The Netherlands established civil registration in 1811 under Napoleonic rule, requiring municipalities to maintain official birth, marriage, and death records (Burgerlijke Stand). In some southern areas, records may begin slightly earlier under French administration. Entries are precise and standardized, often including parents’ names, occupations, and additional notes—making them a cornerstone for genealogical research.
Earlier family details can sometimes be traced through marriage supplements (huwelijksbijlagen), which include documents like birth and military records. Civil registration is maintained locally but much has been digitized by regional archives and genealogical platforms. With its consistency, early start date, and clear structure, Dutch civil registration is an essential resource for reconstructing family histories across centuries.
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Birth, Marriage & Death
Civil Registrations
- Netherlands, Gelderland Province Civil Registration, 1811-1950 (includes index) 428,067 records
- Netherlands, Civil Registration, 1792-1952 6,216 records
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