If you become Dutch through naturalisation, you must in principle give up your current nationality. Many people can still keep two passports, because the renunciation requirement (afstandseis) has important exceptions, for example for spouses of Dutch nationals and recognised refugees. Below we explain when you have to renounce your nationality, when you do not, and what else decides whether you end up with dual citizenship.
Table of contents
Who can naturalise in the first place?
You can usually apply after five years of continuous lawful residence in the Netherlands (Article 8 of the Netherlands Nationality Act, Rijkswet op het Nederlanderschap, RWN). Three years is enough if you are married to, in a registered partnership with, or have lived together with a Dutch partner for at least three years, and you stay together during the procedure.
You also need a residence permit for an indefinite period or for a non-temporary purpose, and you must have passed the civic integration exam (inburgeringsexamen). The government has proposed extending the standard five-year period to ten years; until that proposal becomes law, five years applies. The full procedure is explained in our article on the Dutch citizenship process.
When do you have to give up your nationality?
In principle when you naturalise. You sign a statement that you are willing to renounce your original nationality, and after the naturalisation ceremony you must actually renounce it and send proof to the Dutch authorities.
When can you keep your nationality?
Under Article 9 RWN, the renunciation requirement does not apply, among other situations, if:
- you are married to, or in a registered partnership with, a Dutch national;
- you were born in the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao or Sint Maarten and have your main residence there;
- you are a recognised refugee;
- your country does not allow you to renounce your nationality, or makes it impossible;
- renouncing would cause you serious financial loss, for example the loss of inheritance rights or property.
The law of your own country also decides. Some countries automatically withdraw your nationality when you acquire another one, so check this with your embassy or consulate before you apply.
Naturalisation or the option procedure?
The option procedure (optie) is faster and cheaper, but only open to specific groups, such as people born in the Netherlands who have always lived here. You submit an option statement to your municipality, and whether the renunciation requirement applies depends on your option category.
What does it cost?
In 2026 a naturalisation application costs €1,139, or €1,454 together with your partner, plus €168 for a minor child who naturalises with you. An option statement costs €241, or €412 together with your partner. The IND must in principle decide on a naturalisation application within one year of payment of the fee, and can extend that period.
Can you lose Dutch nationality later?
Yes. If you also hold another nationality and live outside the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the EU for more than 13 years without a Dutch passport or identity card, you can lose Dutch nationality automatically (Article 15 RWN). Renewing your Dutch passport or requesting a certificate of Dutch nationality (verklaring omtrent het bezit van het Nederlanderschap) in time starts a new 13-year period.
What can we do for you with dual citizenship?
Our immigration lawyers assist you before, during and after the application.
- We check whether you meet the residence and integration conditions for naturalisation or option.
- We assess whether an exception to the renunciation requirement applies to you.
- We prepare your application and the supporting documents.
- We file an objection (bezwaar) with the IND within six weeks of a refusal, and an appeal to the court if needed.
Summary
- Naturalisation is possible after five years of lawful residence, or three years of living with a Dutch partner.
- You must in principle renounce your current nationality.
- Exceptions apply, among others for spouses of Dutch nationals, people born in the Netherlands and refugees.
- Your own country’s law also decides whether you keep your nationality.
- With dual nationality, renew your Dutch passport within 13 years if you live outside the EU.
Frequently asked questions
I hold an EU long-term residence permit. Can I naturalise?
Yes. That permit is for an indefinite period and meets the residence permit requirement. The other conditions, such as five years of residence and the civic integration exam, apply as well.
My application was refused. What now?
You can object to the decision with the IND within six weeks (Article 6:7 of the General Administrative Law Act, Awb). After the decision on your objection, you can appeal to the court.
Do my children also keep two nationalities?
Children who naturalise with a parent follow the same rules. Children born to a Dutch parent usually acquire Dutch nationality at birth and can keep the nationality of the other parent.
