Becoming a Dutch citizen through naturalization

If you want to become a Dutch citizen through naturalization, you can apply to the municipality.

Check out the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) Requirements in advance. This way you will be well prepared.

• You make an appointment at the municipality and submit the application.
• You can apply for your minor children living in the Netherlands at the same time. This also requires the consent of the other parent.
• You pay the cost.
• You will be notified automatically whether you become a Dutch citizen.

If you are naturalized, you will receive an invitation from the municipality to an official meeting. This meeting is called the naturalization ceremony. You must participate in this. You will not become a Dutch citizen until you make the declaration of commitment at the ceremony. Then you will receive the decision stating that you have become a Dutch citizen.

• your birth certificate and (if applicable) your marriage certificate must be registered in the Basic Registration of PersonsBRP). You must arrange this prior to the appointment for your naturalization application.
• your residence permit
• your valid passport
• your birth certificate
• the integration diploma (or equivalent)

Note!

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

It takes up to 1 year before you know whether you become a Dutch citizen. The IND can extend this period a maximum of 2 times by six months.

Objecting

Do you disagree with the decision? Then you can file an objection with the IND.

2025

If you gave false information or withheld important information, you may lose your Dutch citizenship again.

As a result, you may become stateless.

Drop by by appointment