Becoming a Dutch citizen through naturalization

How does it work?

If you want to become a Dutch citizen through naturalization, you can apply to the municipality.

Check out the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) Requirements in advance. This way you will be well prepared.

What to do.

  • You make an appointment with the municipality at tel: (0475) 85 90 00 to submit the application.
  • You can apply for your minor children living in the Netherlands at the same time.
  • You pay the fees immediately or within 6 weeks of submitting the application.
  • You fill out a form saying you want to make the "declaration of commitment. Children under 16 do not have to do this.
  • You will be notified automatically whether you become a Dutch citizen.

Naturalization ceremony visits

Will you be naturalized as a Dutch citizen? Then you will receive an invitation from the municipality for the naturalization ceremony. You are required to participate in the ceremony. You will only become a Dutch citizen if you make the declaration of commitment at the ceremony. With this you say that you know that the laws of the Kingdom of the Netherlands also apply to you. At the ceremony, you will receive the decree stating that you have become a Dutch citizen.

What do I need?

  • your residence permit
  • your valid passport
  • your birth certificate
  • the integration diploma (or equivalent)

If you are married or registered partner or you live with a Dutch partner, you must prove this with one of the following documents:

  • marriage certificate
  • certificate of registered partnership
  • proof that you live together with a Dutch partner for 3 years or more

Note!

  • The municipality must be able to see that foreign documents are genuine. This can be done by legalizing the documents. Ask the municipality in advance if this is necessary.
  • Foreign documents must be in Dutch, English, French or German. If they are not, first have the documents translated by a translator who is sworn in the Netherlands.

What does it cost?

On the Immigration and Naturalization Service website you can read what a naturalization costs.

How long does it take?

It takes up to 1 year before you know whether you become a Dutch citizen. The IND can extend this period a maximum of 2 times by six months.

Objecting

Do you disagree with the decision? Then you can file an objection with the IND.

Additional information

If you gave false information or withheld important information, you may lose your Dutch citizenship again.

As a result, you may become stateless.

What is it?

As a foreign national, you can obtain Dutch nationality. One way is through naturalization. Naturalization means obtaining the Dutch nationality.