Eligibility Quiz
In the last 5 years, have you received a prison sentence or a fine of €810 or more?
Requirements
Eligibility for the option procedure is restricted to specific groups. You do not need to take the Inburgeringsexamen (civic integration exam) for most of these categories, but you must meet one of the following thresholds:
- Born in the Kingdom: You are an adult born in the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, or Sint Maarten, and you have lived there continuously with a valid residence permit since birth.
- Long-term Residents (The "Double 15"): You are an adult who has lived in the Netherlands lawfully for at least 15 consecutive years and have been married to (or in a registered partnership with) the same Dutch citizen for at least the last 15 consecutive years.
- Senior Residents: You are aged 65 or older and have lived in the Netherlands lawfully for at least 15 consecutive years.
- Former Dutch Citizens: You previously held Dutch citizenship and have lived in the Netherlands for at least one year with a valid residence permit.
- Stateless Persons: You were born in the Netherlands, have been stateless since birth, and have lived in the Netherlands lawfully for at least 3 years.
- Minors: Children who have been acknowledged by a Dutch citizen and have lived in the Netherlands for at least 3 years.
Disqualifiers
Even if you meet the residency requirements, you will be disqualified if:
- Criminal Record: You have received a fine of €810 or more, or a prison sentence, in the 5 years preceding your application.
- Public Order: You are deemed a threat to national security or public order.
Conditions & Warnings
Ensure your birth certificate is legalized and registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP) before applying, or the municipality cannot process the request.
While the Netherlands may allow dual nationality under this procedure, your country of origin (e.g., Japan, South Korea) may automatically strip your original citizenship upon acquiring Dutch nationality.
Qualifications
Generally exempt from the civic integration exam (Inburgeringsexamen) required for naturalization.
Fees
€231 for a single person; €395 for couples; €26 per minor child.
Program Details
The Netherlands is on our roadmap
We can notify you when we're ready to support the Netherlands.
Key Developments
Application fees for the Dutch citizenship option procedure increased to €241 for a single person and €412 for a joint application with a partner.
ind.nl ↗Former Dutch citizens who lost their nationality as minors can now use the option procedure to regain it after living in the Netherlands for just one year with a valid residence permit.
ind.nl ↗The "Latent Dutch" option route was clarified to ensure that children born to Dutch mothers before 1985 can acquire citizenship regardless of their current place of residence, provided they meet specific historical lineage criteria.
ind.nl ↗