On 13 March 2023 a consultation was started regarding the bill to amend the Netherlands Nationality Act (RWN). The consultation is ending on 15 May 2023. Anyone may and can respond to the bill until that date.

The bill introduces an option procedure for former Dutch nationals who had dual nationality but lost their Dutch citizenship after 1 April 2003 due to the ten-year loss period. This option right can be invoked abroad until two years after the bill has come into effect. Applicants do not need to relinquish their other nationality/nationalities. Former Dutch nationals who lost their Dutch nationality because they have obtained another nationality and former Dutch nationals who lost their Dutch nationality before 1 April 2003 are excluded from this option procedure.

At the same time the bill introduces an obligation to relinquish other nationality/nationalities for former Dutch citizens who want to make use of another option procedure. This concerns former Dutch nationals who acquired Dutch citizenship through naturalisation, then relinquished their Dutch nationality themselves and consequently submit an option request to regain Dutch nationality (previously with retention of their own nationality). It is, therefore, becoming more difficult- if not impossible- for (mainly) expats in the Netherlands to acquire dual nationality.

On 13 April 2023 Everaert Advocaten submitted a critical response to the bill because it does not do justice to the promise in the Coalition Agreement to modernise Dutch nationality law. You can find our response here (in Dutch).

As soon as there is any news on the bill, you will be able to read it here.

If you have any questions regarding the bill, dual nationality, or your Dutch citizenship position, please contact Hermie de Voer or Mirjam den Besten.