Frequently asked questions

If you have lived in another EU Member State as a Dutch national, you have made use of the EU law on the free movement of people. You may therefore be seen as a community citizen. Your partner can apply for a residence permit as a family member of an EU citizen. Read more about the requirements on Dutch nationals and EU law.

​No, that is not allowed. In the Netherlands you are only allowed to be married to one person. That also means that only 1 spouse with his/her children is allowed to live with you in the Netherlands.

It is not possible to bring a child who has reached the age of majority to the Netherlands. Unless there are exceptional circumstances. For more information, contact the IND.

This is allowed if you and your partner meet the requirements for a residence permit for partner.

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.

This depends on your situation. In most cases, you must continue living in the Netherlands until your naturalisation is completed. This means until after the naturalisation ceremony. During this entire period, you must have a valid residence permit or the right of residence under EU law.

Married to a Dutch national

Do you live with your Dutch partner and are you married or registered partners? Then nothing changes for your application for naturalisation if you move to another country together. However, you are not allowed to move to a country of which you currently have the nationality. And you must continue living together as married or registered partners until your naturalisation is complete.

Living together without being married

Do you live together without being married? Then the IND may reject your application if you move abroad. This is because, as unmarried partners, you must continue to live in the Netherlands until your naturalisation is complete.

• 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.

Yes, this is allowed if the child is a full-time student. Because a full-time student who does not live at home is still financially dependent on the parents. Therefore, the family relationship is not broken. And the residence permit to stay with parent remains valid.

Do you live in the Netherlands? Then contact the municipality where you live.

Do you live abroad? Then contact the Dutch embassy or consulate abroad.