Applying for Dutch citizenship by naturalisation
Do you want to become a Dutch citizen? In the Netherlands this is called naturalisatie (naturalisation). You can become naturalised if you have lived legally in the Netherlands for 5 years. Applications for naturalisation are made to your municipality. They will send the application to the Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst – IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service).
Last updated 12 September 2022
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Eligibility for naturalisation
The IND provides information about the requirements for naturalisation. You will also find information about the ways for speeding up the naturalisation process on the IND website.
Becoming a Dutch citizen by option
There is another way to apply for Dutch citizenship sooner than through naturalisation. This is called an optie (option) application. Find out whether you can become a Dutch citizen by option. This is possible for former Dutch citizens, or for people who were born in the Netherlands.
Applying for Dutch citizenship by naturalisation
Applications for naturalisation to become a Dutch citizen are made to your municipality. The municipaity forwards your application to the IND. The decision on your application will be made by the IND. The decision-making process takes a maximum of 12 months. You can track the progress of your application on the My IND online portal.
For any further questions about your application for naturalisation, contact your municipality.
Laws and regulations (in Dutch)
Rijkswet op het Nederlanderschap, hoofdstuk 4