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. This article explains when you have to renounce your nationality, when you do not, and what else determines whether you end up with dual citizenship.
Who can naturalise in the first place?
You can usually apply for naturalisation after five years of continuous lawful residence in the Netherlands (Article 8 of the Netherlands Nationality Act, Rijkswet op het Nederlanderschap). If you are married to or living with a Dutch partner, three years of living together is enough. 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 full procedure is explained in our article on the Dutch citizenship process.
The Dutch government proposed in September 2025 to extend the five-year period to ten years. That proposal has not entered into force. Until it does, the five-year period applies.
When do you have to give up your nationality?
The Netherlands asks you, in principle, to renounce your original nationality when you naturalise. You sign a statement that you are willing to do so, and after the naturalisation ceremony you must actually renounce it and send proof to the Dutch authorities.
When can you keep your nationality?
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 and live here
- 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
Whether you can keep your nationality also depends on the law of your own country. Some countries automatically withdraw your nationality when you acquire another one. Check this before you apply.
Naturalisation or the option procedure?
Besides naturalisation there is the option procedure (optie). It is faster and cheaper, but only open to specific groups, such as people who were born in the Netherlands and have always lived here. You submit an option statement to your municipality. Whether the renunciation requirement applies depends on the option category you fall under.
What does it cost?
In 2026, a naturalisation application costs €1,139, or €1,454 together with your partner. A minor child who naturalises with you costs €168. An option statement costs €241, or €412 together with your partner. The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has one year to decide on a naturalisation application.
Can you lose Dutch nationality later?
Yes. If you also hold another nationality and live outside the Netherlands and the EU for more than ten years, you can lose your Dutch nationality. You prevent this by renewing your Dutch passport or requesting a certificate of Dutch nationality (verklaring omtrent het bezit van het Nederlanderschap) in time.
In short
- 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.
- The proposal to extend the residence period to ten years does not yet apply.
Frequently asked questions
I hold an EU long-term residence permit. Can I naturalise?
Yes. That permit is for an indefinite period and meets that requirement. The other conditions apply to you as well.
My application was refused. What now?
You can object to the decision with the IND within six weeks. After that, 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.
Unsure where you stand? Tell us about your situation. We will let you know your options within one working day. Our immigration lawyers check in advance whether you meet the conditions and whether you can keep your current nationality, and assist you in objection and appeal.
