combination makes it easy to switch from work to no-work, even daily.
Of course all students combining study and work can make use of this offer and combine the InsureToStudy insurance with the Holland Zorg basic health insurance.
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Accommodation
It is not easy for international students to find accommodation in the Netherlands. Therefore, Fontys University of Applied Sciences (Fontys) offers a service to provide students with assistance in securing suitable furnished accommodation (i.e. a student room) for the first period of their studies at Fontys.
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How to apply through Fontys
In general
Although Fontys does not have its own campus dorms, it has established cooperation’s with a number of different accommodations agencies and landlords (further on this website referred to as housing agency). Through such cooperation’s, Fontys can provide students with guidance in finding accommodation for the first semester or academic year at Fontys. Fontys can only guarantee housing for a limited number of students. Your application will be processed on a first come first served basis and a complete enrolment process. The deadline to hand in your accommodation form is 15 June if you start in September or the 8 December if you start in February.
Our department International students will do its utmost to find accommodation for everyone. If housing cannot be guaranteed, you will receive a message from the department handling your application.
Please note that it is not always possible to view your future accommodation before signing your rental agreement. Some housing agencies do offer this facility, but in general, you will be expected to sign the rental agreement without having viewed the accommodation. However, Fontys guarantees minimum quality standards for all accommodation. The range of available accommodation is extremely varied, but all satisfy specific standards and are located within a short distance from the different Fontys campuses
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Accommodation in Eindhoven
In short, the application procedure for a housing request through Fontys
- Student reads the General information on Accommodation and the Terms and conditions.
- Student fills in and sends accommodation form to internationalstudents@fontys.nl before the deadline: Fall semester 15 June, Spring semester 8 December.
- You will receive a confirmation on receipt of the accommodation form
- You will receive detailed information about the housing agency 4 weeks before start of study at the latest.
- Housing agency contacts student
- Student transfers the required amount of rent + deposit before arrival to housing agency (no payment = no entrance accommodation, but still the obligation to close rental contract)
- Accommodation is available on the agreed date.
- You are obliged to accept and pay for the offered room for the whole period
- Exchange students and free movers need to fill in the accommodation form through Mobility Online
In Eindhoven we can offer a standard room< € 450,00 as stated in “the general information on accommodation 2019-2020 or a semi-studio < € 600,00 – private bathroom and toilet / shared or private kitchen.
You can tick the box of your preference on the accommodation form.
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Student hotel Eindhoven
The Student Hotel
Fontys makes a pre-reservation of several rooms at the Student Hotel in Eindhoven. At the moment there is no pre-reservation available. The new reservation code will be available in April. This code will be valid until 15 June 2019 as long as availability allows it. You will automatically receive the Fontys discount if you use the code given below.
Go to https://tshlife.thestudenthotel.com/ibe/ Select your location and click "I have a group code” and fill in the valid Fontys code.
If you want a room for 5 months use code 5FONTYSGR
If you want a room for 11 months use code 11FONTYSGR
Please read the Terms & Conditions en House Rules
The Student Hotel has more rooms available .
You can book via this link https://tshlife.thestudenthotel.com/ibe/ If you use this link without the group code you will not receive the Fontys discount.
More information about the Student Hotel can be found here.
You can also book hotel rooms from 1 – 14 nights at the Student Hotel if you (and your parents) are planning to visit the Netherlands before your study starts.
Reservations: reservations@thestudenthotel.com or call +31 20 760 7575
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Accommodation in Venlo
How to apply for an accommodation in Venlo
To apply for accommodation assistance at Fontys Venlo click here. Exchange students and free movers need to fill in the accommodation form through Mobility Online
In short, the application procedure for a housing request through Fontys
- student fills in and sends accommodation form to internationalstudents@fontys.nl before the deadline: Fall semester 15 June, Spring semester 8 December.
- The accommodation officer sends detailed information to the student about housing agency 3 weeks before start of study at the latest.
- Housing agency contacts student
- Student transfers two months of rent + deposit before arrival to housing agency (no payment = no entrance accommodation, but still the obligation to close rental contract)
- Accommodation is available on the agreed date.
- You are obliged to accept and pay for the offered room for the whole period
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Accommodation in Tilburg
In short, the application procedure for a housing request through Fontys
- Student reads the General information on Accommodation and the Terms and conditions.
- Student fills in and sends accommodation form to internationalstudents@fontys.nl before the deadline: Fall semester 15 June, Spring semester 8 December.
- You will receive a confirmation on receipt of the accommodation form
- You will receive detailed information about the housing agency 4 weeks before start of study at the latest.
- Housing agency contacts student
- Student transfers the required amount of rent + deposit before arrival to housing agency (no payment = no entrance accommodation, but still the obligation to close rental contract)
- Accommodation is available on the agreed date.
- You are obliged to accept and pay for the offered room for the whole period
- Exchange students and free movers need to fill in the accommodation form through Mobility Online
In Tilburg we can offer a standard room < € 450,00 as stated in “the general information on accommodation 2019-2020” or a luxury room € 515,00 – € 595,00 - 12m2 - 18m2 - all you need service - shared facilities (bathroom / toilet / kitchen)
You can tick the box of your preference on the accommodation form.
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Rental fees
The average fee to rent a standard student room is between EUR 350 and EUR 450 per month. A standard room means you have to share facilities like the shower, toilet and kitchen. The more expensive room (semi-studio) has its own facilities (e.g. own shower and toilet but shared kitchen) The price can vary up to EUR 600. Tick the box of your choice on the accommodation form. Please note: the semi-studios are limited available in Eindhoven and not available in Tilburg.
In Tilburg a standard room costs max 400 euro. As from September 2019 the more luxery room ( everything you need service, cosy furniture pachage, more m2 , a flatscreen TV) is also (limited) available in Tilburg. Prices EUR 515 up to EUR 595.
As Fontys cooperates with a number of different housing agencies and as each party has different standards, the student rooms available vary widely in terms of appearance, size and rental fees. Although it is not possible for students to select the rooms and/or rental fees of their preference, all accommodation arranged by Fontys satisfies the minimum Quality standards of the accommodation. However, stay on the safe side and count on a rental fee of € 450 per month!
Please take into account that – in relation to guarantees – your housing agency will normally request an advance payment of the following items:- Two month terms of rental fees
- A refundable deposit, usually to the amount of one month of rental fees, as a security bond in relation to any possible damage to the accommodation.
For example, if a student were offered accommodation at the rate of EUR 450 per month, this would imply that the amount of at least EUR 1,350 should be transferred in advance to the housing agency. In some cases, cleaning costs are charged separately (max. EUR 100).
Note for students from Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Cameroun and Nigeria.
For students from Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Cameroun and Nigeria it is obligatory to accept accommodation arranged via Fontys, the rent (start in September; 12 months + deposit) will be withheld from the living expenses and directly transferred to the landlord. In this case no other housing payments have to be made before the start of your study.
- Two month terms of rental fees
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What are the accommodations like
Currently, it is not possible for students to select their accommodation on the basis of photographs displayed via the Fontys website or the website of the housing agency. However, a general impression of the buildings and rooms available has been included here. The rooms may look quite bare, but this means that you will be able to personalise your own private space. Fontys will decide to which housing agency you will be assigned. Some housing agencies provide an online system via which students will be able to search for and reserve their own rooms, based on rental fees, photographs, floor plans and locations.
Fontys can offer:
- a standard furnished student room, rent euro 325,00 - euro 450 maximum (Eindhoven and Tilburg)
Private room / shared facilities. - a semi-studio, rent euro 450 - euro 600 maximum (Eindhoven)
Private room / partly private facilities. - a luxury room, rent euro 515 - euro 595 (Tilburg)
Private room / shared facilities / TV-cosy furniture-all you need service
*this pictures will give an indication of what the accommodations will look like.
- a standard furnished student room, rent euro 325,00 - euro 450 maximum (Eindhoven and Tilburg)
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Quality standards accommodation
Are all of the available accommodations identical?
No, as Fontys cooperates with a number of different housing agencies, the available rooms can differ quite substantially. The rental fees range from EUR 350 to EUR 450 per month and it is not possible to select a particular room and/or preferred rental fee.
All accommodation made available to students via Fontys must satisfy the following minimum quality standards:
- The room must measure at least 10 – 12 square metres. If a room is smaller than this, a shared living room is usually available or a lower rental fee will apply.
- The room must be furnished and contains at least one bed (including a duvet and a pillow), a cupboard, a desk, a chair and curtains. Bed linen must be included, it may be necessary to pay a separate fee to the housing agency for this facility.
- Shared facilities must include at least a kitchen, a shower/bathroom, a toilet and a washing machine. In some cases, an additional fee is charged fot use of the washing machine.
- Access to the Internet must be available (not necessarily wireless).
- The distance from the accommodation to the Fontys campus must be no further than a 30-minute bicycle ride.
- The rental fee must include access to the Internet and average usage of energy and water.
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FAQ
I submitted an Accommodation Form to Fontys, but then I found my own accommodation. Can I cancel my application for accommodation assistance with Fontys?
In general, the answer to this question is no, you cannot cancel your application. If you cancel the accommodation, the accommodation will stay empty and you would still have to pay for rent.
When will I be informed about the details of my accommodation?
That will depend upon the time at which Fontys receives your application for accommodation assistance. No later than three weeks prior to your commencement of studies at Fontys, a Fontys Accommodation Officer will inform you of the housing agency to which you have been assigned. He/she will also inform you about the procedure to secure a student room applied by this accommodation agency, when/how to arrange your advance payment of three month’s rent (i.e. first month, last month and deposit) and what you must do upon your arrival.
In some cases, an accommodation agency will issue a student with a login account, via which it will be possible for the student to select from the range of accommodation available via the agency’s website. In other cases, an accommodation agency will contact the student to inform him/her of the specific accommodation available.
In August the accommodation will be available as from 1-2 weeks prior to your commencement of studies at Fontys. In January/February the accommodation will be available a few days before the start of your studies.Will I be able to share accommodation with a friend?
At the bottom of the accommodation form, you may submit your ‘preferences’. We cannot guarantee that your preferences will be met, but we will certainly try to meet your request. With regard to the range of accommodation that we have available, please note that all accommodation is offered on a ‘first in, first served’ basis.
After I have been assigned to an accommodation agency, can I switch to another accommodation agency?
Unfortunately, no, you cannot switch to another accommodation agency. When we have assigned all students to their accommodation agencies, all available rooms will be allocated to those students. Therefore, switching to another accommodation agency is not possible.
As I will be arriving a few weeks after the commencement date of my rental contract, will I have to pay for the days during which I have not yet occupied my room?
Yes, you will have to pay for all days as from the commencement of your rental contract, which has a fixed commencement date. By signing the Accommodation Form, you declare that you will accept and pay for a room as from a specified date. If you decide to arrive at a later date, you will still be obliged to pay the rental fee as from the commencement date of the rental contract.
I will arrive a few days before my rental contract commences. Will I be able to occupy my accommodation earlier than scheduled?
No, your accommodation will not available prior to the agreed commencement date of your rental contract. If you need a place to stay until that date, you will need to book a room at a hotel, or a B&B (Bed & Breakfast). For further information, please refer to the section, Commercial housing agencies and other parties.
When I have arrived, if I discover that I do not like my room, will I be able to switch to another room?
No, unless your room does not meet the requirements.
If I have a problem with my accommodation agency/landlord, will Fontys solve this for me?
Legally, Fontys will not be one of the parties to the rental contract, which will be between you and the accommodation agency. Therefore, any complaints and problems concerning your accommodation should be reported to your accommodation agency/landlord. However, if your problem is not resolved, or if you need a helping hand, you may contact a Fontys Accommodation Officer and he/she will try to provide you with appropriate advice/assistance.
May I leave my accommodation prior to the termination date of my rental contract?
No, you may not vacate your accommodation prior to the agreed termination date of your rental contract. As you have signed a rental contract, you will be responsible for the payment of the rental fee associated with your accommodation. However, if you pay the rental fees in full up to and including the agreed termination date, of course, you will be able to vacate your accommodation.
What will happen if I am unable to pay my rent?
When you apply for accommodation assistance via Fontys, you are required to sign in agreement to a maximum monthly rental. As such, we will assume that you are fully aware, in advance, of the expenses associated with renting accommodation. Therefore, you will remain responsible for the monthly payment of your rental fees.
Can I select my preferred accommodation?
In general, it is not possible to select the specific accommodation of your choice. Fontys will decide which student will be assigned to which accommodation agency.
However, some accommodation agencies have software available that will allow a student to ‘view’ a student room before accepting it.What will be in my room and what should I bring?
Your room will have certain characteristics, which have been listed under the section, quality standards of the accommodation. Items that you may wish to bring with you, or purchase locally, would include your personal belongings, towels, soap and detergent, food, toilet paper, et cetera.
My question is not listed here. Whom can I contact for further assistance?
If the answer to your question is not included here, please do not hesitate to contact Team International Students by e-mail, via internationalstudents@fontys.nl.
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(Commercial) housing agencies
Once you have applied to Fontys for accommodation assistance, you will be obliged to accept and pay for the accommodation offered. Furthermore, we strongly recommend that you do not then try to find a room yourself. However, if you decide to firstly look for your own accommodation, you should take into account that after the deadline (as stipulated in the Accommodation Form), you will no longer be eligible to apply for accommodation assistance via Fontys! If you wish to arrange your own accommodation, without assistance from Fontys, you will be responsible for paying potential additional costs that may be charged by commercial accommodation agencies. A listing of commercial accommodation agencies is included below.
Eindhoven
- Friendly Housing - Commercial accommodation agency
- The Studenthotel Student hotel in Eindhoven.
- Goeth Vastgoedbeheer - Commercial accommodation agency
- Pararius - Online search engine, also for apartments
- 3BE - Inexpensive B&B accommodation
- Woonhotel Eindhoven - Inexpensive Hotel accommodation
- Budgethotel - Inexpensive Hotel accommodation
- Camelot Europe - Commercial accommodation agency
Tilburg
- KamerbemiddelingTilburg Commercial accommodation agency
- Kamernet - Commercial accommodation agency
- Klik voor Kamers - Commercial accommodation agency
- Studenthousingholland - Commercial accommodation agency
- Pararius - Online search engine, also for apartments
- TalentSquare - Commercial accommodation agency
Venlo
- STIP - Information regarding accommodation
- Pararius - Online search engine, also for apartments
- Checkpoint Venlo - commercial accommodation agency
- Stichting Veste - commercial accommodation agency
- Nolensplein - online search
- Huurwoningen in Venlo - online search
- Student housing Venlo - commercial accommodation agency
- Facebook group: Fontys Venlo new students 2018
- Facebook group: Fontys Venlo Wohnungsmarkt
Overall
- Pararius - Online search engine, also for apartments
- Booking.com - Hotel information
- Region Apartments - Online search engine, for apartments and (furnished) rooms
- Housing Anywhere - Housing platform for exchange and internship students
- Smart City Lofts - Book your loft now!
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City Hall Registration
If you are staying in the Netherlands for more than four months you will need to go to the city council and register as a new resident of the town where you are living. Registration regulations may vary from one council to another.
In order to register, you need to bring a signed housing contract and your passport. When registering with your local council, you are automatically issued a BSN. BSN is short for Burger Service Nummer, which translates as ‘citizen service number’. The BSN is equivalent to a social security number: a unique registration number for every citizen, used in contacts with any government service.
Various people may ask for your BSN. If you have a job, your employer will need to know your BSN. When you open a bank account the bank will also ask for your BSN.
Make sure to gather the following documents.
You do not need to send the following forms, but you must have them with you when you arrive in the Netherlands. Further explanations will be issued following your arrival:
- A valid passport
- Original birth certificate or original legalised true copy of the birth certificate (not older than six months) If your birth certificate was not issued in the Dutch, English, French or German language, you will also need to submit a sworn translation. Additional stamps, from the government of the country which issued the birth certificate, might be required. In order to confirm which legalisation you are required to have, you must contact the Dutch Embassy or Consulate in your own country. Please check https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl to find details of your local Embassy or Consulate.
- Proof of civil status only in case you are married, divorced or a widow(er)
- The Tuberculosis test referral form (if applicable)
- Rental agreement for the room in the Netherland
- Declaration of acceptance by Fontys University of Applied Sciences
- The original diploma of admittance and list of Marks (if applicable, joined by a translation made by a sworn translator)
- Print of the approval letter of the Dutch Immigration Service (IND) (attached to this email)
- Print of your InsureToStudy insurance policy. Save the scan in your cell phone
Extra information for students from China
Chinese students are required to bring the following documents in addition:
- Legalized notarized declaration* which includes family name, given names, date of birth, place of birth, name of father and name of mother and a notarized certified true copy of the document or documents on which the notary has based his statement regarding the birth and the data of the parents.
The documents that are accepted are:
- Hukou of the parents in which the birth of the child is registered; *Declaration of the hospital which explicitly states that this statement can be used for the registration of the birth in the Hukou registry;
- A statement from the Public Security Bureau where the requested data prove out and;
- Notarized certified copy of the updated and complete Hukou of the child itself.
This should be done as soon as possible, as the legalisation process can take a number of months.
* Information about legalisation of foreign documents for use in the Netherlands.
Information about City Hall registration in Eindhoven
Residents' Plaza (in the Stadskantoor) is open on weekdays. You are welcome, without an appointment, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Or make an appointment, then you are welcome between 1 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. On Monday and Friday evenings we are open till 7 p.m. (appointments only).
Address:
Stadskantoor
Stadhuisplein 10
5611 EM EindhovenInformation about City Hall registration in Tilburg
This Newcomers' Desk is to be found in the Stadswinkel Centrum at the address below. You can visit the municipality by appointment only. You can make the appointment online.
Address:
Stadswinkel
Spoorlaan 181
5038 CB TilburgInformation about City Hall registration in Venlo
You can visit the municipality by appointment only. The Student Service Centre will make the appointment for registration for you.
Address:
Stadskantoor
Hanzeplaats 1
5912 AT Venlo
The website is only available in Dutch. https://www.venlo.nl/ -
Checklist arrival in the Netherlands
For all international students, EU and Non EU-students
Important documents / useful items
- Sufficient funds for the expenses that you will incur during the first month of your stay. You will need to take into account payment for your accommodation (including a security deposit) and your general living expenses.
- Medical records
- Proof of (medical) insurance cover.
- Important addresses and telephone numbers (e.g. contact numbers for Fontys, your accommodation, your country’s embassy, et cetera).
- Passport photos (5 to 10 photos should be sufficient, measuring 35 mm wide x 45 mm high.
- The original diploma of admittance and list of Marks (if applicable, joined by a translation made by a sworn translator)
Important documents you will need to register at the City Hall
- Proof of civil status only in case you are married, divorced or a widow(er)
- Rental agreement for the room in the Netherland
- Declaration of acceptance by Fontys University of Applied Sciences
- Original birth certificate or original legalised true copy of the birth certificate (not older than six months) If your birth certificate was not issued in the Dutch, English, French or German language, you will also need to submit a sworn translation.
Additional stamps, from the government of the country which issued the birth certificate, might be required. In order to confirm which legalisation you are required to have, visit the website https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/travel-and-residence/legalising-your-documents . Please check https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl to find details of your local Embassy or Consulate.
Especially for Non EU-students
- Your passport, including a ‘Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf’, or ‘MVV’ (an ‘Authorisation for Temporary Stay’) if you are a student hailing from a country for which an Entry Visa is required.
- Print of the approval letter of the Dutch Immigration Service (IND) (if you have applied for a Dutch residence permit STUDY)
- The Tuberculosis test referral form (if applicable) Please print it and fill in all data before you travel to the Netherlands.
- Print of your InsureToStudy insurance policy. Save the attached scan in your cell phone Please note: Fontys has arranged this student insurance on your behalf. InsureToStudy has sent you, beside the pre-policy, a link to pay the premium digitally. You have to pay for the insurance offered by InsureToStudy before your departure to the Netherlands. The Dutch Immigration Service requires a student insurance beside your residence permit for the Netherlands. The insurance card and the overview of the cover of the policy will be sent to your Dutch room address. The insurance company will contact you after your arrival in the Netherlands to ask your room address. Look at their website (downloads) for more information about the cover. https://www.insuretostudy.com/en/
- Instructions to locate your country’s embassy/consulate
Chinese students are required to bring the following documents in addition:
Legalized notarized declaration which includes family name, given names, date of birth, place of birth, name of father and name of mother and a notarized certified true copy of the document or documents on which the notary has based his statement regarding the birth and the data of the parents. The documents that are accepted are:
- Hukou of the parents in which the birth of the child is registered
- Declaration of the hospital which explicitly states that this statement can be used for the registration of the birth in the Hukou registry;
- A statement from the Public Security Bureau where the requested data prove out
- Notarized certified copy of the updated and complete Hukou of the child itself.
This should be done as soon as possible, as the legalisation process can take a number of months.
