Becoming a Dutch citizen by option

What should I do?

• You must submit a statement to the municipality indicating that you wish to become a Dutch citizen by option.
• You will pay the fees after you have made the declaration.
• You will fill out a form stating that you wish to take the declaration of allegiance. You will take this declaration during the naturalization ceremony. By doing so, you affirm that Dutch law applies to you as well. Children under the age of 16 are not required to do this.

The municipality will review your application. If it is approved, you will receive an invitation to the naturalization ceremony.

Naturalization Ceremony

At the naturalization ceremony, you will take the pledge of allegiance. During the ceremony, you will also receive confirmation that you have become a Dutch citizen. You are required to attend this ceremony. Was your child 16 years of age or older when you made the declaration of option? If so, he or she is also required to attend the ceremony. Children under the age of 16 are not required to attend, but they are, of course, welcome to do so.

What do I need?

• Your residence permit
• Your valid passport or other travel document
• Your birth certificate
• Other documents related to your personal situation. Examples include a marriage certificate or a divorce decree.

Important information regarding foreign documents

• The municipality needs to be able to verify that foreign documents are authentic. This can be done by having the documents legalized. Check with the municipality in advance to see if this is necessary.
• Foreign documents must be in Dutch, English, French, or German. If they are not, you must first have the documents translated by a certified translator in the Netherlands.

How long does it take?

You will receive a response from the mayor within 13 weeks. The mayor may extend this deadline once.

• If you Requirements all Requirements , the mayor will approve your declaration of intent. You will receive an invitation to the naturalization ceremony.
• If you do not meet the Requirements, you cannot become a Dutch citizen. This decision is set out in a letter. The letter explains why you cannot become a Dutch citizen. You may appeal this decision.

Additional information

Becoming a Dutch citizen through naturalization

If you are not eligible for Dutch citizenship by option, you may be able to obtain Dutch citizenship through naturalization. First, check with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) at to see if you Requirements the Requirements . You can then submit an application for naturalization to your local municipality.

Losing Dutch citizenship

Did you provide incorrect information or omit important information? If so, you could lose your Dutch citizenship. This could result in you becoming stateless.