Naturalisation

To qualify for naturalisation, you must meet several strict criteria regarding your residency, integration, and legal standing.

• Residency Duration: You must have lived in the Kingdom of the Netherlands (including the Caribbean territories of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten) for at least 5 consecutive years with a valid residence permit.
  • The 3-Year Exception: This requirement is reduced to 3 years if you have been married to, or in a registered partnership with, a Dutch citizen for at least 3 years and have lived together during that entire period.
  • The Partner Exception: You may also qualify after 3 years if you have lived together with an unmarried Dutch partner for 3 consecutive years.
• Permit Type: You must hold a non-temporary residence permit (such as for work, family reunification, or permanent residence) at the time of application. Time spent on "temporary" permits, such as those for study or medical treatment, generally does not count toward the 5-year residency requirement.
• Integration: You must demonstrate your integration into Dutch society by passing the Civic Integration Exam (Inburgeringsexamen). As of 2026, the required Dutch language level remains A2, though you should verify if your specific integration track under the Wet Inburgering 2021 requires a higher level.
• Criminal Record: You must have a "clean" record for the 5 years preceding your application. This means no prison sentences, community service orders, or high fines (specifically, no single fine of €810 or more, and no series of fines totaling €1,215 or more).
• Renunciation: The Netherlands generally follows a "single nationality" principle. You must be prepared to renounce your current nationality unless you fall under a specific exception (see below).