You will receive a notification stating if your child will also receive Dutch nationality. 5. Schedule a new appointment online. You are invited up to the front to make a declaration of verbondenheid (allegiance) and then presented with a document that confirms your newly acquired ‘Dutchness’. You have a Dutch mother, but you are not a Dutch national. You have to meet a number of conditions. I was asked if I could show my civil integration exam results. And how does the procedure work? Civic integration diploma or other proof of civic integration. Gefeliciteerd! This is a mandatory part of the process. You have lived legally in the Netherlands or the Dutch Caribbean (Bonaire, Saint Eustatius, Saba, Aruba, Curaçao or Saint Martin) for an uninterrupted five year period (some exceptions apply, see below). Your scheduled appointment at this counter on January 26 and 27 will be canceled. A valid residence permit or other proof of lawful residence. The mayor (or stand-in) says a few words about what it means to be a Dutch citizen. You have to pay a fee for your passport or identity card. You will be dealing with: Do you live in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius or Saba? What documents do you need? Dutch citizenship means you can enjoy all the privileges that come with being a Dutchie. Dress up and gather the family together so that you can become Dutch in a feestelijk manner. If you are not sure which procedure to follow you can find more information on the website of the IND(Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst). Then there was the small matter of payment. Then it is not possible to apply for Dutch citizenship. In my case, I had to make a new appointment for a few weeks later to file my application. One of the parents is a Dutch citizen. The term for naturalisation may be raised from five to s… An exception applies if the applicant has married a Dutch citizen and have lived together uninterruptedly for a period of three years. A minor child gains Dutch citizenship by adoption abroad if the following conditions are met: 1. a passport), A valid residence permit (if you are required to have one), A birth certificate (translated if is it not in Dutch, French, English or German and then. The Dutch government wants to limit dualnationality as much as possible. Bringing you everything you need, to be the family that you want. It was dismissed with mutterings of “Oh nee, natuurlijk niet”. If you were a Dutch citizen in the past, but lost your Dutch nationality due to circumstances, this form is also for you. I turned up on time and declared I’d like to be Dutch. Other rights thatonly apply to Dutch nationals are the right to vote and stand for election inparliamentary elections and the right to join the armed forces. If you have Dutch nationality, you should apply for a Dutch passport or identity card to the municipal authority where you are registered. The government's new language requirements will make Dutch citizenship unattainable for between 50 thousand and 100 thousand refugees in the country, according to refugee organization Vlucthelingenwerk Nederland. She is ‘mama’ to three boys and blogs about her expat way of living, loving, and parenting over at Turning Dutch. Couples must keep their own names for official documents, such as a Dutch driver’s license or passport. Make sure you are aware of the requirements so that you can answer the questions you are asked, present the documentation you need to show and avoid potential pitfalls. The good news is that this appointment was pain-free. If you have only one nationality, it will beclear what your rights are. Dutch citizenship allows you to stay in the Netherlands indefinitely. Similar to Dutch citizenship, with a Dutch permanent residence permit you are free on the Dutch labour market, meaning you no longer need a work permit. 2. Other documents may also be needed, such as a marriage certificate or a certificate of registered partnership. There are three ways to obtain Dutch nationality: automatically through law, naturalisation (naturalisatie), or option (optie). This can also apply if the applicant is unmarried to his/her Dutch partner but have been living together uninterruptedly for the last three years. If you want to apply for Dutch nationality, you will be dealing with different authorities: Do you live abroad? You will need to bring a colour photo and your old documents with you. In order to apply, you must have: › resided legally in the Netherlands for a minimum of five consecutive years without any gap › passed the integration exam ›have no criminal record Furthermore, you need to be prepared to renounce your original nationality, unless an exception applies. That is why people who want to acquire Dutchnationality through naturalisation are, as a rule, required to give up theirother nationality if possible. This may very well be the case if you were born before 1 January 1985 from a Dutch mother and a non-Dutch father. Until Brexit. If you have more than one nationality, it is not always clear what yourrights are. Is it possible for her to get citizenship in the Netherlands? Only once you have become a Dutch citizen, you can then request for a Dutch passport or identity document from the municipality or Dutch representation. You want to become a Dutch citizen and you live abroad, in Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius or Saba. It’s not a title I can add to my cv but nonetheless I am proud of my new dual nationality status. Dutch citizenship check. Once I started digging, I realised I qualified for the option procedure under the condition: “You are married to a Dutch citizen for a minimum of 3 years and have legally lived in the Netherlands for an uninterrupted period of at least 15 years.”. Currently holds a residence permit for a non-temporary goal (e.g. 3. Please note that it is also possible to take a Staatsexamen NT2 in either Programma I or Programma II instead. If your application for Dutch citizenship is approved, the City will contact you. The naturalisation procedure has several requirements and can take up to 12 months to be processed. How to get Dutch citizenship Here is our guide to obtaining citizenship in the Netherlands, and the conditions required to apply for Dutch citizenship. You need to make an appointment with the gemeente you are registered with, usually online. 1. (only available in Dutch), Brochure The procedure in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (only available in Dutch), Brochure The procedure in Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten (only available in Dutch), Brochure Civic Integration Exam: requirement for naturalisation abroad (only available in Dutch), Factsheet Dutch citizenship (only available in Dutch), the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) in the Netherlands, the counters of the IND-unit Caribbean Netherlands in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius or Saba and. The forms were waiting for me and all I needed to do was read through, sign, and hand them back. 3. In 2010, the option procedure for latent Dutch citizens was introduced to repair this unequal treatment between men and women in Dutch citizenship. Marrying a Dutch citizen does not automatically grant you Dutch citizenship. A staff member checks with you whether you indeed fulfil the conditions. You can find out more on her Facebook Page or follow her on Twitter. You request the naturalisation of your child in your own application for naturalisation. Here she shares, in 10 simple steps, her experience of the 'Optie' procedure. Our apologies. not a study permit, orientation year permit or au-pair permit) and continues to meet its requ… People withDutch nationality can also apply for a Dutch passport and travel freely withinthe European Union. Jij bent nu een echte kaaskop,” my Dutch friend said giving me the traditional three kisses as we stood on The IND processes the application and makes a decision. If you are married to or have a civil (or registered) partnership with a Dutch national you may be able to apply for Dutch nationality. There are different ways to become a Dutch citizen: automatically by birth or acknowledgement, or by means of naturalisation or option. And I really did. A birth certificate from your country of origin. I chirped up that for the option process this wasn’t a requirement. To obtain Dutch citizenship next to your current nationality you may use the option procedure. There are different ways to become a Dutch citizen: automatically by birth or acknowledgement, or by means of naturalisation or option. Short stays: Dutch residence permit not necessary A residence permit and short stay visa are not required if you are staying in the Netherlands for less than 90 days and your country of citizenship has a non … Welcome to the largest and fastest growing parenting community in the city. I have been called many things over the year, but a ‘real cheese head’ is a new one. The staff member also helps you submit the application. In case of an option procedure, it is the Dutch embassy or consulate, the Cabinet of the Governor or the counters of the IND-unit Caribbean Netherlands itself that handles the application and makes a decision. As well as a simplified process, it has several other advantages: The option procedure requires that you show a number of documents at the first appointment you have at your gemeente. I have been in the Netherlands for 16 years now, and until a couple of months ago being able to obtain a Dutch passport didn’t attract me; it offers me nothing beyond my British passport. 4. You will be dealing with: With a naturalisation application, a recommendation is drafted for the IND. Your Dutch parent has been caring for you for at least three years since the joint custody was imposed. During the ceremony, you have to make a declaration of solidarity. My mother was born to a Dutch father and a non dutch mother. In the Netherlands there are two procedures for obtaining the Dutch nationality: the option procedure (optieprocedure) and naturalisation (naturalisatie). The family ties with the original parents are fully broken. A third issue was one I avoided. For more information about option and naturalization visit the website of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) of the Ministry of Security and Justice of the Netherlands: www.ind.nl. She does not speak Dutch, and she was born in 1969. When you apply for naturalisation or option, you only apply for the Dutch nationality. My husband pointed out that as I am British I didn't actually need a residence permit, and so the date I first registered in a Dutch system (September 2000) was the date that should be used. In the Netherlands all basic rights are laid down in the Constitution. An application can only be done by the parents or legal guardians. You see how complicated and confusing it can get if you are not on the ball? Has no criminal record 3. Continue to have multiple passports Under the current Dutch Citizenship Act, you can keep dual nationality and multiple passports for as long as you live, provided you always carry a valid Dutch passport or identity card and do … photo credits: Main pic - Yay Images. I faced two during my initial appointment. Dutch citizenship. It takes around three months (instead of a year with the naturalisation process). Your application will only be approved if: “In the previous 4 years you have not received a prison sentence, training or community service order or a large fine (€ 810 or more). How to get Dutch citizenship – find out how to get Dutch nationality so you can get a passport in the Netherlands, and the documents required for the application procedure… There are a number of different ways to get Dutch nationality; through naturalisation, birth or via a simplified process called the option procedure, available to a specific group of people as defined by law. Separate conditions apply for the option procedure and for the naturalisation procedure. Becoming a Dutch citizen for former Dutch citizens, Family member without EU/EEA or Swiss nationality, Permit damaged, lost, stolen or change of personal details, Permit damaged, lost, stolen or change details, Permit damaged, lost, stolen or change personal details, Foreign-Nationals-Identity-Document-(Type-W-and-W2), Dutch citizen by birth or acknowledgement, Becoming a Dutch citizen abroad or Caribbean part of the Kingdom, Loss and the revoking of Dutch nationality, Becoming a Dutch citizen abroad or in Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius or Saba, Brochure How to become a Dutch citizen abroad? This is called the renunciatio… However, your child under 18 can apply for Dutch citizenship together with you. You then go to the Dutch embassy or consulate, the Cabinet of the Governor or the counters of the IND-unit Caribbean Netherlands. Beinga Dutch national means you can enter the Netherlands freely. Lived a minimum of 5 years continously in the country of their second nationality before turining 18 years old, and renewed their Dutch passport before it expired every 10 years. This article is about the option process only. Nor may there be any criminal proceedings pending against you.”. Please try again. In that order. Most immigrants to the Netherlands from outside the EU have to sit the Inburgeringsexamen (civic integration exams) in order to get a Dutch resident permit or to apply for Dutch citizenship.. The IND desk in Den Bosch is currently closed by order of the police due to an emergency ordinance in the center. This means you are a so-called latent Dutch. Thinking of applying for Dutch nationality? Both Dutch citizenship and Dutch permanent residence allow you to stay in the Netherlands indefinitely, although a permanent residence must be renewed every five years. The adoption has been realised in accordance with the Hague Adoption Convention or Book 10 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). Amanda van Mulligen finally took the big step. Jij bent nu een echte kaaskop,” my Dutch friend said giving me the traditional three kisses as we stood on the school playground. The answers to these questions, and the correct documentation, determines whether the gemeente considers you eligible to make an application using the option procedure. Secondly, dates are important. 5 Ways to Get Free or Cheap Legal Advice in Amsterdam, It is a lot cheaper than naturalisation (. To be eligible for Dutch citizenship by naturalisation you must meet these conditions: You are more than 18 years old. I was then asked a series of questions. You can then request your municipality to provide a Certificate of having Dutch Citizenship. Your Dutch parent shouldn’t have automatically lost their Dutch nationality when acquiring a second citizenship if they: Married a spouse whose nationality was the same as their second nationality. - attend the citizenship ceremony. What are the conditions? You will receive an invitation to attend a compulsory ceremony for people who are becoming citizens of the Netherlands. There are two principal ways to acquire Dutch citizenship: Option procedure; Naturalization procedure The increased language requirement has a "discriminatory effect" that will result in a group of "second class citizens", the organization … The general requirements for naturalisation include: 1. So if your existing passport contains your married name do some investigation as you may need further documentation. That recommendation is sent to the IND, along with your application for naturalisation. However, dual nationality is permitted to spouses/partners of Dutch nationals, refugees, and nationals of certain countries (e.g., Greece, Iran, Morocco) where giving up your nationality is … There was an error submitting your subscription. 2. Should you be eligible to take the “simplified procedure for obtaining Dutch citizenship” you should truly count yourself lucky. Separate conditions apply for the option procedure and for the naturalisation procedure . The usual application process applies, but you are more likely to be granted citizenship. Foreign documents must often be legalised … Is 100% certain of their identity 4. Application for Dutch citizenship If you do not have the Dutch nationality, in some cases, you can obtain the Dutch nationality by option or naturalization. All other pics - Amanda van Mulligen. Here she shares, in 10 simple steps, her experience of the 'Optie' procedure. Here are the ten steps I took to gain Dutch nationality. Amsterdam Mamas is a volunteer-run foundation providing information and support to international parents in Amsterdam and the surrounding regions. Surnames. So the first step is definitely a reason to go through the process. Applicant must be 18 years of age 2. Latent Dutch citizens. Proof that you were a Dutch citizen, such as an old Dutch passport. Although I arrived in the Netherlands in September 2000, the IND only processed my residence permit application in December 2001. If you have Dutch ancestors and you are wondering whether you fulfill the requirements to apply for Dutch citizenship, this form is for you. Note: Do you have the nationality from the country in which you live? Read how to get Dutch citizenship. The Dutch government aims to limit dual nationality as much as possible; most people acquiring Dutch citizenship must renounce the citizenship of their home nation. Has lived in the Netherlands for at least 5 years continuously 5. Dutch citizens who have dual citizenship and reside abroad may keep their Dutch citizenship by having a principal place of residence in the Netherlands or another EU member state for at least a year, or applying for a Dutch passport of proof of Dutch citizenship before April 1, 2013, before the end of the 10 year period. It is important to demonstrate your knowledge of the Dutch society, language, and culture by successfully passing the Dutch Immigration and Citizenship Test (Inburgeringstoets). Make sure the photo meets the criteria for accepting passport photos in Dutch travel documents. How I Became a Kaaskop (or 10 Steps to Dutch Nationality Through the Option Procedure) “Gefeliciteerd! Now check your email to confirm your subscription. How to get Dutch citizenship. Do you think you meet the conditions for option or naturalisation? According to the system, my ‘legal’ stay in the Netherlands was therefore six months shy of the required 15 years. For instance, your country of origin may require you to docompulsory military service. Dutch nationality law is based primarily on the principle of jus sanguinis and is governed by the Kingdom Act on the Netherlands nationality (Dutch: Rijkswet op het Nederlanderschap), which was signed by the monarch on 19 December 1984 and officially promulgated on 27 December 1984.Thus citizenship is conferred primarily by birth to a Dutch parent, irrespective of place … Once the application is filed the authorities carry out a judicial background check. You aren’t living in the country where you have your citizenship. I was told if my British passport had been in my married name it would have made things harder. Go to ‘What will change if I acquire Dutch nationality?’ tofind out more. You need: There may be other documents required depending on your status so check with your local municipality. Success! Dutch Citizenship: You can surrender your Indian passport and get a Netherlands passport. A valid passport or other travel document. It can all be done with your local municipality (, A valid travel document (e.g. You can keep your birth nationality, as long as your country permits it. You have the exact same rights as everyone from the country — including diplomatic aid (say, you’d get in trouble on vacation — your embassy may step in), social services (unemployment benefits or student grants) as well as being able to cast your vote in elections. The prerequisites for citizenship and PR are same – only that PR takes about 2 months to arrive from the time you apply for it while the passport will take about 1 year. She is British-born but has called the Netherlands home since 2000. You will be dealing with: Do you live in Aruba, Curaçao or Sint Maarten? Thinking of applying for Dutch nationality? “Gefeliciteerd! Amanda van Mulligen finally took the big step. (Long story but the short version is my file was lost in the bowels of bureaucracy.). It's important to note this option does not apply to family members of Dutch nationals, unless the Dutch national has lived in another EU country. Once the legal checks have been carried out and your application for Dutch nationality is approved, the local mayor will send you an invitation to the next naturalisation ceremony at the town hall. You will not have to deal with the IND in the Netherlands. A child under 18 cannot apply for Dutch citizenship by itself. After several years of legal stay in the Netherlands, you can also choose to become a Dutch citizen through naturalisation. All children (even babies) need their own passport or identity card to travel. You’ve lost Dutch citizenship because you were married to a non-Dutch husband before 1 January 1985. Amanda van Mulligen is a mother, writer, and expat. You cannot apply for naturalisation if you are living in the country of which you are a citizen. Police due to an emergency ordinance in the country in which you live? ’ out... 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