Becoming a Dutch citizen by option

What should I do?

• You submit a statement to the municipality that you wish to become a Dutch citizen by option.
• You pay the costs after you have made the statement.
• You fill in a form stating that you wish to make the declaration of allegiance. You make this declaration during the naturalization ceremony. By doing so, you declare that Dutch law also applies to you. Children under the age of 16 are not required to do this.

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

Naturalization ceremony

At the naturalization ceremony, you will make a declaration 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 the declaration of option was made? Then he or she is also required to attend the ceremony. Children younger than 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 relating to your personal situation. These could include a marriage certificate or divorce decree.

Important for foreign documents

• The municipality must be able to verify that foreign documents are genuine. This can be done by legalizing the documents. Ask the municipality in advance whether this is necessary.
• Foreign documents must be in Dutch, English, French, or German. If this is not the case, you must first have the documents translated by a translator certified in the Netherlands.

How long will it take?

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

• If you meet all the conditions, the mayor will confirm your declaration of option. You will receive an invitation to the naturalization ceremony.
• If you do not meet the conditions, you cannot become a Dutch citizen. This decision will be communicated to you in a letter. This letter will explain why you cannot become a Dutch citizen. You can appeal this decision.

Additional information

Becoming a Dutch citizen through naturalization

If you cannot become a Dutch citizen by option, you may be able to become a Dutch citizen by naturalization. First check with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) to see if you meet the conditions. You can then submit an application for naturalization to the municipality.

Losing Dutch nationality again

Did you provide incorrect information or fail to provide important information? If so, you may lose your Dutch nationality. This could result in you becoming stateless.