Nationality of Netherlands: all obtaining pathways
Dutch naturalization requires five years of continuous residence with a valid permit and civic integration passed at A2 level, with renunciation of the previous nationality except for exceptions. Marriage or a registered union allows acquisition by option, and acquisition by descent follows ius sanguinis.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Adult (18 years or older)
- Lawful and uninterrupted residence for 5 years in the Kingdom of the Netherlands (NL, Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten or the Caribbean Netherlands) with a valid residence permit at all times
- Always extending the residence permit on time
- Civic integration exam (inburgering) passed
- Renouncing the current nationality (exceptions: refugees, stateless persons, origin-country rules)
- No threat to public order
Documentation
- Valid passport or travel document
- Birth certificate from the country of origin (legalized and translated)
- Valid residence permit
- Civic integration diploma or exemption certificate
- Declaration of will to renounce the previous nationality
2Naturalization by option (marriage or registered union)
Naturalization by option (marriage or registered union)
Requirements
- Adult and lawful residence in the Kingdom of the Netherlands (or abroad with the spouse, if the spouse serves there)
- Marriage or registered partnership with a Dutch citizen for ≥3 years
- Continuous cohabitation during those 3 years
- Renunciation of the previous nationality (with exceptions)
- Valid residence permit
Documentation
- Marriage or registered union certificate
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate (legalized and translated)
- Valid residence permit
3Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Dutch citizen at the time of birth
- For a child of a Dutch father and an unmarried foreign mother: acknowledgment before age 7 or proof of paternity
- Children born abroad to a Dutch parent who was also born abroad may lose the nationality if they do not reside in the Netherlands before age 25
Documentation
- Birth certificate of the Dutch parent
- Birth certificate of the applicant
- Where applicable, proof of acknowledgment before age 7
4Nationality by birth in the territory (limited ius soli)
Nationality by birth in the territory (limited ius soli)
Requirements
- Born in the Netherlands to foreign parents
- If the parents are stateless: the child may acquire Dutch nationality
- For third-generation children: if at least one parent was born in the Netherlands and held legal residence at the time of birth
Documentation
- Dutch birth certificate
- Proof that the parents are stateless or third-generation
- Parents' residence documents
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Netherlands
How many years of residence does Netherlands require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Netherlands (Naturalization by residence), the term is 5 years of lawful and uninterrupted residence in the Kingdom of the Netherlands with a valid permit. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Netherlands allow dual nationality?
Renouncing the current nationality (exceptions: refugees, stateless persons, origin-country rules)
How much does the nationality of Netherlands cost?
The official fee referenced in the fact sheet is 1,139 EUR (individual); 847 EUR (asylum/stateless). Check the linked official source on each pathway in case it has changed.
Can the nationality of Netherlands be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization by option pathway (3 years of marriage/registered partnership with a Dutch citizen and continuous cohabitation (no general minimum residence period); with a referenced cost of 241 EUR (individual)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Netherlands require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Valid passport or travel document; Birth certificate from the country of origin (legalized and translated); Valid residence permit; Civic integration diploma or exemption certificate; Declaration of will to renounce the previous nationality.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Netherlands?
Netherlands provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Naturalization by option, Nationality by descent, Nationality by birth in the territory.
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Anything to correct or add about Netherlands?
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