Becoming a Dutch citizen through naturalization

If you want to become a Dutch citizen through naturalization, you can apply to the municipality.

Check out the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) Requirements in advance. This way you will be well prepared.

• You go to the municipality and submit the application.
• You can apply for your minor children living in the Netherlands at the same time.
• You pay the cost.
• You fill out a form saying you will make the "declaration of affiliation. With this, you declare that you know that Dutch law applies to you as well. Children under 16 do not have to do this.
• You will be notified automatically whether you become a Dutch citizen.

If you are naturalized, you will receive an invitation from the municipality to an official meeting. This meeting is called the naturalization ceremony. You must participate in this. You will not become a Dutch citizen until you make the declaration of commitment at the ceremony. Then you will receive the decision stating that you have become a Dutch citizen.

Make an appointment

Make an appointment with a registrar. To do so, call the municipality at the general number 14 045. 

• your residence permit
• your valid passport
• your birth certificate
• the integration diploma (or equivalent)

If you are married or registered partner or you live with a Dutch partner, you must prove this with one of the following documents:

• marriage certificate
• certificate of registered partnership
• proof that you have lived together with a Dutch partner for 3 years or more

Note!

• The municipality must be able to see that foreign documents are genuine. This can be done by legalizing the documents. Ask the municipality in advance if this is necessary.
• Foreign documents must be in Dutch, English, French or German. If they are not, first have the documents translated by a translator who is sworn in the Netherlands.

It takes up to 1 year before you know whether you become a Dutch citizen. The IND can extend this period a maximum of 2 times by six months.

Objecting

Do you disagree with the decision? Then you can file an objection with the IND.

What does it cost to become a Dutchman?

If you gave false information or withheld important information, you may lose your Dutch citizenship again.

As a result, you may become stateless.