Eligibility quiz
Are you married to or in a registered partnership with a Dutch citizen?
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 for the place where you live in the Netherlands.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where is the town hall for your city in the Netherlands for the citizenship option procedure?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the documents the town hall asks for.
See required documentsBook an appointment
Contact your town hall and book an appointment for the citizenship option procedure.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book a Netherlands citizenship option procedure appointment at the town hall in your city?”
Fill in the form
At your appointment, complete and sign the option form with a town hall employee.
See how to applySearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I complete the Netherlands citizenship option form at my town hall?”
Hand in your application
Bring your original documents and copies to the appointment, sign the willingness declaration and any other declarations that apply to you, and hand in your application. Pay the fee to the town hall at the appointment; ask which payment methods it accepts.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Netherlands citizenship option application at the town hall in your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the town hall's decision letter and respond if it asks for more documents. If your application is refused, follow the instructions in the letter to challenge the decision.
See how longSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does the Netherlands citizenship option procedure take at a town hall?”
Attend the ceremony
If your application is approved, follow the town hall's instructions and attend the ceremony within one year of the positive decision. Make the Declaration of Solidarity there; you then become Dutch and can apply for a Dutch passport.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I attend the Netherlands citizenship ceremony after the option procedure at the town hall in your city?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Bring your birth certificate and, if a child under 18 is included in your application, the child’s birth certificate. If a certificate is already registered with your municipality, you normally do not need to obtain it again from abroad.
Marriage or partnership certificate
Bring the official certificate of your marriage to, or registered partnership with, your Dutch spouse or partner. Bring the original and a copy.
Proof of living together *
Bring the evidence your municipality or consulate asks for to show that you and your Dutch spouse or registered partner lived together for at least three years. Ask the office which records it accepts.
* Only if your municipality or consulate asks for evidence that you lived together.
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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