Citizenship through Option Procedure (Optieprocedure)

The Option Procedure (Optieprocedure) is a simplified "fast-track" for Dutch citizenship. Unlike the standard naturalization process, you do not apply through the national immigration office (IND). Instead, you handle the entire process through your local town hall.

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility

Before booking an appointment, confirm you fall into one of the specific categories, such as being born in the Kingdom, being a senior resident (65+) with 15 years of residency, or being married to a Dutch citizen for 15 years while living in the Netherlands for that same period. Ensure you have no criminal fines of €810 or more in the last 5 years.

Step 2: Update Your BRP Record

Your birth certificate and, if applicable, your marriage certificate must be registered in the Basisregistratie Personen (BRP), which is the Personal Records Database. If you haven't done this yet, you must provide original documents, potentially with an Apostille (a stamp for international document recognition) or legalization, and a sworn translation if they are not in Dutch, English, French, or German.

Step 3: Schedule a Municipality Appointment

Contact the Civil Affairs (Burgerzaken) department of the municipality where you live to schedule an "Option Procedure" appointment. You must attend this appointment in person.

Step 4: Sign the Option Statement and Declaration

During your appointment, you will complete two critical tasks:

1. Sign the Option Statement, which is your formal request to become a Dutch citizen.
2. Sign the Declaration of Solidarity (Verklaring van verbondenheid), confirming you will respect the laws and freedoms of the Netherlands.

Step 5: Pay the Fees

You must pay the application fee immediately at the municipality desk. Most offices prefer payment via debit card (PIN). Your application will not be processed until payment is received.

Step 6: Receive the Decision

The Mayor of your municipality will review your file. Because this is a simplified process, the decision is made locally rather than by the King. You will receive a letter within 13 weeks notifying you of the outcome.

Step 7: Attend the Citizenship Ceremony

If approved, you are required to attend a Citizenship Ceremony (Naturalisatieceremonie). This is a mandatory event where you receive your official certificate of Dutch citizenship. You must attend within one year of the decision, or the grant of citizenship will expire.

Step 8: Apply for Your Passport

Wait 5 working days after your ceremony for the BRP to be updated with your new nationality. You can then return to your municipality to apply for a Dutch passport or ID card.

Total Estimate: €231 for an individual. Does not include: Costs for obtaining original birth/marriage certificates from your home country, sworn translation fees, Apostille or legalization fees, or the cost of the Dutch passport/ID card itself (applied for after the process is complete).

• Decision Period: The municipality is legally required to issue a decision within 13 weeks. This may be extended by an additional 13 weeks if the municipality requires more information or further investigation.
• Ceremony Timing: Ceremonies are held periodically; you will usually be invited within 1 to 3 months after your approval.
• Passport Issuance: Once you apply for your passport after the ceremony, it typically takes 5 working days to be ready for pickup.
• Document Validity: Ensure your foreign passport and Dutch residence permit are valid for the entire duration of the 13 to 26-week processing window.