Netherlands diplomatic representation to the Holy See
Dutch Embassy to the Holy See, Vatican City
Find the official address, telephone number and diplomatic responsibilities of the Dutch Embassy to the Holy See. The embassy is based in Rome, Italy, and does not have a consular section. Find out where to obtain Dutch passports, identity cards, visas and other consular services.
Contact
Dutch Embassy to the Holy See: Contact Details
00197 Rome
Italy
Via Michele Mercati 8
00197 Rome
Important: there are two distinct Dutch embassies at neighbouring addresses on Via Michele Mercati. Number 6 is the diplomatic mission to the Holy See. Number 8 is the Dutch Embassy in Italy, which handles consular services.
Location
Where Is the Dutch Embassy to the Holy See Located?
The Dutch Embassy to the Holy See is located at Via Michele Mercati 6, 00197 Rome, Italy.
Although the embassy is accredited to the Holy See and officially listed under Vatican City, its physical office is in Rome.
Is the embassy inside Vatican City?
No. The official visiting address is in Rome, outside the territory of Vatican City State.
This is consistent with the diplomatic arrangements of many countries maintaining relations with the Holy See.
Two separate embassy addresses
The Dutch Embassy to the Holy See is located at number 6 on Via Michele Mercati.
The separate Embassy of the Netherlands in Rome, responsible for relations with Italy and consular services, is located at number 8 on the same street.
Planning a visit
Before travelling, identify which embassy is responsible for your enquiry.
If you need a Dutch passport, identity card, certificate, visa or emergency travel document, follow the consular instructions for the embassy at number 8.
Address distinction: diplomatic matters concerning the Holy See – Via Michele Mercati 6. Regular consular applications – Via Michele Mercati 8, subject to the appropriate appointment procedure.
Diplomatic representation
About the Dutch Embassy to the Holy See
The Dutch Embassy to the Holy See represents the Kingdom of the Netherlands in its diplomatic relations with the Holy See.
The Holy See is the central governing authority of the Catholic Church and a distinct subject of international law. It maintains diplomatic relations with states and international organisations.
Vatican City State is the sovereign territorial state associated with the Holy See. The two terms are closely connected, but they are not identical in diplomatic usage.
Representation to the Holy See
The embassy provides an official channel for diplomatic communication between the Netherlands and the Holy See.
Its work concerns relations with the Holy See rather than the provision of ordinary public consular services.
Why the Netherlands has two embassies in Rome
The Netherlands maintains separate diplomatic relations with the Italian Republic and the Holy See.
Each relationship has its own diplomatic mission, even though both Dutch embassies are located in Rome.
The Embassy of the Netherlands in Rome represents the Netherlands to Italy. The Embassy to the Holy See represents the Netherlands to the Holy See.
Consular matters
The embassy to the Holy See does not have a consular section. NetherlandsWorldwide explicitly directs people seeking consular assistance to the Dutch Embassy in Rome, Italy.
Diplomatic responsibilities
The Netherlands and the Holy See: Diplomatic Relations
The Holy See conducts international diplomacy through its diplomatic representatives and relationships with other states.
The Dutch Embassy provides a formal channel for communication on matters of mutual diplomatic interest.
Diplomatic dialogue
Relations between governments and the Holy See can involve international affairs, humanitarian concerns, peace, religious freedom and other issues of shared interest.
The embassy contributes to the Netherlands‘ diplomatic engagement within this international setting.
A mission with a specialised role
Unlike a typical embassy serving a large resident Dutch community, this mission’s principal purpose is diplomatic representation to a specific international counterpart.
It does not provide the ordinary public-facing consular services that people may associate with a Dutch embassy.
Official diplomatic enquiries
For enquiries related to diplomatic representation to the Holy See, use the official embassy telephone number or the contact options provided by NetherlandsWorldwide.
For consular matters, contact the separate Dutch Embassy in Rome.
Consular services
Where to Obtain Dutch Consular Services in Rome
The Embassy of the Netherlands to the Holy See does not have a consular department.
People requiring Dutch government services in Rome should use the separate Embassy of the Netherlands in Italy.
Dutch Embassy in Rome
Handles eligible Dutch passport and identity card applications, emergency travel documents and selected government services.
Consular Certificates
Selected certificates and legalisations can be arranged through the Dutch Embassy in Rome using the relevant booking or email procedure.
Visa Applications
For applicants in Italy, the application location depends on the visa category. The Luxembourg Embassy in Rome handles ordinary Schengen visa applications.
Consular contact details in Rome
00197 Rome
Italy
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Relevant services require appointments
Emergency travel documents
If you are a Dutch national in Italy and urgently need a replacement travel document, request an appointment through rom-ca@minbuza.nl.
Nationality matters
Eligible naturalisation and Dutch nationality option procedure appointments can also be requested through the consular email address in Rome.
Certificates and legalisations
Depending on the service, applications may require an online appointment or an email request.
Review the official appointment guidance before visiting the embassy.
Important: the services described in this section are handled by the Dutch Embassy in Rome, Italy, at number 8. They are not provided by the Embassy to the Holy See at number 6.
Travel documents
Dutch Passport and Identity Card Applications in Rome
The Embassy to the Holy See does not accept Dutch passport or identity card applications.
Dutch nationals who need a new passport or identity card in Italy can apply at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Rome, subject to the published eligibility and appointment arrangements.
1. Prepare Your Checklist
Create a personal documents checklist and gather the evidence required for your application.
2. Book in Rome
Make an online appointment with the Embassy of the Netherlands in Rome, Italy.
3. Attend in Person
Bring the completed application form, identification and all original supporting documents.
Appointment availability
NetherlandsWorldwide advises that passport and identity card appointments in Rome may fill up quickly.
New appointment slots are released regularly, and cancelled bookings may become available again.
Confirming your appointment
One week before your scheduled appointment, you will receive an email asking you to confirm the booking.
If you fail to confirm it, the appointment will be cancelled automatically.
Additional supporting documents
If the embassy requests additional documents after your application, you can submit them during its published document submission hours.
No separate appointment is required for this particular procedure.
Submitting additional documents by post
Additional original documents can also be sent to the Embassy of the Netherlands in Rome by post, according to the official instructions.
Photocopies are not accepted when the embassy specifically requires originals.
Document collection
Completed passports, identity cards and other documents can be collected at the embassy in Rome on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
No collection appointment is required during these hours.
Important: do not select the embassy to the Holy See as your passport application location. Use the Dutch Embassy in Rome at Via Michele Mercati 8 and confirm your booking when the reminder email arrives.
Visa information
Applying for a Visa for the Netherlands in Rome
The Dutch Embassy to the Holy See does not accept visa applications.
Applicants residing in Italy should follow the visa procedures published by NetherlandsWorldwide for Italy. The appropriate location depends on the type of visa required.
Short-stay Schengen visas
The official procedure directs eligible applicants in Italy who require a short-stay Schengen visa for the Netherlands to the Embassy of Luxembourg in Rome.
Follow the Luxembourg Embassy’s appointment and document requirements.
Airport transit visas
Applicants in Italy who need an airport transit visa for the Netherlands are also directed to the Luxembourg Embassy in Rome.
MVV visa stickers
Applicants whose residence application has been approved by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service may require an MVV visa sticker.
If the IND approval letter authorises an application in Italy, an online appointment can be arranged at the Dutch Embassy in Rome.
Caribbean visas
Eligible applicants can request a short-stay or long-stay Caribbean visa appointment at the Dutch Embassy in Rome by emailing rom-ca@minbuza.nl.
Caribbean visa rules differ from the Schengen rules applying to the European Netherlands.
Lost or expired residence permits
If your Dutch residence permit has expired or has been lost or stolen while you are in Italy, you may need an entry visa to return to the Netherlands.
For eligible applications, request an appointment at the Dutch Embassy in Rome by email.
Important: neither Schengen visas nor MVV visa stickers are handled by the Embassy to the Holy See. For applications in Italy, ordinary Schengen and airport transit visas are handled by Luxembourg, while eligible MVV procedures are handled by the Dutch Embassy in Rome.
Appointments
Appointments and Opening Hours
Diplomatic enquiries to the Holy See
The embassy to the Holy See does not publish regular consular counter hours because it has no consular section.
For diplomatic enquiries, use the official contact options and arrange any visit in advance.
Consular appointments in Rome
The separate Dutch Embassy in Rome publishes the following public counter hours:
Booking passport and identity card applications
Use the online booking procedure for the Embassy of the Netherlands in Rome.
Email appointment requests
For emergency travel documents, naturalisation, nationality option procedures and selected other services, email rom-ca@minbuza.nl.
Collecting documents
Passport and other document collection takes place at the Dutch Embassy in Rome, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM, without another appointment.
Important: these public counter hours belong to the Embassy of the Netherlands in Rome, Italy. They are not opening hours for the diplomatic embassy to the Holy See.
Before your visit
Before Visiting the Dutch Embassy to the Holy See
Check the Mission
Determine whether your enquiry concerns diplomatic relations with the Holy See or ordinary consular services.
Check the Address
Use Via Michele Mercati 6 for the Holy See embassy and number 8 for the embassy handling consular services in Italy.
Confirm Arrangements
Contact the relevant office or arrange a consular appointment before travelling.
Diplomatic enquiries
The Embassy to the Holy See is not a tourist information office for Vatican City or a regular consular service centre.
For official diplomatic matters, consult its contact information before visiting.
Dutch government documents
If you need a passport, identity card, certificate or other Dutch government service, follow the official instructions for Italy.
Urgent consular assistance
Dutch nationals in Italy requiring urgent consular assistance can contact NetherlandsWorldwide 24 hours a day.
Emergency assistance: call +31 247 247 247. WhatsApp support is available at +31 857 737 400. In immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.
Frequently asked questions
Dutch Embassy to the Holy See: FAQ
Where is the Dutch Embassy to the Holy See located?
The embassy is located at Via Michele Mercati 6, 00197 Rome, Italy.
Is the Dutch Embassy to the Holy See located inside Vatican City?
No. The official visiting address is in Rome, Italy, although the embassy is accredited to the Holy See and listed under Vatican City.
What is the telephone number of the Dutch Embassy to the Holy See?
Call +39 06 32 28 60 01. From the Netherlands, you can call NetherlandsWorldwide at +31 247 247 247.
Is the Dutch Embassy to the Holy See different from the Dutch Embassy in Rome?
Yes. The Embassy to the Holy See is located at Via Michele Mercati 6. The separate embassy accredited to Italy is located at Via Michele Mercati 8.
Does the Dutch Embassy to the Holy See have a consular section?
No. NetherlandsWorldwide directs people needing consular services to the Embassy of the Netherlands in Rome, Italy.
Can I apply for a Dutch passport at the Embassy to the Holy See?
No. You can use the online appointment procedure for the Embassy of the Netherlands in Rome at Via Michele Mercati 8.
Where can I apply for a Dutch identity card in Rome?
Eligible applicants can book an appointment with the separate Dutch Embassy in Rome, Italy. The Embassy to the Holy See does not accept identity card applications.
Where can I apply for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands in Italy?
The official procedure directs eligible applicants in Italy to the Embassy of Luxembourg in Rome for short-stay Schengen visas.
Where can I collect a completed Dutch passport in Rome?
At the Dutch Embassy in Rome, Via Michele Mercati 8, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM without another appointment.
How can Dutch nationals obtain urgent consular assistance in Rome?
Call NetherlandsWorldwide at +31 247 247 247, available 24 hours a day. In immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.