Eligibility quiz
Have you been married to or in a registered partnership with a Dutch citizen and lived together for at least three years in a row?
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 where you live to apply for Dutch citizenship.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where is the town hall in your city for Dutch naturalisation?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the town hall.
See required documentsBook an appointment
Contact your town hall and arrange an appointment to apply for naturalisation.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book a Dutch naturalisation appointment at the town hall in your city?”
Go to your appointment
Bring your original documents and any required copies and translations to the town hall.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “What should I bring to my Dutch naturalisation appointment at the town hall in your city?”
Fill in the application
Fill in the naturalisation application with the town hall employee. Sign the statements about making the declaration of solidarity and giving up your current citizenship.
See how to applySearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in and sign a Dutch naturalisation application at the town hall?”
Hand in your application
Hand in your application and documents at the town hall and pay the fee there. Ask the town hall how you can pay.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit and pay for Dutch naturalisation at the town hall in your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for a written decision from the Dutch immigration service and send any extra information it asks for. You can follow your application through My IND.
Follow your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I follow my Dutch naturalisation application in My IND?”
Attend the citizenship ceremony
After approval, wait for your town hall’s invitation, attend the ceremony and make the declaration of solidarity. You then become a Dutch citizen and can apply for a Dutch passport or identity card.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I attend a Dutch naturalisation ceremony at the town hall in your city?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Marriage or partnership certificate* *
Get your marriage certificate or registered partnership certificate from the office that issued it. Bring the original.
* Only if you apply abroad or your marriage or partnership is not recorded in the Dutch population register.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationProof of living together* *
Get a population register record showing that you lived with your Dutch spouse or registered partner for three years. If you cannot get one, bring evidence such as a rental contract or bank statements showing both your names and shared address.
* Only if the registers do not fully show that you lived together for three years.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationPartner's citizenship records* *
Bring your Dutch spouse or registered partner's Dutch passport or identity card, or proof of their Dutch citizenship from a Dutch municipality. Ask the municipality for a record if you need one.
* Only if your partner's Dutch citizenship cannot be checked from Dutch records or your application.
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
MVV naar Nederland 🇳🇱
Facebook group for people interested in Dutch citizenship and visas (English & Dutch)
Request to joinExpats 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 FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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