{"id":28917,"date":"2025-05-27T22:33:27","date_gmt":"2025-05-27T21:33:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/family-law\/x-in-paspoort-aanvragen\/"},"modified":"2026-04-20T20:47:49","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T19:47:49","slug":"x-in-paspoort-aanvragen","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/x-in-paspoort-aanvragen\/","title":{"rendered":"Applying for an X in your passport"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"s-section\">\n<div class=\"s-section-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"s-grid-toc_main gb-element-94926826\">\n<div class=\"s-section-sidebar\">\n<div class=\"s-sidebar-block-toc gb-element-bf14a539\">\n<p class=\"gb-text\">On this page<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/x-in-paspoort-aanvragen\/#What_does_an_X_in_your_passport_mean\" >What does an X in your passport mean?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/x-in-paspoort-aanvragen\/#Is_there_a_statutory_regulation_for_X_registration\" >Is there a statutory regulation for X registration?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/x-in-paspoort-aanvragen\/#When_are_you_eligible_for_an_X\" >When are you eligible for an X?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/x-in-paspoort-aanvragen\/#What_is_the_required_expert_statement\" >What is the required expert statement?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/x-in-paspoort-aanvragen\/#What_are_the_costs_for_an_X_registration_procedure\" >What are the costs for an X registration procedure?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/x-in-paspoort-aanvragen\/#How_does_the_application_procedure_work\" >How does the application procedure work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/x-in-paspoort-aanvragen\/#Assistance_by_Simmelink_Lawyers\" >Assistance by Simmelink Lawyers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/x-in-paspoort-aanvragen\/#Recent_court_rulings_on_X_registration\" >Recent court rulings on X registration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/x-in-paspoort-aanvragen\/#Consequences_of_an_X_registration_when_traveling_abroad\" >Consequences of an X registration when traveling abroad<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/x-in-paspoort-aanvragen\/#Our_Attorneys_at_Law\" >Our Attorneys at Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/x-in-paspoort-aanvragen\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/x-in-paspoort-aanvragen\/#Trust_and_quality\" >Trust and quality<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/x-in-paspoort-aanvragen\/#Would_you_like_to_discuss_your_situation\" >Would you like to discuss your situation?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-section-main s-stack-2xl gb-element-6c76d265\">\n<div class=\"s-content-block s-content-block--filled gb-element-15683c21 block-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"s-content-block-narrow\">\n<p class=\"gb-text gb-text-91da06c0\">In brief<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An X in the passport or on the identity card stands for a sex registration as &#8220;undetermined&#8221;, intended for people with a non-binary gender identity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An X registration requires a petition procedure at the court. There is no explicit statutory regulation (yet); judges apply the rules of Art. 1:28 of the Dutch Civil Code by analogy. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The costs for the procedure are approximately \u20ac1,060: \u20ac341 court fee and \u20ac719 legal preparation by the lawyer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An expert statement is mandatory. Medical treatment is not required. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The procedure takes several months, after which a waiting period of three months applies before the change becomes final.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_an_X_in_your_passport_mean\"><\/span>What does an X in your passport mean?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An X in the passport replaces the traditional sex designation M (male) or V (female) with the designation &#8220;X&#8221;, which stands for &#8220;sex undetermined&#8221;. The registration offers recognition for people with a non-binary gender identity and has been possible via the Dutch courts since 2018. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The X registration stems from the birth certificate, which forms the legal foundation for official documents. If the birth certificate is amended, the passport, identity card, driver&#8217;s license, and the Personal Records Database (BRP) follow that change. The application for the new passport or identity card is then made at the municipality.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The X is primarily requested by persons who do not identify as male or female, including non-binary and intersex persons. The registration has legal consequences: documents are adjusted, and in some situations (travel, medical registration), a different administrative treatment applies. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_there_a_statutory_regulation_for_X_registration\"><\/span>Is there a statutory regulation for X registration?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is currently no explicit statutory regulation for X registration in the Netherlands. Judges therefore apply the rules for changing sex registration from <a href=\"https:\/\/wetten.overheid.nl\/jci1.3:c:BWBR0002656&amp;boek=1&amp;titeldeel=4&amp;afdeling=4&amp;artikel=28\">Art. 1:28 of the Dutch Civil Code<\/a> by analogy to requests for registration as &#8220;undetermined&#8221;. The procedure takes place via a petition to the court, in accordance with the Code of Civil Procedure.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since 2018, various district courts and courts of appeal have granted requests for X registration. These rulings now form a consistent legal line, although every case is still individual. The legislature has announced that it is preparing a statutory regulation; until then, the judicial route remains the only way to obtain an X registration.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_are_you_eligible_for_an_X\"><\/span>When are you eligible for an X?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Five cumulative conditions apply for an X registration. The judge assesses whether your request is sufficiently substantiated and whether the conditions are met in your specific situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You are sixteen years of age or older (under eighteen with the consent of parents or a guardian).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You have Dutch nationality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You are registered with a Dutch municipality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You possess a valid identity document.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You structurally do not identify as male or female, substantiated by an expert statement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Medical treatment is not required. The judge does not test for physical characteristics, but for gender identity as evidenced by the expert statement and the personal explanation. In a number of rulings, the judge has waived the expert statement, but as a general rule, it is requested.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_required_expert_statement\"><\/span>What is the required expert statement?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The expert statement is a written declaration from a doctor or psychologist stating that the petitioner&#8217;s gender identity is non-binary and permanent in nature. The statement substantiates the request to the court and forms part of the petition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The statement is usually drawn up by an expert familiar with gender identity issues, such as a psychologist with experience in gender care. An existing treatment relationship is not required. The statement does not need to contain a diagnostic label; the focus is on confirming that the identity is structurally non-binary.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_costs_for_an_X_registration_procedure\"><\/span>What are the costs for an X registration procedure?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The total costs for an X registration are approximately \u20ac1,060. This amount consists of a \u20ac341 court fee to the court and \u20ac719 for legal preparation and assistance by the lawyer. If the court orders an oral hearing, additional costs may be charged for hearing preparation.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong> COST TABLE (transfer as HTML table in WordPress)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><td><strong>Cost item<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Amount<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Court fee<\/td><td>\u20ac341<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Legal preparation and assistance<\/td><td>\u20ac719<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total standard procedure<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>\u20ac1,060<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Possible hearing preparation<\/td><td>Additional, discussed in advance<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Combination with name change<\/td><td>On request, combined rate<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Combining an X application with a change of first name<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many clients choose to combine the X registration with a <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/\">change of first name<\/a>. A combined procedure is more efficient: both requests are submitted, handled, and assessed simultaneously by the same judge. The rate for a combined application is lower than for two separate procedures. Contact us for a situation-specific cost overview.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Subsidized legal aid (certificate)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your income and assets fall below the standards of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rechtsbijstand.nl\/\">Legal Aid Board<\/a>, you may be eligible for a certificate for subsidized legal aid. In that case, different financial conditions apply: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Court fee: \u20ac91<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Personal contribution: between \u20ac420 and \u20ac900, depending on your income<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No additional lawyer fees for standard procedures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The personal contribution is determined by the Legal Aid Board based on your income data from two years ago. In special cases, additional subsidies or special assistance via the municipality may be possible. This will be discussed during the introductory meeting.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_the_application_procedure_work\"><\/span>How does the application procedure work?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The procedure for an X registration takes place in five steps, from the introductory meeting to the application for the new passport. The total lead time is approximately four to six months, including the three-month waiting period after the ruling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Introductory meeting. <\/strong><br \/>Simmelink discusses your situation, the legal feasibility, the costs, and the possibility of a certificate via the Legal Aid Board.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Collection of documents. <\/strong><br \/>You provide a copy of your identity document and your birth certificate. Simmelink assists you in obtaining the expert statement if it is not yet available. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drafting and submitting the petition. <\/strong><br \/>The petition contains your personal explanation, the legal substantiation, and the supporting documents. Simmelink submits the request to the competent court. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Court ruling. <\/strong><br \/>A written ruling follows after a few weeks. In some cases, the judge orders a hearing. After that, a three-month waiting period applies during which an appeal can be lodged.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Adjustment of registrations and new passport. <\/strong><br \/>After the waiting period, the birth certificate is amended by the registrar of births, deaths, and marriages. Based on this, you apply for a new passport or identity card at the municipality. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Assistance_by_Simmelink_Lawyers\"><\/span>Assistance by Simmelink Lawyers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Simmelink Lawyers has been assisting with petitions for X registration since 2019 and has contributed to the development of the legal line used by district courts and courts of appeal. This experience translates into a carefully substantiated petition that aligns with the criteria from recent rulings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The firm assists clients throughout the Netherlands and, via secure video calling, also clients who wish to submit a request from abroad. For the application itself, a lawyer is legally required because the petition must be submitted to the court by a registered lawyer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Simmelink does for you<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Assessment of legal feasibility based on your personal situation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assistance in drafting or obtaining the expert statement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drafting the petition with a personal explanation and legal substantiation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submission to the competent court and further procedural assistance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assistance with the follow-up steps: amending the birth certificate, applying for a new passport or identity card.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advice on a possible appeal if the judge denies the request.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recent_court_rulings_on_X_registration\"><\/span>Recent court rulings on X registration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since 2018, the Dutch judiciary has granted various requests for registration as sex &#8220;undetermined&#8221;. Each case is assessed individually, weighing the personal interest of the petitioner against the legal framework of Art. 1:28 of the Dutch Civil Code (applied by analogy). Below is a selection of rulings that illustrate the current line:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Hague District Court, April 8, 2025 (ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2025:7393). Granting of request to change sex to &#8220;X&#8221;. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Zeeland-West-Brabant District Court, December 6, 2023 (ECLI:NL:RBZWB:2023:8562). Combined change of sex to X and change of first name. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>North Holland District Court, January 10, 2023 (ECLI:NL:RBNHO:2023:103). Request from a non-binary person granted without an expert statement, because the gender identity had been sufficiently substantiated by the court. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Midden-Nederland District Court, September 1, 2022 (ECLI:NL:RBMNE:2022:3565). Granting of request from a non-binary petitioner to change birth certificate to &#8220;X&#8221;. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arnhem-Leeuwarden Court of Appeal, September 15, 2022 (ECLI:NL:GHARL:2022:8003). Amendment of birth certificate to &#8220;X&#8221; under analogous application of Art. 1:28 to 1:28c of the Dutch Civil Code. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arnhem-Leeuwarden Court of Appeal, August 4, 2022 (ECLI:NL:GHARL:2022:6917). Granting of request to change birth certificate to &#8220;X&#8221; for a gender-fluid person. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These rulings form the framework within which new requests are assessed. Based on this case law, every petition is substantiated with references to similar cases, so that the judge can place the new request in line with previous approvals. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consequences_of_an_X_registration_when_traveling_abroad\"><\/span>Consequences of an X registration when traveling abroad<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all countries recognize the X as a valid sex registration. When traveling abroad, this can have consequences for border control, visa applications, or other administrative procedures. Some countries (including Germany, Austria, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) have an X registration themselves or recognize Dutch X passports without issues. Other countries insist on M or F and may ask additional questions.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before departure, it is wise to check the current situation per destination with the Dutch embassy of the country concerned or via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For cross-border legal matters (such as inheritance law, family law, or registration abroad), Simmelink can refer you to our <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/\">international family law<\/a> cluster. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-advocaten-block\">\n<h2 class=\"gb-text\" id=\"advocaten\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Our_Attorneys_at_Law\"><\/span>Our Attorneys at Law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Simmelink Lawyers team specializes in family law, International family law, and inheritance law.<br \/>The lawyers combine legal expertise with international experience.<br \/>Clients are guided by one dedicated lawyer who oversees the entire process and communicates discreetly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In complex financial matters or an international component, a specialized lawyer is important.<br \/>We strive for legally correct, practically feasible agreements that give you predictability and peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3bd256ba\">\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-5dcdaabb gb-query-loop-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-23938 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/carla-simmelink\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Carla Simmelink\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/carla-simmelink\/\">Carla Simmelink &#8211; Family Law Attorney, International Family Law and Inheritance Law<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Family Law Attorney, International Family Law and Inheritance Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-29865 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/valerie-lingg\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Valerie Lingg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/valerie-lingg\/\">Valerie Lingg &#8211; Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-23939 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/eva-zaunbrecher-bosschlo\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Eva Zaunbrecher\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/eva-zaunbrecher-bosschlo\/\">Eva Zaunbrecher-Boschloo &#8211; Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Lawyer at Law (International) Family Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-36349 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/sophia-sips\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Sophia Sips\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/sophia-sips\/\">Sophia Sips &#8211; Family Law Attorney<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"s-quotes-block gb-element-b0365a51 testimonial-block\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"s-quote-card-icon gb-media-5cab658b testimonial-icon\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/quote.svg\" title=\"quote\">\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-text s-quote-card-text testimonial-text\"><em><em>Clients are guided by a dedicated lawyer who oversees the entire file and communicates discreetly.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-text s-quote-card-author testimonial-author\">Mr. Carla Simmelink, lawyer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-be249d49 s-margin-vert-xl s-content-block\">\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-bfdf1120 gb-headline-text gbp-section__headline\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-1e85dbd5 gb-accordion\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d1310856 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-19f7b745 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-19f7b745\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">Do I need a lawyer for an X application?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-52e77243\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-52e77243\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-b299caa3 gb-headline-text\">Yes. A lawyer is legally required for submitting the petition to the court. The lawyer drafts the petition, substantiates it legally with references to relevant case law, and submits it to the competent court. <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3600de9f gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-ba8b12fe gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-ba8b12fe\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">How long does the procedure for an X registration take?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-54bea308\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-54bea308\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-784447a0 gb-headline-text\">The total lead time is approximately four to six months. After the petition is submitted, a ruling follows within a few weeks. A three-month waiting period then applies during which an appeal is possible. Only after that waiting period is the birth certificate amended and can the new passport be applied for.   <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d7e7a6c6 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-361ea87d gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-361ea87d\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong><strong><strong>Do I have to appear at a hearing?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-c5948222\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-c5948222\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-51ced355 gb-headline-text\">Not always. Many requests are assessed based on documents, without an oral hearing. The judge may decide ex officio to hold a hearing, for example, in the event of legal complications or to hear the petitioner personally. Simmelink assists you with hearing preparation if that is the case.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-fc394c18 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-8dd43315 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-8dd43315\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">Does an X registration remain valid for life?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-d545942c\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d545942c\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-c9e904f9 gb-headline-text\">An X registration is legally valid for an indefinite period. A future change back to M or F is possible, but requires a new petition to the court. Legally, it is not a simple administrative correction, but a separate procedure.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-2769f6b3 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-1983797d gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-1983797d\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">Can I change my first name at the same time?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-7c18bfac\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7c18bfac\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-ee70b14f gb-headline-text\">Yes. Many clients combine the X application with a <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/genderidentiteit\/\">change of first name<\/a>. Both requests are then submitted simultaneously and assessed by the same judge. The combined rate is lower than for two separate procedures.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-4e725c3b gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-15a80a0b gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-15a80a0b\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">What happens to my birth certificate?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-b2f4c87e\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b2f4c87e\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-8d8251fd gb-headline-text\">If the judge grants the request, your birth certificate is amended by the registrar of births, deaths, and marriages based on the court ruling. The birth certificate is the legal basis for the passport, identity card, and other official documents. After the birth certificate has been amended, you can apply for a new passport at the municipality.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-c07cac3f gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-df191737 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-df191737\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">Are X passports recognized all over the world?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-ecc1697a\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-ecc1697a\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-76984b25 gb-headline-text\">Not all countries recognize the X as a sex registration. Countries that have an X registration themselves (such as Germany, Canada, Australia) or follow ICAO international standards usually accept the passport without issues. In other countries, additional questions or administrative complications may arise. Check the current situation with the embassy of the destination country before departure.   <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"gb-text s-content-block\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Trust_and_quality\"><\/span>Trust and quality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Simmelink Lawyers is affiliated with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.advocatenorde.nl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Dutch Bar Association<\/a>.<br \/>Read more about our <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/reviews\/\">reviews<\/a> or see how we work via our <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-approach\/\">working method<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-element-eab29512\">\n<div class=\"s-btn-group gb-element-7313c4f1\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Would_you_like_to_discuss_your_situation\"><\/span>Would you like to discuss your situation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">An X registration affects not only legal documents but also personal identity. An <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-approach\/advice\/\">advisory meeting<\/a> gives you insight into the feasibility of a request in your situation, the expected costs, and the possibility of a certificate via the Legal Aid Board. The meeting can take place at the office, by telephone, or via video calling. After your registration, our secretariat will contact you within one working day.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-text s-btn-primary s-btn--small\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/contact\/\">Contact Us<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-text\">Or contact us by phone via: <a href=\"tel:+31303078732\">030 &#8211; 30 787 32<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-34ac26a6\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-34ce7bbc\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-7a1d0082\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"93\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-7a1d0082\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/nederlandse-orde-van-advocaten-logo-300x93.png\" alt=\"Logo of the Dutch Bar Association\" title=\"Logo of the Dutch Bar Association\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/nederlandse-orde-van-advocaten-logo-300x93.png 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/nederlandse-orde-van-advocaten-logo.png 340w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7b78af02\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-cae6833a\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-cae6833a\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/RaadvRechtspraak.svg\" alt=\"\" title=\"RaadvJustice\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-07670684\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"340\" height=\"105\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-07670684\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/raad-voor-rechtsbijstand-high-trust-logo.png\" alt=\"Council for Legal Aid High Trust Logo\" title=\"Council for Legal Aid High Trust Logo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/raad-voor-rechtsbijstand-high-trust-logo.png 340w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/raad-voor-rechtsbijstand-high-trust-logo-300x93.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 340px) 100vw, 340px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On this page In brief What does an X in your passport mean? An X in the passport replaces the traditional sex designation M (male) or V (female) with the designation &#8220;X&#8221;, which stands for &#8220;sex undetermined&#8221;. The registration offers recognition for people with a non-binary gender identity and has been possible via the Dutch &#8230; <a title=\"Applying for an X in your passport\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/x-in-paspoort-aanvragen\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Applying for an X in your passport\">Lees meer<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":27868,"parent":24947,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-28917","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"infinite-scroll-item","7":"resize-featured-image"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/28917","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28917"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/28917\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37220,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/28917\/revisions\/37220"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24947"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27868"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28917"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}