Becoming Dutch by option
As a non-Dutchman, there are several ways you can become a Dutch citizen. The easiest way is to become a Dutch citizen by option. You will then submit a declaration to the municipality. On the website of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) you can check whether you meet the conditions.
What should you do?
- Check the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) website to see if you meet the requirements.
- Check that you are in possession of all the documents you need (see 'Bring').
- Make an appointment at the municipality.
- You pay the fee when you submit your request.
- You will be notified by the municipality whether you become a Dutch citizen.
Naturalization ceremony
Will you become a Dutch citizen by option or naturalization? Then you will receive an invitation from the municipality for the naturalization ceremony. You are obliged 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 confirmation that you have become a Dutch citizen. You may bring a maximum of 5 people with you to the ceremony.
Apply for passport after naturalization
This can be done 5 business days after you attend the naturalization ceremony.
Make an appointment
Call 14 079.
Change or cancel appointment?
Once you have made an appointment you will receive a confirmation email. This e-mail also contains a link that allows you to change or cancel your appointment yourself.
Do you no longer have the e-mail? Then call 14 079. A staff member can change or cancel the appointment for you.
Bring
To the appointment you bring with you:
- your residence permit
- your valid passport or other travel document
And the documents below (if you have not already shown them):
- your birth certificate
- Other documents about your personal situation (for example, a marriage or divorce certificate).
Note! The municipality must be able to see that foreign documents are genuine. Therefore, the documents must have legalization or apostille stamps (see the website of the Central Government, international and development cooperation - legalization of documents).
Foreign documents must be in Dutch, English, French or German. Is this not the case? Then you must first have the documents translated by a translator who is sworn in the Netherlands.
Cost
You pay the fee at the time of the appointment. At the front desk, you can only pay by debit or credit card.
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single option | € 217,00 |
| Common option | € 370,00 |
| Co-opting minor child | € 24,00 |
Price changes and typographical errors reserved.
How long will it take?
You will be notified by the mayor within 13 weeks. The mayor can extend this period once.
- If you meet all the conditions, the mayor will confirm your option statement. You will receive an invitation to the naturalization ceremony.
- If you do not meet the conditions, you cannot become a Dutch citizen. This decision is contained in a letter. This letter explains why you cannot become a Dutch citizen. You can object to this decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can my child obtain Dutch citizenship?
If the Dutch father acknowledges the child before birth or before age 7, the child automatically receives Dutch citizenship.
Does the father acknowledge the child after age 7? Then you must prove within 1 year that you are the biological father. This is done through a DNA test. This test must be done by a laboratory that meets the legal requirements.
More information about the laws and regulations can be found at Overheid.nl | Besluit DNA-onderzoek vaderschap.