Citizenship / Naturalization in Netherlands
2 documented routes of this kind in Netherlands, each with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Naturalisation
Dutch citizenship by naturalisation after five years' residence, applied for in person at the municipality, with an A2 civic integration requirement and generally renunciation of prior nationality.
- Processing time
- Within 12 months (clock starts once fees are paid)
- Validity
- Permanent (citizenship)
- Language requirement
- Civic integration diploma at A2 or higher (or exemption certificate)
- Citizenship
- 5 consecutive years of lawful residence
Requirements
- Aged 18 or older
- 5 consecutive years of lawful residence
- Civic integration diploma at A2 (or exemption)
- Generally renounce current nationality (exceptions apply)
Required Documents
- Valid passport/travel document required
- Birth certificate from country of origin required
- Civic integration diploma at A2 (or exemption certificate) required
- Proof of residence required
- For children: passport/birth certificate/residence documents
Official fees
- Naturalisation fee (single, 2026) 1,139 EUR
- Naturalisation fee (joint with partner, 2026) 1,454 EUR
- Co-naturalising minor child (2026) 168 EUR
Process Steps
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1
Check requirements
Confirm eligibility at the municipality (gemeente).
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2
Gather documents
Assemble passport, birth certificate, A2 diploma, and residence proof.
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3
Apply and pay
Apply in person and pay the fee at the municipality.
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4
Await decision
Decision within 12 months.
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5
Attend ceremony
Attend the mandatory naturalisation ceremony within 1 year of the positive decision and make the Declaration of Solidarity.
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6
Apply for passport
Apply for a Dutch passport/ID.
Official Sources
Option Procedure for Dutch Citizenship
Faster, cheaper route to Dutch citizenship for specific categories (e.g. born in the Kingdom, descent-based, former Dutch), with no civic integration exam.
- Processing time
- Municipality has 13 weeks, extendable once by a further 13 weeks
- Validity
- Permanent (citizenship)
- Language requirement
- No civic integration exam required
- Citizenship
- Depends on the option category (no general 5-year exam requirement)
Requirements
- Falls within a specific option category (e.g. born in the Kingdom, descent-based, former Dutch)
- Valid passport/travel document
- Residence permit (EU/EEA/Swiss exempt)
Required Documents
- Valid passport/travel document required
- Birth certificate required
- Residence permit (EU/EEA/Swiss exempt)
- Evidence of the specific option category required
- Parental consent for included children if only one parent applies
Official fees
- Option fee (single, 2026) 241 EUR
- Option fee (joint with partner, 2026) 412 EUR
- Co-opting minor child (2026) 27 EUR
Process Steps
-
1
Check eligibility category
Confirm you fall within a recognised option category.
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2
Gather documents
Assemble passport, birth certificate, and category evidence.
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3
Apply and pay
Apply and pay at the municipality where you live.
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4
Await decision
Decision within 13 weeks (extendable once by 13 weeks).
-
5
Royal Decree and ceremony
Following the Royal Decree, attend the ceremony within 1 year and make the Declaration of Solidarity.
-
6
Apply for passport
Apply for a Dutch passport/ID.