Frequently asked questions

When you applied for a residence permit, you stated your nationality. You received your residence permit with this nationality. If you want to apply for Dutch citizenship, you must renounce your nationality. Different rules apply to a person who is stateless.

It depends on whether you are married and which country you would be moving to.

You are married or registered partners

Moving abroad will not change anything for the application for naturalisation. This only does not apply when you move to the country of your partner's nationality. You cannot become a Dutch citizen when living in the country of which you have the nationality.

You are unmarried partners

A move abroad does have implications for the application for naturalisation. This is because as unmarried partners you must live together in the Netherlands for the entire naturalisation process.

• You no longer need a residence permit. Therefore, you no longer have to meet the requirements for a residence permit.
• You are included in the Personal Records Database (in Dutch: Basisregistratie Personen or BRP) of the Netherlands.
•  You can apply for a Dutch passport.
• You can stay abroad for a longer period.
• You are allowed to vote in all Dutch elections.
• You are an EU citizen. You are allowed to vote in European elections.
• It will be easier for you to move to another EU country.
• You will be allowed to work in all public positions. For example as a mayor, police officer, soldier or judge.