I hold dual nationality (Dutch and another nationality) and I live in the United Kingdom. How will Brexit affect me?

If you are aged 18 or over you could automatically lose your Dutch nationality. This is because the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union (EU). To keep your Dutch nationality, you need to make sure you always apply for a new Dutch passport, identity card or certificate of Dutch nationality on time. 

In what circumstances will I lose my Dutch nationality?

You will automatically lose your Dutch nationality if you live outside the European Union for an uninterrupted period of 13 years and hold another nationality besides Dutch. If your children are minors, and their other parent is not a Dutch national, they will lose their Dutch nationality at the same time you do.

As of 1 January 2021, living in the UK counts as living outside the European Union. If you have British or another nationality in addition to Dutch nationality, and you live in the UK, the 13-year period begins on 1 January 2021. For more information, read the brochure on loss of Dutch nationality. There is also a brochure on minors losing Dutch nationality (in Dutch).  

Avoid losing your Dutch nationality

You can avoid losing your Dutch nationality by:

  • always applying for a new Dutch passport, Dutch identity card or Dutch nationality certificate within 13 years. A new 13-year period will begin on the date your passport, identity card or certificate is issued. So you have to take action yourself at least once every 13 years.
  • living in the Kingdom of the Netherlands (in Dutch) or another EU country for at least one year out of the 13-year period.

Go to netherlandsworldwide.nl to find out how to apply for a Dutch passport or identity card from abroad.