There are 3 ways to obtain Dutch nationality: through naturalization, through an option procedure or through birth from a Dutch father or mother.
The Dutch Citizenship Act is complicated; whether and how you may acquire Dutch nationality is different in each individual case. Many rules and exceptions must be taken into account. Our nationality desk lawyers are experts in matters like naturalization, dual nationality and option procedures. They can advise you, assist with the application for Dutch citizenship or represent you during an objection appeal or confirmation procedure.
To diplomats, employees at a consulate or at an international organization (summarized as the privileged) other rules apply.
Loss of Dutch citizenship can occur automatically and in certain situations, you may not be immediately aware of it. Dutch citizenship can also be revoked.
Automatic loss of Dutch nationality may occur if you:
- obtain another nationality voluntarily
- live abroad for 10 years or longer with dual nationality and fail to timely renew your Dutch passport (e.g. within 10 years of the date of issuance of your last passport)
We urge you to contact one of our expert nationality lawyers for advice if this happened to you. Recovering Dutch nationality is a laborious process at best; in some cases, it may be impossible.
Changes in civic integration exam for naturalization from abroad
From July 1st 2019, the Dutch regulations concerning the naturalization exam from abroad have changed. These changes affect those who want to apply for Dutch citizenship from abroad and are planning to take the civic integration exam for naturalization at the Dutch consulate or embassy in their country of residence.
Read more ...Seminar on nationality law
On September 10th, 2019, a seminar on nationality law will be held in Antwerp, organized by the Migration law Foundation Netherlands (SMN) and the Specialist Association of Migration Lawyers (SVMA), in a collaboration with Everaert Advocaten.
Read more ...Judgment of the Court of Justice of the EU in Tjebbes case
The judgment of the European Court of Justice in the case Tjebbes and Others/ Minister for Foreign Affairs concerning automatic loss of Dutch citizenship has been published.
Read more ...Podcast: How to become a Dutch citizen
In this podcast, live since 9 January 2019, our partner and Dutch citizenship expert Hermie de Voer explains different ways to obtain Dutch nationality and dual citizenship. As a little nugget to conclude, there's a Brexit related case!
Read more ...Option and Naturalization Fees 2019
From 1 January 2019 new government fees will be applicable.
Read more ...Dutch law incompatible with EU law?
Minors, who possess dual nationality and live outside the EU for a substantial amount of time, may lose their Dutch nationality automatically when their parents fail to renew their Dutch passports on time.
Read more ...Successful dual citizenship case
The likelihood of obtaining dual citizenship in the Netherlands seems to be improving. If you can prove that by renouncing your original nationality you will suffer a substantial financial loss, in some cases you can keep your other passport.
Read more ...
