How to Obtain Dutch Citizenship:

If you've been living in the Netherlands for several years and wish to become a Dutch citizen, there are three primary ways to obtain Dutch citizenship:

  1. Naturalization (Naturalisatie): Naturalization involves applying for Dutch citizenship after residing in the Netherlands (or Dutch Caribbean) for an uninterrupted five-year period, meeting specific criteria. It is the most common method for expats to acquire Dutch citizenship.

  2. Option Procedure (Optieprocedure): The option procedure is available to individuals who have lived continuously in the Netherlands since birth or early childhood or meet other eligibility requirements.

  3. By Law (By Birth or Family Relations) (Van Rechtswege): Dutch citizenship can be acquired automatically by birth or through family relations. This includes being born to a Dutch father or mother, acknowledgment of paternity by a Dutch father, or adoption by Dutch parents.

Dutch Citizenship by Naturalization:

Naturalization is a common way for expatriates to gain Dutch citizenship through an application process that typically takes about a year. To be eligible for Dutch citizenship by naturalization, you must meet the following conditions:

  • Be over 18 years old.
  • Have legally resided in the Netherlands or the Dutch Caribbean (Bonaire, Saint Eustatius, Saba, Aruba, Curaçao, or Saint Martin) for an uninterrupted five-year period (with some exceptions).
  • Hold a valid Dutch residence permit or a residence permit for a non-temporary purpose.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the Dutch language by passing the Dutch Civic Integration Exam at the A-2 level, unless you hold an equivalent diploma such as the NT2 State Exam.
  • Not have received a prison sentence, community training, or a fine of €810 or more in the last four years.
  • Be willing to renounce your current nationality (with some exceptions). Failure to do so may result in the revocation of your new Dutch citizenship.
  • Attend a citizenship ceremony to declare your allegiance to the Netherlands.

Exceptions to the Five-Year Residence Requirement:

Certain exceptions exist to the standard five-year residence requirement for naturalization:

  • Marriage or partnership with a Dutch citizen, living together continuously for at least three years (applies to both married and unmarried partners).
  • Official statelessness with legal residence in the Netherlands for three years or more.
  • Ten years of residence in the Netherlands with a valid residence permit, with the last two years being continuous.
  • Prior possession of Dutch citizenship.
  • Meeting other parent-related requirements.

Dutch Citizenship and Dual Nationality:

In many cases, individuals gaining Dutch citizenship must renounce their original citizenship(s) due to the Netherlands' policy against dual nationality. However, there are exceptions:

  • If you are married to or in a registered partnership with a Dutch citizen.
  • If your country of origin does not allow you to renounce your citizenship.
  • If your country of origin automatically revokes your current nationality when you acquire Dutch citizenship.
  • If you are officially recognized as a refugee.
  • If renouncing your nationality requires significant financial costs.
  • If you will lose specific rights, such as inheritance rights, in your country of origin.
  • If you must complete or buy out your military service before renouncing your nationality.
  • If you were born in the Netherlands or Dutch Caribbean and reside there when applying for Dutch citizenship.
  • If contacting the authorities in your country of origin is impossible.
  • If you object to renouncing your nationality for special and assessable reasons.
  • If your country of origin is not recognized by the Netherlands.

Make sure to indicate if one of these exceptions applies when submitting your application, as it is generally not possible to claim an exception after obtaining Dutch citizenship.

Renouncing Your Nationality:

If none of the exceptions mentioned apply, you will be required to renounce your current nationality after gaining Dutch citizenship. You must sign a declaration agreeing to renounce your current citizenship and complete the necessary steps with the authorities in your country of origin, which may involve consulates or embassies. You will need to send a copy of the official declaration to the IND (Immigration and Naturalization Service) after the process is complete.

Application Process for Dutch Citizenship:

To apply for Dutch citizenship, you can visit your local municipality (gemeente) if you meet the necessary requirements. The application will be reviewed by the municipality and then forwarded to the IND, along with a recommendation. The entire process can take up to one year.

If you have children under 18, and you want them to obtain Dutch nationality, they must be included in your application for Dutch citizenship.

Documentation for Dutch Citizenship Application:

For a Dutch citizenship application by naturalization, you typically need the following documents:

  • Valid travel document (e.g., passport).
  • Valid residence permit.
  • Birth certificate (may require legalization or an apostille stamp; non-Dutch documents may need translation).
  • Civic Integration Exam certificate or equivalent diploma (e.g., NT2).
  • Additional documents may be necessary depending on your specific situation.
Dutch Citizenship Application Costs:

The cost of applying for Dutch citizenship can vary depending on the method you choose:

  • Dutch Citizenship by Naturalization:
    • For a single person, the application fee is 970 euros (as of 2023).
    • If applying together with a partner, the fee is 1,238 euros (as of 2023).
  • Dutch Citizenship via the Option Procedure:
    • The fees for applying for Dutch citizenship through the option procedure are typically lower than the naturalization fees.

Outcome of the Citizenship Application:

After reviewing your application, the IND (Immigration and Naturalization Service) will inform you of the outcome via mail.

Dutch Citizenship Granted:

If your application is successful, the IND will send confirmation of your Dutch citizenship. Subsequently, you will receive an invitation from your municipality (gemeente) to attend a mandatory citizenship ceremony. During this ceremony, you will receive your Dutch nationality certificate (bewijs van Nederlanderschap). At the ceremony, you will be required to declare your allegiance to the Netherlands in Dutch. Once you obtain Dutch citizenship, you can also apply for a Dutch passport.

Dutch Citizenship Application Rejected:

If you do not meet the requirements, the IND may reject your citizenship application. You will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the rejection. If you believe there are legal grounds for objection, you may be able to request the IND to review their decision.

Rights Accompanying Dutch Citizenship:

When you become a Dutch citizen, your status will be updated in the Basisregistratie personen (BRP), and you will gain several rights, including:

  • The ability to enter the Netherlands freely.
  • The right to obtain a Dutch passport.
  • The right to vote in Dutch national and provincial elections and to stand for election.
  • The right to join the Dutch armed forces.
  • Eligibility for your children to acquire Dutch citizenship.
  • Automatic EU citizenship.
  • The ability to move and reside freely within the European Union.
  • The right to vote for the European Parliament.

Permanent Residency in the Netherlands:

If you wish to continue living in the Netherlands without giving up your original citizenship, you may apply for permanent residence instead of Dutch citizenship. Permanent residency allows you to stay indefinitely in the Netherlands but comes with specific conditions:

  • You must renew your residence permit every five years.
  • You are not allowed to vote in Dutch national or provincial elections (though you can vote in municipal elections).
  • Your residency may be revoked if you move abroad or spend an extended period of time outside the Netherlands.