Dutch naturalisation: from eligibility check to citizenship ceremony

1. Check whether naturalisation is the right route

Most adult applicants use naturalisation. Some people with a strong statutory connection to the Netherlands may qualify for the faster option procedure, which has different conditions and usually does not require proof of integration or renunciation. Check option before assuming naturalisation is necessary.

2. Check the core eligibility conditions

• You are at least 18 and can prove your identity and nationality with valid documents.
• You have normally lived lawfully in the Kingdom of the Netherlands for at least five consecutive years and applied for permit extensions on time. IND publishes exceptions to the five-year rule.
• At application, throughout the procedure and at the ceremony, you have a qualifying permanent status, long-term EU status, non-temporary residence purpose, qualifying EU-family residence, EU-law residence or another status listed by IND.
• You meet the civic-integration requirement. IND currently states at least A2, unless a recognised exemption applies.
• You are not considered a danger to public order or national security.
• You are willing to make the Declaration of Solidarity and, when required, renounce your current nationality.

3. Understand the nationality consequence before applying

Adults usually have to renounce their other nationality after becoming Dutch, but IND lists statutory exceptions and country-specific rules. This is not a box to check later: understand whether renunciation is possible, required and personally acceptable before paying the application fee.

4. Prepare the evidence

The municipality normally checks a valid passport or travel document, birth certificate, valid residence evidence and an integration diploma or accepted exemption. Foreign official documents may need legalisation and translation into Dutch, English, French or German. Documents already registered correctly in the BRP may not need to be obtained and legalised again.

Extra evidence can apply when including children, relying on a Dutch spouse or registered partner, proving earlier residence together abroad, or claiming an exception. Children aged 12 or older must attend the application appointment when included; additional consent and ceremony rules apply by age.

5. Apply through your municipality

1. Book a naturalisation appointment with the municipality where you are registered.
2. The municipality checks the conditions and documents and completes the application with you.
3. Sign the required declarations, including solidarity and renunciation where applicable.
4. Include eligible minor children at the same appointment if required.
5. Pay the current fee to the municipality; check IND for the amount applicable on the application date.
6. The municipality sends the file and its advice to IND.

6. Follow the decision

The IND decision period is 12 months from payment and may be extended, for example when a file is incomplete. You receive the decision by letter and can follow supported status information in My IND. A positive decision still does not make you Dutch immediately.

7. Attend the ceremony

After approval and the Royal Decree, your municipality invites you to a naturalisation ceremony. You must attend within one year of the positive decision and make the Declaration of Solidarity. You become a Dutch citizen at the ceremony when you receive the naturalisation decision. Eligible children aged 16 or over also have attendance requirements.

8. Complete the post-ceremony actions

After the municipality updates the BRP, apply for a Dutch passport or identity card. If IND requires you to renounce your former nationality, follow the instructions and deadlines carefully; failure to do so without an accepted exception can put Dutch citizenship at risk.