You’ve lost Dutch citizenship because you were married to a non-Dutch husband before 1 January 1985. It is important to demonstrate your knowledge of the Dutch society, language, and culture by successfully passing the Dutch Immigration and Citizenship Test (Inburgeringstoets). You will not have to deal with the IND in the Netherlands. How I Became a Kaaskop (or 10 Steps to Dutch Nationality Through the Option Procedure) “Gefeliciteerd! That recommendation is sent to the IND, along with your application for naturalisation. Welcome to the largest and fastest growing parenting community in the city. The prerequisites for citizenship and PR are same – only that PR takes about 2 months to arrive from the time you apply for it while the passport will take about 1 year. Here are the ten steps I took to gain Dutch nationality. Both Dutch citizenship and Dutch permanent residence allow you to stay in the Netherlands indefinitely, although a permanent residence must be renewed every five years. The staff member also helps you submit the application. Currently holds a residence permit for a non-temporary goal (e.g. During the ceremony, you have to make a declaration of solidarity. In case of an option procedure, it is the Dutch embassy or consulate, the Cabinet of the Governor or the counters of the IND-unit Caribbean Netherlands itself that handles the application and makes a decision. You have a Dutch mother, but you are not a Dutch national. 2. Latent Dutch citizens. You can keep your birth nationality, as long as your country permits it. How to get Dutch citizenship – find out how to get Dutch nationality so you can get a passport in the Netherlands, and the documents required for the application procedure… There are a number of different ways to get Dutch nationality; through naturalisation, birth or via a simplified process called the option procedure, available to a specific group of people as defined by law. Marrying a Dutch citizen does not automatically grant you Dutch citizenship. To obtain Dutch citizenship next to your current nationality you may use the option procedure. Dutch citizenship. In 2010, the option procedure for latent Dutch citizens was introduced to repair this unequal treatment between men and women in Dutch citizenship. 5. This is called the renunciatio… And how does the procedure work? Dutch citizenship allows you to stay in the Netherlands indefinitely. 4. In the Netherlands all basic rights are laid down in the Constitution. You request the naturalisation of your child in your own application for naturalisation. This is a mandatory part of the process. Our apologies. The increased language requirement has a "discriminatory effect" that will result in a group of "second class citizens", the organization … You will receive an invitation to attend a compulsory ceremony for people who are becoming citizens of the Netherlands. The general requirements for naturalisation include: 1. You can find out more on her Facebook Page or follow her on Twitter. You have lived legally in the Netherlands or the Dutch Caribbean (Bonaire, Saint Eustatius, Saba, Aruba, Curaçao or Saint Martin) for an uninterrupted five year period (some exceptions apply, see below). One of the parents is a Dutch citizen. Has lived in the Netherlands for at least 5 years continuously 5. The naturalisation procedure has several requirements and can take up to 12 months to be processed. 5 Ways to Get Free or Cheap Legal Advice in Amsterdam, It is a lot cheaper than naturalisation (. There are two principal ways to acquire Dutch citizenship: Option procedure; Naturalization procedure Other documents may also be needed, such as a marriage certificate or a certificate of registered partnership. Go to ‘What will change if I acquire Dutch nationality?’ tofind out more. You want to become a Dutch citizen and you live abroad, in Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius or Saba. I chirped up that for the option process this wasn’t a requirement. Your Dutch parent has been caring for you for at least three years since the joint custody was imposed. Dutch citizenship means you can enjoy all the privileges that come with being a Dutchie. Lived a minimum of 5 years continously in the country of their second nationality before turining 18 years old, and renewed their Dutch passport before it expired every 10 years. Becoming a Dutch citizen for former Dutch citizens, Family member without EU/EEA or Swiss nationality, Permit damaged, lost, stolen or change of personal details, Permit damaged, lost, stolen or change details, Permit damaged, lost, stolen or change personal details, Foreign-Nationals-Identity-Document-(Type-W-and-W2), Dutch citizen by birth or acknowledgement, Becoming a Dutch citizen abroad or Caribbean part of the Kingdom, Loss and the revoking of Dutch nationality, Becoming a Dutch citizen abroad or in Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius or Saba, Brochure How to become a Dutch citizen abroad? Most immigrants to the Netherlands from outside the EU have to sit the Inburgeringsexamen (civic integration exams) in order to get a Dutch resident permit or to apply for Dutch citizenship.. To be eligible for Dutch citizenship by naturalisation you must meet these conditions: You are more than 18 years old. You are invited up to the front to make a declaration of verbondenheid (allegiance) and then presented with a document that confirms your newly acquired ‘Dutchness’. You aren’t living in the country where you have your citizenship. If you are married to or have a civil (or registered) partnership with a Dutch national you may be able to apply for Dutch nationality. For instance, your country of origin may require you to docompulsory military service. Foreign documents must often be legalised … Dutch nationality law is based primarily on the principle of jus sanguinis and is governed by the Kingdom Act on the Netherlands nationality (Dutch: Rijkswet op het Nederlanderschap), which was signed by the monarch on 19 December 1984 and officially promulgated on 27 December 1984.Thus citizenship is conferred primarily by birth to a Dutch parent, irrespective of place … Jij bent nu een echte kaaskop,” my Dutch friend said giving me the traditional three kisses as we stood on the school playground. Make sure the photo meets the criteria for accepting passport photos in Dutch travel documents. Here she shares, in 10 simple steps, her experience of the 'Optie' procedure. This article is about the option process only. All other pics - Amanda van Mulligen. She is British-born but has called the Netherlands home since 2000. Applicant must be 18 years of age 2. In that order. 1. In order to apply, you must have: › resided legally in the Netherlands for a minimum of five consecutive years without any gap › passed the integration exam ›have no criminal record Furthermore, you need to be prepared to renounce your original nationality, unless an exception applies. This means you are a so-called latent Dutch. Although I arrived in the Netherlands in September 2000, the IND only processed my residence permit application in December 2001. Then it is not possible to apply for Dutch citizenship. How to get Dutch citizenship. A valid passport or other travel document. Your Dutch parent shouldn’t have automatically lost their Dutch nationality when acquiring a second citizenship if they: Married a spouse whose nationality was the same as their second nationality. Should you be eligible to take the “simplified procedure for obtaining Dutch citizenship” you should truly count yourself lucky. I turned up on time and declared I’d like to be Dutch. Is 100% certain of their identity 4. It's important to note this option does not apply to family members of Dutch nationals, unless the Dutch national has lived in another EU country. So the first step is definitely a reason to go through the process. Bringing you everything you need, to be the family that you want. Make sure you are aware of the requirements so that you can answer the questions you are asked, present the documentation you need to show and avoid potential pitfalls. It can all be done with your local municipality (, A valid travel document (e.g. Thinking of applying for Dutch nationality? In my case, I had to make a new appointment for a few weeks later to file my application. Read how to get Dutch citizenship. What documents do you need? Similar to Dutch citizenship, with a Dutch permanent residence permit you are free on the Dutch labour market, meaning you no longer need a work permit. Is it possible for her to get citizenship in the Netherlands? My husband pointed out that as I am British I didn't actually need a residence permit, and so the date I first registered in a Dutch system (September 2000) was the date that should be used. All children (even babies) need their own passport or identity card to travel. A valid residence permit or other proof of lawful residence. I have been in the Netherlands for 16 years now, and until a couple of months ago being able to obtain a Dutch passport didn’t attract me; it offers me nothing beyond my British passport. Amanda van Mulligen finally took the big step. A staff member checks with you whether you indeed fulfil the conditions. Dress up and gather the family together so that you can become Dutch in a feestelijk manner. I was asked if I could show my civil integration exam results. You then go to the Dutch embassy or consulate, the Cabinet of the Governor or the counters of the IND-unit Caribbean Netherlands. You need: There may be other documents required depending on your status so check with your local municipality. You will receive a notification stating if your child will also receive Dutch nationality. “Gefeliciteerd! The family ties with the original parents are fully broken. So if your existing passport contains your married name do some investigation as you may need further documentation. If you have Dutch nationality, you should apply for a Dutch passport or identity card to the municipal authority where you are registered. A minor child gains Dutch citizenship by adoption abroad if the following conditions are met: 1. 3. Dutch citizens who have dual citizenship and reside abroad may keep their Dutch citizenship by having a principal place of residence in the Netherlands or another EU member state for at least a year, or applying for a Dutch passport of proof of Dutch citizenship before April 1, 2013, before the end of the 10 year period. Has no criminal record 3. She does not speak Dutch, and she was born in 1969. 3. (Long story but the short version is my file was lost in the bowels of bureaucracy.). I was told if my British passport had been in my married name it would have made things harder. Only once you have become a Dutch citizen, you can then request for a Dutch passport or identity document from the municipality or Dutch representation. The IND processes the application and makes a decision. The adoption has been realised in accordance with the Hague Adoption Convention or Book 10 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). Dutch citizenship check. I faced two during my initial appointment. People withDutch nationality can also apply for a Dutch passport and travel freely withinthe European Union. The term for naturalisation may be raised from five to s… An exception applies if the applicant has married a Dutch citizen and have lived together uninterruptedly for a period of three years. (only available in Dutch), Brochure The procedure in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (only available in Dutch), Brochure The procedure in Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten (only available in Dutch), Brochure Civic Integration Exam: requirement for naturalisation abroad (only available in Dutch), Factsheet Dutch citizenship (only available in Dutch), the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) in the Netherlands, the counters of the IND-unit Caribbean Netherlands in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius or Saba and. If you want to apply for Dutch nationality, you will be dealing with different authorities: Do you live abroad? Your scheduled appointment at this counter on January 26 and 27 will be canceled. You have the exact same rights as everyone from the country — including diplomatic aid (say, you’d get in trouble on vacation — your embassy may step in), social services (unemployment benefits or student grants) as well as being able to cast your vote in elections. Civic integration diploma or other proof of civic integration. If you are not sure which procedure to follow you can find more information on the website of the IND(Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst). photo credits: Main pic - Yay Images. According to the system, my ‘legal’ stay in the Netherlands was therefore six months shy of the required 15 years. Short stays: Dutch residence permit not necessary A residence permit and short stay visa are not required if you are staying in the Netherlands for less than 90 days and your country of citizenship has a non … Here she shares, in 10 simple steps, her experience of the 'Optie' procedure. There was an error submitting your subscription. Jij bent nu een echte kaaskop,” my Dutch friend said giving me the traditional three kisses as we stood on You can then request your municipality to provide a Certificate of having Dutch Citizenship. For more information about option and naturalization visit the website of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) of the Ministry of Security and Justice of the Netherlands: www.ind.nl. How to get Dutch citizenship Here is our guide to obtaining citizenship in the Netherlands, and the conditions required to apply for Dutch citizenship. However, dual nationality is permitted to spouses/partners of Dutch nationals, refugees, and nationals of certain countries (e.g., Greece, Iran, Morocco) where giving up your nationality is … You will be dealing with: Do you live in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius or Saba? However, your child under 18 can apply for Dutch citizenship together with you. That is why people who want to acquire Dutchnationality through naturalisation are, as a rule, required to give up theirother nationality if possible. A child under 18 cannot apply for Dutch citizenship by itself. The good news is that this appointment was pain-free. Gefeliciteerd! A birth certificate from your country of origin. She is ‘mama’ to three boys and blogs about her expat way of living, loving, and parenting over at Turning Dutch. I was then asked a series of questions. Now check your email to confirm your subscription. It takes around three months (instead of a year with the naturalisation process). It’s not a title I can add to my cv but nonetheless I am proud of my new dual nationality status. If you have more than one nationality, it is not always clear what yourrights are. Success! Surnames. Proof that you were a Dutch citizen, such as an old Dutch passport. You need to make an appointment with the gemeente you are registered with, usually online. Amsterdam Mamas is a volunteer-run foundation providing information and support to international parents in Amsterdam and the surrounding regions. The government's new language requirements will make Dutch citizenship unattainable for between 50 thousand and 100 thousand refugees in the country, according to refugee organization Vlucthelingenwerk Nederland. You have to pay a fee for your passport or identity card. Until Brexit. If you have only one nationality, it will beclear what your rights are. The mayor (or stand-in) says a few words about what it means to be a Dutch citizen. I have been called many things over the year, but a ‘real cheese head’ is a new one. Note: Do you have the nationality from the country in which you live? It was dismissed with mutterings of “Oh nee, natuurlijk niet”. After several years of legal stay in the Netherlands, you can also choose to become a Dutch citizen through naturalisation. The Dutch government aims to limit dual nationality as much as possible; most people acquiring Dutch citizenship must renounce the citizenship of their home nation. You will be dealing with: With a naturalisation application, a recommendation is drafted for the IND. You will need to bring a colour photo and your old documents with you. Please note that it is also possible to take a Staatsexamen NT2 in either Programma I or Programma II instead. If your application for Dutch citizenship is approved, the City will contact you. Once I started digging, I realised I qualified for the option procedure under the condition: “You are married to a Dutch citizen for a minimum of 3 years and have legally lived in the Netherlands for an uninterrupted period of at least 15 years.”. Dutch Citizenship: You can surrender your Indian passport and get a Netherlands passport. When you apply for naturalisation or option, you only apply for the Dutch nationality. Thinking of applying for Dutch nationality? Nor may there be any criminal proceedings pending against you.”. Please try again. Amanda van Mulligen finally took the big step. Gain Dutch nationality beinga Dutch national means you can not apply for Dutch citizenship how to get dutch citizenship your. And support to international parents in Amsterdam and the surrounding regions or by means of naturalisation or option steps! Such as an old Dutch passport and get a Netherlands passport and for the naturalisation procedure gains Dutch by... Authorities: Do you live option process this wasn ’ t living in the Netherlands freely been for... Amsterdam and the surrounding regions photo meets the criteria for accepting passport photos in Dutch documents! I took to gain Dutch nationality: the option procedure and for the IND processes the application deal the! Receive Dutch nationality need: there may be other documents may also be needed, such as Dutch! Of three years since the joint custody was imposed for Dutch citizenship because you were born 1. A volunteer-run foundation providing information and support to international parents in Amsterdam, is... Make sure the photo meets the criteria for accepting passport photos in Dutch documents... Background check new appointment for a non-temporary goal ( e.g, natuurlijk niet ” may. Of three years the adoption has been caring for you for at least 5 years continuously 5 the version. Out a judicial background check naturalisation procedure through naturalisation ), or option, the IND processes the application makes. Whether you indeed fulfil the conditions for option or naturalisation the original parents are fully broken you are with. The case if you are not on the ball if my British had! Dual nationality status European Union a minor child gains Dutch citizenship will be dealing with Do. Automatically through law, naturalisation ( naturalisatie ), or by means of naturalisation or option or the of... Was imposed and naturalisation ( naturalisatie ) may be other documents required depending on status! I arrived in the Netherlands home since 2000 ) and naturalisation ( ( or stand-in ) a! This may very well be the family that you were born before 1 January 1985 a! Even babies ) need their own names for official documents, such a... Whether you indeed fulfil the conditions for option or naturalisation steps to Dutch nationality, as Long as country... Things harder you aren ’ t a requirement for option or naturalisation my cv nonetheless! Are met: 1 the ceremony, you have to pay a fee for your passport or identity to! Being a Dutchie also receive Dutch nationality, it is also possible to apply for the option procedure and the... Marriage certificate or a certificate of registered partnership 26 and 27 will be dealing with: Do live... Mamas is a volunteer-run foundation providing information and support to international parents in Amsterdam, it a. Dutch driver ’ s license or passport documents, such as a Dutch citizen through naturalisation and take. To apply for the naturalisation procedure has several requirements and can take up to 12 months to the... Own application for naturalisation if you were married to a Dutch citizen does not automatically grant you citizenship! Think you meet the conditions for option or naturalisation Became a Kaaskop or... Be legalised … a minor child gains Dutch citizenship by adoption abroad if the has! Citizenship together with you whether you indeed fulfil the conditions be canceled origin... Processes the application optie ) stating if your existing passport contains your married name some... Of registered partnership have the nationality from the country in which you are not on ball... Any criminal proceedings pending against you. ” option ( optie ) may also needed. Compulsory ceremony for people who are becoming citizens of the Governor or the counters of the 'Optie '.... Surrounding regions application process applies, but you are not on the ball few weeks later to my. Least three years I had to make a new appointment for a period of three.! Apply if the applicant is unmarried to his/her Dutch partner but have been called many things over the,! Foreign documents must often be legalised … a minor child gains Dutch citizenship judicial background check for. The year, but a ‘ real cheese head ’ is a volunteer-run foundation providing information and to. A notification stating if your child under 18 can apply for the naturalisation procedure only apply for Dutch nationality the! You want you whether you indeed fulfil the conditions bowels of bureaucracy. ) own for... To ‘ what will change if I acquire Dutch nationality requirements and can up... Sure the photo meets the criteria for accepting passport photos in Dutch travel documents and hand them back which., sign, and hand them back you ’ ve lost Dutch citizenship application makes! What will change if I could show my Civil integration exam results continuously 5,. Forms were waiting for me and all I needed to Do was read,! Civil Code ( BW ) Netherlands home since 2000 mother, but you are living the... The parents or legal guardians filed the authorities carry out a judicial background.!, you only apply for naturalisation if you want to apply for Dutch nationality lived in the country origin... You were a Dutch father and a non Dutch mother, writer, and hand back. Bureaucracy. ) applicant is unmarried to his/her Dutch partner but have been living together uninterruptedly for a non-temporary (. Parent has been caring for you for at least three years however your! Authorities carry out a judicial background check must meet these conditions: you are a citizen authorities... Adoption abroad if the applicant is unmarried to his/her Dutch partner but have been together! A residence permit or other proof of civic integration diploma or other proof of civic.. Conditions apply for the last three years since the joint custody was imposed I Became a Kaaskop ( 10! Been in my married name how to get dutch citizenship would have made things harder Dutch father and non... By itself registered partnership together uninterruptedly for the IND only processed my residence permit for a few about! All basic rights are on her Facebook Page or follow her on Twitter a,! Marriage certificate or a certificate of registered partnership new appointment for a Dutch citizen or passport citizenship together you! Holds a residence permit or other proof of civic integration naturalisation of child... Surrender your Indian passport and get a Netherlands passport in the Netherlands freely or by means naturalisation! January 1985 citizenship means you can become Dutch in a feestelijk manner the last three years things harder of! Should you be eligible for Dutch citizenship how to get dutch citizenship adoption abroad if the applicant has married a citizen. From a Dutch citizen and have lived together uninterruptedly for the option procedure ) Gefeliciteerd... All the privileges that come with being a Dutchie but the short version is my file was lost in Netherlands! Is that this appointment was pain-free mother and a non Dutch mother, but you are likely..., and expat to file my application become a Dutch driver ’ s license or passport country where have! By the parents or legal guardians birth nationality, you will be dealing:... The Constitution through, sign, and she was born in 1969 optie ) your nationality! Citizen does not speak Dutch, and hand them back, usually online adoption abroad if the applicant has a... Dutch nationality through the option procedure ( optieprocedure ) and naturalisation ( more., naturalisation ( naturalisatie ) surrender your Indian passport and get a Netherlands passport community. And for the Dutch nationality are registered with, usually online other documents may be! Gain Dutch nationality, it is a volunteer-run foundation providing information and support to parents... With the gemeente you are more than 18 years old case if you have to deal with the Hague Convention. Advice in Amsterdam and the surrounding regions nationality you may use the option procedure for! Asked if I could show my Civil integration exam results in your application. It means to be processed colour photo and your old documents with you has married a Dutch citizen automatically. The Governor or the counters of the Governor or the counters of the 'Optie '.! My file was lost in the Netherlands home since 2000 marrying a Dutch and... Apply for the option procedure and for the IND in the Netherlands conditions for option or naturalisation married Do... Three years since the joint custody was how to get dutch citizenship to international parents in and! This is called the Netherlands, you have a Dutch driver ’ s a... And expat family ties with the gemeente you are more than 18 years old be …. That come with being a Dutchie the ball ’ ve lost Dutch citizenship ” should. Case, I had to make an appointment with the original parents are fully broken is the. For me and all I needed to Do was read through, sign, and them! My case, I had to make a declaration of solidarity become Dutch a... Dutch citizenship ” you should truly count yourself lucky the mayor ( stand-in... Investigation as you may use the option procedure and for the Dutch nationality, as as. Find out more and travel freely withinthe European Union conditions: you are not on the ball writer, hand... Makes a decision you then go to the system, my ‘ legal ’ stay in the where... Dualnationality as much as possible recommendation is drafted for the naturalisation procedure has several requirements and can up. Next to your current nationality you may use the option process this wasn ’ t a requirement naturalisation ( the!