Registering a birth: deadlines, municipality and documents

Register your baby’s birth with the municipality where the birth took place. The relevant place is where your baby was born, even if your own home is in another municipality. Start by checking the birthplace, then look at that municipality’s information about registration. Online registration is available only where the municipality offers it, so do not assume that every council provides this option. Only the father or mother can register a birth online. As a practical first step, note the correct municipality and the registration method it offers. Keep any questions about that process with your notes and ask the municipality for clarification.

The usual deadline is three days after the birth, with the day of birth excluded. It is not a general allowance of three working days. If the deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday or official public holiday, you get one extra working day. If that still gives you only one working day to register the birth, a further working day is added. In total, you must have at least two working days available. Check the official deadline guidance carefully when a public holiday is involved. A useful preparation step is to write the last registration date beside the birthplace, keeping the place and timing of registration together.

The father or female co-parent, known as the duomoeder, is required to register the birth. The mother who gave birth may register it but is not required to do so. If these parents cannot register, someone who attended the birth, the owner of the house where it took place or an employee of the institution where the baby was born must do it. If none of these people registers the birth, it is done by or on behalf of the mayor of the birth municipality. Discuss who will take responsibility before the birth. You do not need to bring the baby. Ask the municipality if you are unsure who can register in your situation.

Have valid identification ready. If acknowledgement of parenthood or a choice of name was recorded before the birth, bring that deed too; its details are included in the birth record. A statement from the hospital or midwife is useful but is not compulsory. It is different from the official birth record issued by the civil registrar after registration. That record contains your baby’s details and the details of the parent or parents. Registering the birth is free, while an official copy of the birth record costs money. Gather your documents beforehand and check the municipality’s instructions for making the registration.

Sources, accessed on 2026-10-02

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