The stamp you need
the Congo - Kinshasa does not use the apostille sticker, so after the notary the document needs official legalisation stamps instead. First the ministry of foreign affairs of the Congo - Kinshasa, then the Embassy of the Netherlands in the Congo - Kinshasa (or the embassy responsible for the Congo - Kinshasa). The Dutch notary accepts the document once these stamps are on it.
If your documents are not in English or Dutch, add a sworn translation (a translation by a court-registered translator) into English or Dutch.
We have not yet mapped the exact offices, costs and timing for the Congo - Kinshasa. What is certain: which stamp your documents need (above) and which documents the Dutch notary asks for. The exact desk, fees and order of steps we find out for you as part of your file, before you collect anything.
If you live in the Congo - Kinshasa
A stamped copy of your passport
Take your passport (Congo - Kinshasa) to a notary in the Congo - Kinshasa. The notary makes a copy and stamps it to confirm it is real. the Congo - Kinshasa does not use the apostille sticker, so after the notary the document needs official legalisation stamps instead. First the ministry of foreign affairs of the Congo - Kinshasa, then the Embassy of the Netherlands in the Congo - Kinshasa (or the embassy responsible for the Congo - Kinshasa). The Dutch notary accepts the document once these stamps are on it.
For advisers
Certified true copy of a valid passport, legalised in the country of residence.
Proof of where you live
A recent bank statement, utility bill or official letter with your name and home address in the Congo - Kinshasa, not older than three months. No stamps needed.
For advisers
Proof of residential address, dated within three months.
The signing form (power of attorney)
We send you a short form that lets the Dutch notary sign the incorporation deed on your behalf, so you do not have to travel. Sign it in front of a notary in the Congo - Kinshasa. Go to a notary in the Congo - Kinshasa. The notary checks your passport, makes a copy and stamps it to confirm the copy is real. Then it needs the same official stamp as your passport copy: official legalisation stamps.
For advisers
Notarial power of attorney on the Dutch notary's model, signature certified and legalised.
A short ownership statement
A one-page form from us where you confirm who owns and controls the new company and whether you hold a public position. Sign, scan, send. No stamps needed.
For advisers
Declaration of ultimate beneficial owners (UBO) and politically exposed persons (PEP) on the notary's model.
Where the money comes from
A short written explanation of where the money for the company comes from (salary, savings, sale of a business, inheritance) with one or two documents that show it, such as a bank statement or a sale contract. The notary is required to ask this; we help you write it.
For advisers
Statement of source of funds and source of wealth with supporting evidence (the extra checks the notary must do, called enhanced due diligence).
If a company from the Congo - Kinshasa becomes a shareholder
A fresh extract from the company register
An official printout that shows the company exists, who the directors are and who may sign. It must be less than three months old. Where to get it: the official company register of the Congo - Kinshasa. Have a local notary certify the printout. the Congo - Kinshasa does not use the apostille sticker, so after the notary the document needs official legalisation stamps instead. First the ministry of foreign affairs of the Congo - Kinshasa, then the Embassy of the Netherlands in the Congo - Kinshasa (or the embassy responsible for the Congo - Kinshasa). The Dutch notary accepts the document once these stamps are on it.
For advisers
Certified extract from the commercial register (max. three months), legalised.
The company's founding documents
The articles of association (the rules of the company) and the certificate of incorporation. A copy certified by the notary in the Congo - Kinshasa is enough.
For advisers
Articles of association and certificate of incorporation, certified copies.
Proof of who may sign for the company
If the register extract already shows who may sign, this is done. If not, a short board decision (resolution) that names the person who signs the Dutch documents, signed by the directors.
For advisers
Evidence of signing authority: register entry or board resolution.
A drawing of who owns the company
A simple chart from the company down to the people who ultimately own it, with percentages. One page. We give you a template.
For advisers
Ownership structure chart down to the natural persons who ultimately own the company (UBO chain).
The person who signs for the company and every owner with 25% or more also sends a stamped passport copy and proof of address, following the route of the country where they live.
Extra checks for the Congo - Kinshasa
Dutch rules ask the notary to look more closely at files connected to the Congo - Kinshasa. That means one extra document: a short explanation of where the money comes from, with something that shows it. We handle these files personally, so the notary gets everything in one go.
Your own list in two minutes
Different nationality than where you live? A company owned by people in several countries? The check combines every country involved into one list, and sends it to your email.
For advisers
Congo - Kinshasa: not a contracting party to the Hague Apostille Convention; consular legalisation applies. Listed as a high-risk third country under EU Delegated Regulation 2016/1675 (enhanced due diligence).
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