Renouncing Dutch nationality

What is it?

When you want to renounce Dutch nationality, you can make a declaration at the municipality. By doing so, you relinquish the right to a Dutch passport. If you renounce Dutch citizenship, your minor children will also lose Dutch citizenship. Unless your partner retains the Dutch nationality.

How does it work?

You can only waive if:

  • you are of age
  • you have dual nationality

What to do.

A waiver must be made in person. Only if physical or psychological causes make it impossible for you to come, can you authorize someone to make the declaration on your behalf.

  • The municipality reviews your statement made in accordance with applicable regulations and determines whether your statement has legal effect.
  • If your declaration results in a change of nationality, this will be changed in the Basic Registration of Persons (BRP).

What do I need?

  • your valid ID
  • all travel documents in your possession
  • proof that you hold another nationality in addition to Dutch citizenship

Additional information

You can also lose your Dutch nationality in other ways:

  • You have voluntarily changed your nationality.
  • You committed fraud in an application to become a Dutch citizen by option or naturalization. You will then lose your Dutch nationality.
  • You have been convicted of a crime against the Dutch state. You will then lose your Dutch nationality.

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