Netherlands diplomatic representation in the Palestinian Territories
Netherlands Representative Office in Ramallah
Find the official address, telephone number and consular contact details of the Netherlands Representative Office in Ramallah. Learn how to arrange Dutch passport and identity card appointments, obtain visa information, legalise documents and collect completed travel documents.
Contact
Netherlands Representative Office in Ramallah: Contact Details
El Bireh
Ramallah, off Nablus Road
Palestinian Territories
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
No appointment required
Important: the Netherlands Representative Office is not officially designated as an embassy. It does, however, provide several consular services, including Dutch passport and identity card applications by appointment.
Location
Where Is the Netherlands Representative Office in Ramallah?
The Netherlands Representative Office is located at 12 Hollanda Street, El Bireh, Ramallah, off Nablus Road in the Palestinian Territories.
El Bireh is adjacent to Ramallah in the central West Bank.
Visiting the office
Applicants should arrange the appropriate appointment before visiting for a passport, identity card, emergency travel document or other consular service.
Bring your appointment confirmation, valid identification and the supporting documents required for your application.
Travel and access conditions
Travel conditions and access restrictions in the Palestinian Territories can change at short notice.
Confirm your appointment and check the current situation before travelling to Ramallah.
Visa application location
Regular Schengen visa applications for eligible residents of the West Bank and Jerusalem are submitted through VFS Global in Ramallah.
The Netherlands Representative Office and the VFS Global visa application centre are separate service locations.
Before travelling: verify the current availability of the relevant office, your appointment details and any restrictions affecting your route.
Diplomatic representation
About the Netherlands Representative Office in Ramallah
The Netherlands Representative Office (NRO) in Ramallah represents Dutch interests and provides an official point of contact in the Palestinian Territories.
Its work includes diplomatic communication, cooperation and support for relations between the Netherlands and Palestinian institutions.
Official mission designation
NetherlandsWorldwide identifies the mission as a Representative Office rather than an embassy.
The distinction reflects its official diplomatic designation and should not be confused with the range of consular services available.
Consular responsibilities
The office accepts applications for Dutch passports, identity cards, emergency travel documents and selected certificates and legalisations.
Appointments for these services are generally arranged by email.
Visa responsibilities
Regular Schengen visa applications are submitted through VFS Global in Ramallah where the applicant is eligible.
Eligible MVV visa sticker applications can be handled directly by the Netherlands Representative Office when the IND approval letter specifies this location.
Consular services
Consular Services at the Netherlands Representative Office in Ramallah
Passports and ID Cards
Dutch nationals can arrange passport and identity card applications by emailing the consular department.
Certificates and Legalisations
The office handles selected certificates, document legalisations and certified copies.
Nationality and Residence
Eligible applicants can arrange Dutch nationality procedures and certain MVV-related appointments.
Emergency travel documents
Dutch nationals whose passport or identity card has been lost or stolen and who urgently need to travel can request an appointment.
Email ram-ca@minbuza.nl and explain your circumstances.
Naturalisation
Eligible applicants seeking Dutch citizenship through naturalisation abroad can request an appointment by email.
Dutch nationality option procedure
The Representative Office also handles appointments for eligible applicants using the Dutch nationality option procedure.
Legalisation of signatures
If you need your signature legalised for use by an authority or organisation, request an appointment by emailing the office.
Certified copies of identity documents
The office can arrange legalisation of a copy of an identity document through an appointment requested by email.
Consular certificates
Depending on your circumstances, the office can assist with certificates of life, marital status and residence.
Certificate of life
Request an appointment by emailing ram-ca@minbuza.nl.
Certificate of marital status
A certificate of marital status can be requested directly by email without an initial appointment.
Certificate of residence
A certificate of residence can also be requested directly from the Representative Office by email.
Consular appointments: for most services requiring personal attendance, email ram-ca@minbuza.nl. Certificates of marital status and residence can be requested directly by email.
Dutch travel documents
Applying for a Dutch Passport or Identity Card in Ramallah
Dutch nationals living in the Palestinian Territories can apply for a passport or identity card at the Netherlands Representative Office in Ramallah.
1. Prepare Your Checklist
Create a personal document checklist for every passport or identity card application.
2. Request an Appointment
Email ram-ca@minbuza.nl to arrange an appointment at the Representative Office.
3. Apply in Person
Bring your completed application form, printed checklist and all required original documents.
Proof of legal residence
Applicants must demonstrate that they legally reside in the Palestinian Territories.
Depending on their circumstances, acceptable evidence can include:
- A valid visa and supporting documents.
- A valid residence permit.
- A valid visa for Israel.
- A valid Palestinian Authority passport or identity card if the applicant also has Palestinian nationality.
For a child’s first Dutch passport or identity card, a birth certificate may be used as proof of legal residence.
Birth and marriage certificates
Birth certificates and marriage certificates issued in the Palestinian Territories must be legalised when required for a Dutch passport or identity card application.
Documents issued in another country may require a different legalisation procedure.
Translations
Documents written in Dutch, English, German or French can be submitted.
Documents in Arabic or another language should be translated by a sworn translator when required.
Applications for children
Children must attend passport and identity card appointments in person.
For passport applicants under 18 and identity card applicants under 12, parental or guardian consent may be required.
Existing passports and identity cards
Bring all Dutch and foreign passports and identity cards you possess, including expired documents.
Applicants can retain an existing Dutch travel document during processing if they still need it for travel or identification.
Applying in the Netherlands
Dutch nationals living in the Palestinian Territories can also apply at a participating border municipality in the Netherlands.
Receiving your new document
When the passport or identity card is ready, the Representative Office will notify you by email.
You can collect it on Monday or Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM without another appointment.
Postal delivery
The Netherlands Representative Office in Ramallah does not send new Dutch passports or identity cards by post or courier.
You must collect the completed document in person.
Collection deadline
Completed passports and identity cards must be collected within three months after notification that they are ready.
Important: applications require an appointment arranged by email, but collection on Monday and Tuesday does not require another appointment. Postal delivery is unavailable.
Short-stay visas
Applying for a Schengen Visa in the Palestinian Territories
Schengen visa application arrangements depend on where the applicant lives in the Palestinian Territories.
Residents of the West Bank and Jerusalem
Eligible applicants living in the West Bank or Jerusalem can apply for a short-stay Schengen visa for the Netherlands through VFS Global in Ramallah.
Applicants must meet the relevant visa requirements and provide the supporting documents for their intended journey.
1. Check Requirements
Confirm whether you need a Schengen visa and whether the Netherlands is responsible for your application.
2. Prepare Documents
Complete the official application form and gather the supporting documents required for your travel purpose.
3. Book with VFS Global
Arrange an appointment at the Netherlands visa application centre in Ramallah.
Residents of Gaza
The current country-specific Schengen visa guidance states that residents of Gaza cannot apply for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands.
The general appointment overview contains a reference to a Swedish application centre, but the specific Schengen visa instructions state that applications from Gaza are currently not possible.
Applicants should verify the latest official position before making any travel arrangements or paying fees.
Application timing
Schengen visa applications can generally be submitted up to six months before the intended journey, or nine months for eligible seafarers.
Applicants should normally submit their application at least 15 calendar days before travelling.
Attending a visa appointment
Applicants must attend in person, including children.
At the appointment, applicants submit their documents and passport, provide biometric information when required and pay the applicable fees.
Visa processing and collection
VFS Global provides a reference number that applicants can use to track their application.
After processing, passport collection or delivery follows the arrangements selected at the VFS Global appointment.
Important: the Netherlands Representative Office does not handle ordinary Schengen visa applications at its consular counter. Eligible West Bank and Jerusalem applicants use VFS Global in Ramallah. The specific official Schengen guidance currently states that applications from Gaza are not possible.
Residence and other visas
MVV, Caribbean and Other Visa Procedures
MVV visa stickers
Applicants who have received a positive residence decision from the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) may need an MVV visa sticker.
You can apply at the Netherlands Representative Office in Ramallah only if your IND approval letter specifies this location.
Email ram-ca@minbuza.nl to request an appointment.
MVV application deadline
After receiving a positive IND decision, applicants generally have three months to request their MVV visa sticker.
Caribbean visas
For short-stay or long-stay Caribbean visas, the application location depends on where the applicant resides.
Residents of the West Bank and Jerusalem are directed to VFS Global in Ramallah.
Applicants from Gaza should check the current operating status and the applicable country-specific instructions before attempting to arrange an appointment.
Airport transit visas
Applicants from the West Bank and Jerusalem can use VFS Global in Ramallah for eligible airport transit visa applications.
The official airport transit visa guidance states that applications cannot currently be submitted in Gaza.
Lost or expired Dutch residence permits
If your Dutch residence permit has expired or has been lost or stolen while you are in the Palestinian Territories, you may need an entry visa to return to the Netherlands.
Eligible applicants should follow the official VFS Global procedure.
Basic civic integration examination abroad
Applicants who need to take the basic civic integration examination abroad are directed to Israel or Jordan.
The official appointment guidance identifies the Dutch embassies in Tel Aviv and Amman as relevant locations.
Important: MVV visa stickers require a specific IND approval and an appointment arranged by email. Ordinary Schengen and other designated visa applications follow separate procedures.
Documents and legalisation
Legalisation of Documents in Ramallah
The Netherlands Representative Office in Ramallah can legalise eligible documents issued in the Palestinian Territories for use in the Netherlands.
Legalisation procedure
The official procedure consists of two main stages:
- Have the document legalised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah.
- Have the document legalised by the Netherlands Representative Office in Ramallah.
Booking an appointment
Request an appointment by emailing ram-ca@minbuza.nl.
The published service hours for legalisation are Monday and Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Processing time
Legalisation usually takes approximately one week.
The office will notify applicants when the legalised document is ready.
Collecting legalised documents
Documents can be collected on Monday and Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
The Representative Office does not send legalised documents by post.
Arabic documents
Documents issued in Arabic need translation into an accepted language for use in the Netherlands.
Follow the official instructions regarding whether translation takes place before or after legalisation.
Documents from Gaza
The official legalisation guidance states that it is currently not possible to request documents from Gaza.
Contact the receiving Dutch authority if you cannot obtain the document required for your application.
Other legalisation services
The Representative Office also handles appointments for legalisation of signatures and certified copies of identity documents.
Important: documents issued in the Palestinian Territories generally require legalisation by the Palestinian Authority before legalisation by the Netherlands Representative Office.
Appointments
How to Make an Appointment at the Netherlands Representative Office in Ramallah
Most consular services requiring personal attendance are arranged by email.
Passport Appointments
Email ram-ca@minbuza.nl to arrange a Dutch passport or identity card application.
Certificates and Legalisations
Use the consular email address for appointments involving legalisation or certificates of life.
MVV Visa Stickers
Eligible applicants with a positive IND decision can request an appointment by email.
Passport and identity card appointments
Email ram-ca@minbuza.nl after preparing your personal document checklist.
Emergency travel document appointments
Contact the same email address to request an appointment for an emergency travel document.
Dutch nationality procedures
Naturalisation and Dutch nationality option procedure appointments are also arranged through the consular department.
Legalisation appointments
For foreign documents, signatures or certified ID copies, email the Representative Office.
Certificates requested without an initial appointment
Certificates of marital status and residence can be requested directly by email.
Document collection
Passports, identity cards and other completed documents can be collected on Monday and Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
No separate collection appointment is required.
Before visiting: check official closure days and confirm any appointment required for your service. Regular application appointments and document collection follow different procedures.
Document collection
Collecting Dutch Passports and Documents in Ramallah
The Netherlands Representative Office will notify applicants by email when their passport, identity card or another document is ready.
Collecting a new passport
Bring your existing Dutch passport if you retained it during the application process.
If the old passport contains a valid visa or residence permit, inform the consular staff before it is invalidated.
Collecting a new identity card
The same Monday and Tuesday collection hours apply to completed Dutch identity cards.
Three-month collection deadline
New passports and identity cards must be collected within three months after notification that they are ready.
Documents not collected within the deadline are destroyed.
Checking your new document
Verify your name, date and place of birth and other personal details when you receive your new travel document.
If you find an error, email ram-ca@minbuza.nl and explain the correction needed.
Important: applicants must collect Dutch passports and identity cards at the Representative Office. Delivery by post or courier is not offered.
Before your visit
Preparing for a Visit to the Netherlands Representative Office in Ramallah
Confirm Your Appointment
Check that your appointment has been arranged through the correct consular department or application centre.
Prepare Your Documents
Bring all originals, completed forms, translations and legalised documents required for your application.
Check Travel Conditions
Review current movement restrictions, office closures and local conditions before travelling to Ramallah.
Official closure days
The Representative Office closes on selected Dutch and local holidays.
Check its current list of closure dates before attending or collecting documents.
Consular fees
Official fees apply to passport applications, identity cards, certificates and legalisations.
Check the current Palestinian Territories consular fee schedule and accepted payment methods.
Travel from Gaza
Movement restrictions may prevent applicants from travelling to Ramallah or another authorised application location.
The ability to obtain or submit documents depends on the relevant procedure and current access conditions.
Urgent consular assistance
Dutch nationals can contact NetherlandsWorldwide 24 hours a day, although practical assistance may be restricted by local circumstances.
Emergency assistance: call +31 247 247 247 or use WhatsApp at +31 857 737 400. Do not share privacy-sensitive information or copies of identity documents through WhatsApp. In immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.
Frequently asked questions
Netherlands Representative Office in Ramallah: FAQ
Where is the Netherlands Representative Office in Ramallah?
The office is located at 12 Hollanda Street, El Bireh, Ramallah, off Nablus Road in the Palestinian Territories.
What is the telephone number of the Netherlands Representative Office?
Call +972 22 40 66 39. NetherlandsWorldwide is also available at +31 247 247 247.
Is the Netherlands Representative Office in Ramallah an embassy?
No. Its official designation is Netherlands Representative Office (NRO). It nevertheless provides several consular services, including Dutch passport and identity card applications.
Can I apply for a Dutch passport or identity card in Ramallah?
Yes. Dutch nationals can request an appointment by emailing ram-ca@minbuza.nl.
When can I collect my new Dutch passport or ID card?
Collection is available on Monday and Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM without another appointment.
Can the Representative Office send my new passport or identity card?
No. The office does not offer postal or courier delivery of new Dutch passports or identity cards. They must be collected in Ramallah.
Where can I apply for a Schengen visa if I live in the West Bank or Jerusalem?
Eligible residents can apply through VFS Global in Ramallah. The Netherlands Representative Office does not accept ordinary Schengen visa applications at its consular counter.
Can residents of Gaza currently apply for a Dutch Schengen visa?
The current specific NetherlandsWorldwide Schengen visa guidance states that residents of Gaza cannot apply for a visa for the Netherlands. Check the official instructions for any changes.
Can documents from the Palestinian Territories be legalised in Ramallah?
Yes. Eligible documents must first be legalised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Palestinian Authority, followed by legalisation at the Netherlands Representative Office by appointment.
How can Dutch nationals obtain urgent consular assistance?
Call NetherlandsWorldwide at +31 247 247 247, available 24 hours a day. In immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.