Eligibility quiz
Were you born in the Kingdom of the Netherlands?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Dutch passport and ID
A Dutch passport is a worldwide travel document; a Dutch identity card allows travel in the EU and certain other European countries.
Both documents last 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 18.
Live in Netherlands for life
Dutch citizens can enter and live in the Netherlands without a visa or residence permit.
Citizenship has no expiry date, even when a passport or identity card expires.
Study in Netherlands
Dutch citizens can study in the Netherlands without immigration restrictions.
Work in Netherlands
Dutch citizens can work or be self-employed in the Netherlands without a work permit.
They also have the right to join the Dutch armed forces.
Get help abroad
Dutch consular services can help after a hospital stay or lost travel documents and may issue emergency documents.
Where the Netherlands cannot help or has no representation, another EU country's embassy or consulate may help.
Vote and run for office
Dutch citizens can vote at 18 and stand for election; a court can take away the right to vote.
Abroad, registration allows voting in Dutch and European Parliament elections and the Senate's non-resident electoral college.
In another EU country, citizens can vote and stand in local and European Parliament elections.
Use public healthcare
Dutch citizens can use healthcare in the Netherlands.
People who live or work there generally need Dutch health insurance, normally from arrival and no later than four months; the standard package covers primary and hospital care.
Receive social support
Dutch citizens can use public services without immigration restrictions.
Pensions, income support and help with housing, healthcare, childcare or care at home depend on factors such as residence, work, income and need.
How to apply
Applying at the town hallApplying at the town hall
Find your town hall
Find the town hall in the municipality where you live and are registered.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where is the town hall for the Netherlands optieprocedure in your city?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the town hall.
See required documentsBook an appointment
Book an appointment at your town hall to apply for Dutch citizenship through the option procedure.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book an appointment for the Netherlands optieprocedure at the town hall in your city?”
Fill in the declaration
At your appointment, complete and sign the option declaration with a town hall employee. Sign any statements the employee asks you to sign about the ceremony or giving up another nationality.
See how to applySearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I complete the Netherlands optieprocedure declaration at the town hall?”
Hand in your application
Give your signed declaration and documents to the town hall employee in person. Pay the fee to the town hall when you hand it in.
See how to submitSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit and pay for the Netherlands optieprocedure at the town hall?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the town hall's written decision and respond if it asks for more information. If your application is refused, follow the appeal instructions in the decision.
See what happens nextSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a Netherlands optieprocedure decision take and how can I appeal a refusal?”
Receive your citizenship confirmation
If your application is approved, attend the citizenship ceremony and make the declaration in Dutch when required. Once you receive confirmation that you are Dutch, you can apply for a Dutch passport.
See what happens nextSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens at the Netherlands citizenship ceremony after the optieprocedure?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Other parent's residence permit *
Show a copy of your child's other parent's residence permit.
* Only if a child under 18 applies with you.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Citizenship can be lost
With another citizenship, you can lose citizenship after 13 years outside the EU, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten without a new Dutch passport, ID or nationality certificate.
For children, the clock starts at 18; some official postings are exempt.
You can also give it up or lose it for fraud, certain convictions, security or joining forces fighting the Netherlands or an ally from 16; rules differ if left stateless.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Expats in The Netherlands
English Facebook group for people living in the Netherlands interested in Dutch local life
Join on FacebookExpats Netherlands | housing | work | Amsterdam | Utrecht | Den Haag |
English Facebook group for people living in the Netherlands interested in Dutch local life
Join on FacebookExpats in The Netherlands
English Facebook group for people living in the Netherlands interested in Dutch local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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