How To File A Police Report: Netherlands Step-by-Step Guide

Need to tell the police about theft, fraud, or a lost passport in the Netherlands? You have three main options: file an online report (aangifte) with your DigiD, call the national line 0900-8844 (+31 343 57 8844 from abroad), or book an appointment at any police station; if lives are in danger or a crime is unfolding, dial 112 immediately.

Acting quickly safeguards evidence, speeds investigations, and is often required for insurance payouts or replacement travel documents. This practical guide walks you through every step: deciding whether a full crime report or a simple notification is needed, gathering the right IDs and proof, choosing the most convenient channel, completing the report, and following up on the case. You’ll also find tips for tourists and non-Dutch speakers, plus signs that it’s time to call in a lawyer.

Step 1: Quickly Decide—Is It an Emergency, Crime Report, or Simple Notification?

Before you rush to file a police report, take thirty seconds to classify what has happened. The Dutch police use different phone numbers, forms, and response times depending on whether lives are in danger, a criminal offense has occurred, or you simply want to pass on information. Choosing the right channel prevents delays and ensures officers with the proper authority pick up your case.

Emergency vs. Non-Emergency Contacts

Dial 112 for any life-threatening situation or crime in progress.
Use 112SMS if you are speech- or hearing-impaired (one-time registration required).
For all other matters call 0900-8844 or +31 343 57 8844 from abroad.

Crime Report (Aangifte) vs. Notification (Melding)

Aangifte: a sworn statement that obligates police to register and investigate. Examples: bicycle theft, assault, online fraud.
Melding: informational tip with no formal investigation duty. Examples: recurring noise complaints, suspicious parking.
Unsure? The 0900-line will advise which route applies.

Offenses That Require Immediate Reporting

Report without delay when you face:

Violence or threats
Burglary or robbery
Lost or stolen passport/residence card
Sexual offenses or hate crimes
Online scams involving bank details
Animal abuse (0800-00 88)
Prompt action preserves evidence and protects your rights.

Step 2: Collect All Information, Evidence, and IDs You Will Need

Good paperwork is half the battle. Coming to the police empty-handed slows everything down, while a neat folder (or ZIP file) of facts and proof lets the officer draft your statement in minutes. Before you leave the house—or hit “Start” on the DigiD form—run through the checklists below.

Personal Identification Requirements

Bring at least one of the following originals (no copies):

Dutch passport, ID card, driver’s license, or residence permit
Foreign passport or EU ID for tourists
For minors: child’s ID plus parent/guardian passport and proof of relationship

Having valid ID is mandatory to file a police report; without it, the officer can take only a notification (melding).

Incident Details Checklist

Write down, preferably in chronological order:

Exact date and time span
Precise location (street, city, GPS coordinates if online map available)
What happened, step-by-step
Description of suspect(s): height, clothing, distinguishing marks, vehicle plates

Gathering Physical and Digital Evidence

Secure the originals and create copies:

Photos/videos of damage or injuries
CCTV or doorbell camera clips
Screenshots of chats, emails, listings, or phishing pages
Bank or credit-card statements for fraud losses
Keep files in their native format to preserve metadata

Witness Information

Ask witnesses for:

Full name and preferred contact number/email
Short written recollection while the event is fresh

Handing these details over early increases the chance the police will reach them before memories fade.

Step 3: Choose the Most Suitable Reporting Channel

The Dutch police give you four practical ways to file a police report. The right pick depends on the type of offense, your access to DigiD, how fast you need a case number, and whether you prefer face-to-face service. Skimming the options below saves time and prevents the frustration of being redirected.

Online Reporting via DigiD

Best for straightforward property crimes or lost items under €10,000.

Log in with DigiD (app or SMS).
Forms available in Dutch and English.
Instant case number and PDF copy.
Skip if violence, sexual assault, or an unknown suspect is involved—those still require an interview.

Telephone Reporting (0900-8844)

Ideal when you lack DigiD or need advice first.

Call handler records basic facts.
You receive a draft statement by email within 48 hours to sign digitally.
Useful for elderly, disabled, or rural callers who can’t reach a station easily.

In-Person Reporting at a Police Station

Mandatory for serious crimes or when physical evidence must be examined.

Book via 0900-8844 or walk in at 24/7 desks in major cities and Schiphol Airport.
Bring ID and any evidence; interpreters and accessibility support are free.

Special Channels for Tourists, Corporations, and Embassies

Tourist desks (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague) offer multilingual staff.
Corporate victim desks handle business fraud and cyber incidents.
Embassies can certify lost passports before you report to the Royal Marechaussee.

Quick-Reference Channel Comparison

Channel	Best for	ID Needed	Languages Supported
DigiD online form	Minor theft, lost docs	DigiD + Dutch ID	NL, EN
0900-8844 phone	Advice, no DigiD	Any valid ID	NL, EN (others via interpreter)
Police station	Serious or complex crimes	Original ID	NL, EN, DE, FR, TR
Tourist/corporate desk	Visitors & companies	Passport or KvK number	Multilingual

Step 4: Filing a Police Report Online via DigiD

Prefer doing everything from the sofa? For many non-violent offenses the Dutch police let you complete the entire aangifte online. All you need is a working DigiD and ten quiet minutes.

Check Offense Eligibility Before You Start

The web portal accepts only straightforward, non-urgent incidents such as:

Bicycle, car-part, or bag theft under €10,000
Vandalism or graffiti
Online shopping scams, phishing, or identity misuse
Lost passport, residence card, or driver’s license

Crimes involving violence, threats, sexual assault, or a known suspect still require an in-person statement. Unsure? Call 0900-8844 first.

Logging In and Selecting the Right Form

Go to politie.nl/aangifte and pick “Start online aangifte”.
Choose the category that best matches your situation; English interface available.
Log in using the DigiD app or SMS code. The site will time out after 20 minutes of inactivity, so keep notes handy.

Completing the Incident Form

Pin the location on an embedded Google Map or enter the street address.
Write the narrative—facts only—in the free-text box (20,000-character limit).
List damages and estimated value; for lost documents select the pre-filled radio button.
Upload evidence files (JPEG, PDF, MP4 up to 8 MB each). Save as draft if you need to fetch extra info.

Submitting and Receiving Confirmation

Click “Verstuur” to digitally sign with DigiD. Within seconds you’ll receive:

A case number by email/SMS
A downloadable PDF copy of your statement (proces-verbaal)

Store this PDF—insurers, banks, or the municipality may request it when you need to file a police report proof later. If you spot an error, you can add a supplemental statement through mijn.politie.nl or by calling your case officer.

Step 5: Filing a Police Report by Phone or In Person

Online forms are handy, but sometimes you need a human on the other end of the desk or line. Violence, sexual offenses, crimes with known suspects, or situations where you must hand over physical evidence all require a sworn statement taken by an officer. Below is what to expect when you choose to file a police report by phone or at the station.

Booking and Preparing for an Appointment

Call 0900-8844 or use the web planner to pick date, time, and preferred station.
Average lead time is one to three days; urgent cases are slotted sooner.
Bring: original ID, any physical evidence, your written timeline, and witness contacts.
Pack items separately in clean envelopes—officers may seal and label them on the spot.

What Happens During the Interview

The officer (verbalisant) records your verklaring while you recount events chronologically.

Statement is read back to you; corrections made immediately.
You sign each page; this makes it a formal aangifte.
Ask for a copy before leaving—most desks can print or email it on the spot.
Interpreters are free and must be provided on request under Dutch criminal-procedure rules.

Phone Reporting Workflow

Call handler notes basics and verifies your email.
Within 24–48 h you receive a draft statement (PDF) for digital signature via DigiD or iDIN.
A secure upload link lets you add photos or scans; once signed, a case number is issued.

Accessibility and Non-Dutch Speakers

Wheelchair-accessible interview rooms and induction loops for the hard of hearing are standard.
Home visits are available for seriously ill or mobility-impaired victims.
You can give your statement in English, German, French, or Turkish; the police will translate it for the dossier at no cost.
Remember: the clearer your first account, the fewer follow-ups needed later.

Step 6: Confirm, Track, and Follow Up on Your Report

Your aangifte doesn’t disappear into a black hole once you hit “Verstuur” or leave the station. A little follow-through guarantees you have the paperwork insurers demand and keeps the investigation on your radar. Keep the case number handy; you’ll need it for every call or email.

Obtaining a Certified Copy for Insurance Claims

Most companies want a stamped proces-verbaal. Order it online via mijn.politie.nl or at the front desk. The €13.10 fee is waived for theft or lost-document reports, so mention the category when you apply.

How the Police Handle Your Case

After intake, the duty officer screens priority, then assigns a detective unit if viable leads exist. You’re entitled to progress updates every 30 days and may contest a dismissal under Article 12 of the Dutch Code of Criminal Procedure.

Tracking Updates and Adding New Information

Log into mijn.politie.nl or phone your case officer quoting the dossier number. New photos, invoices, or witness details can be uploaded as a supplemental statement—earlier is better for evidential value.

Victim Support Services

For emotional or legal help, the police will refer you to Slachtofferhulp Nederland. Victims of violent or sexual crimes may also apply to the Compensation Fund (Schadefonds Geweldsmisdrijven) for emergency financial relief.

Step 7: Understand Your Legal Options After Filing

Submitting the aangifte is only the first move. Dutch procedure gives victims several levers—criminal, civil, and administrative—to protect their rights and recover losses after taking the time to file a police report.

Statutes of Limitation and Civil Claims

Prosecution windows differ: simple theft – 6 years, serious assault – 20 years, homicide – no limit.
Filing stops the clock, but new evidence later can revive a dormant file.
You may attach a damages claim (voeging) to the criminal case or sue separately; both pause the civil limitation period.

When to Involve a Lawyer

Engage counsel when fraud exceeds €10,000, suspects are abroad, privacy or corporate data is breached, or if the prosecutor dismisses the case. A lawyer can:

Draft supplemental statements
Challenge a sepot via an Article 12 Sv appeal
Negotiate restitution or settlement out of court

Costs and Legal Aid Availability

Private fees hover around €250–€400 per hour, plus 21 % VAT. If your income is below government thresholds, subsidized legal aid (toevoeging) may cover most costs; apply through the Raad voor Rechtsbijstand. Keep every police document—insurers or the legal-aid board will ask for them. Law & More does not work on the basis of subsidized legal aid.

Key Takeaways on Filing a Dutch Police Report

1. Check urgency and call 112 if lives are at risk.
1. Gather ID, facts, evidence, and witness details up front.
1. Pick the right channel—online, phone, or station visit.
1. Complete the DigiD form or sworn interview accurately.
1. Save the case number and certified copy for insurers.
1. Track progress, add new evidence, and use victim support.
1. Explore legal options, including hiring a lawyer when needed.

Act fast; memories fade and insurance windows close quickly. Always keep digital and printed copies of every document—you’ll thank yourself later. If you need strategic advice after you file a police report, reach out to the attorneys at Law & More for a no-obligation initial consultation.