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Naturalisation

People who have been staying in the Netherlands for a long time and feel connected to our country can apply for Dutch nationality under certain conditions. They can then officially become Dutch citizens, with a Dutch passport and can vote in elections.

Becoming an official Dutch citizen

The IND implements the Netherlands Nationality Act (in Dutch: Rijkswet op het Nederlanderschap). This law sets out the requirements for naturalisation. We check whether people meet them. For example, we check whether a person has been living legally in the Netherlands for five years or more. We also check whether they have passed the civic integration exam and whether or not they are a threat to the public order or national security.

How we process naturalisation requests

Anyone wishing to become a Dutch citizen makes a naturalisation request to their local council. The local council then carries out the first check and forwards the request to the IND. We then assess whether the applicant meets all requirements. If they do, we send them a letter notifying them  that ‘a proposal to grant Dutch citizenship’ has been made to the King. Once the King has taken a formal decision, a naturalisation ceremony will take place at the town hall. After this, the applicant is officially a Dutch citizen.

Experiences applicants

Choosing naturalisation

Not everyone chooses naturalisation when they have been living in the Netherlands for a longer time. This is, for example, because people have to renounce the nationality they already have. Or because having two nationalities can be difficult. There are also other ways to become a Dutch citizen, for example through option, by birth, or by recognition.

Experiences applicants

Important topics

Rights of residence and code 98

No right of residence in the Netherlands: if this is the case, the IND registers it under a code called code 98. This subject regularly appears in the media. That is why we would like to explain how code 98 and other residence codes work.

Au pairs

Au pairs often come to the Netherlands for cultural exchange. To do so, they need a residence permit from the IND. In 2022, the government will tighten the au pair scheme to limit any disguised employment and labour exploitation.

Family reunification

Anyone who is not safe in their own country can obtain protection in the Netherlands (asylum). Asylum seekers who have a right to this can build a future in the Netherlands. Sometimes, reunification with family members who have stayed behind is part…

Background information about our work

More about our fields of work

Economy

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Family

Becoming a family with someone who is already living here. Find out more about the special ‘love’ permit.

Asylum

Those who have had to flee from persecution or violence can apply for asylum in the Netherlands.