Dutch nationals that can derive rights from EU law
A Dutch national is an EU citizen. But Dutch nationals usually cannot derive rights from EU law. Dutch nationals can fall under EU regulations when they have used their right of free movement.
In the following situations Dutch nationals cannot derive rights from EU law:
- You have never lived in another EU/EER Member State or Switzerland and have never used EU Community Law (right to free movement).
- You have, besides the Dutch nationality, also the nationality of another EU/EER Member State or of Switzerland. But you have never lived in another EU/EER Member State or Switzerland and have never used EU Community Law (right to free movement).
In the following situations Dutch nationals can derive rights from EU law:
- You have lived in another EU/EER Member State or Switzerland for at least 3 consecutive months with your family member without the nationality of an EU/EER Member State or Switzerland. The residence during this period of at least 3 consecutive months must have been lawful based on EU Community law. Thus you have used EU Community Law (right to free movement).
You lose your EU-rights when after your stay in the EU/EEA Member State or Switzerland you live in a country outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland for more than 6 months.
- You have, besides the Dutch nationality, also the nationality of another EU/EER Member State or of Switzerland. And you have lived in another EU/EER Member State or Switzerland and thus used EU Community Law (right to free movement). You do not have to have lived in the country of which you also have the nationality.
- You have obtained the Dutch nationality through naturalisation or option. One of the following situations apply to you:
- You have lived in the Netherlands as an EU/EER citizen or Swiss citizen and used EU Community Law (right to free movement). At a later time you have obtained the Dutch nationality.
- You were born in the Netherlands as an EU/EER citizen or Swiss citizen and you have always lived in the Netherlands. At a later time you have obtained the Dutch nationality.
- You came to the Netherlands and at a later time you have obtained the Dutch nationality. Upon becoming a Dutch national you have kept your nationality of your country of origin. After your naturalisation your country of origin became an EU/EER Member State.
Conditions and procedures
Do you wish to stay with a Dutch family member to whom EU laws do apply? Please check Family members with a different nationality for more information on the conditions and procedures.
Do you wish to stay with a Dutch family member to whom EU laws do not apply? Please check Family for more information on the conditions and procedures.