Article 6 of the Netherlands Nationality Act (Rijkswet op het Nederlanderschap, RWN) lists the groups of foreign nationals who can acquire Dutch nationality by option (optie). Option is a written declaration made to the municipality, which the mayor confirms. It is generally faster and simpler than naturalisation, but only the groups listed in the law qualify.
Table of contents
Who can opt for Dutch nationality?
Article 6(1) RWN includes, among others:
- adults born in the Kingdom who have had lawful residence and main residence there since birth;
- stateless persons born in the Kingdom with at least three years of lawful residence there;
- adults who have had lawful residence and main residence in the Kingdom since the age of four;
- former Dutch nationals with at least one year of lawful residence for an indefinite period and main residence in the Kingdom;
- persons married to a Dutch national for at least three years, with fifteen years of uninterrupted lawful residence;
- persons aged 65 or older with fifteen years of uninterrupted lawful residence;
- certain minors recognised by a Dutch national or under joint authority with a Dutch national.
How does the option procedure work?
You make the declaration at your municipality. The mayor decides within thirteen weeks, which can be extended once by up to thirteen weeks (article 6(5) RWN). Applicants aged 16 or older must be willing to make the declaration of solidarity (article 6(2)). Confirmation is refused if there are serious suspicions that you threaten public order or the security of the Kingdom (article 6(4)).
Do you have to give up your other nationality?
Usually not. Only applicants who opt because they have lived in the Kingdom since the age of four must in principle renounce their other nationality, subject to exemptions (article 6a RWN).
Frequently asked questions
Is there a civic integration requirement for option?
No. Unlike naturalisation, option does not require a civic integration exam.
Related terms
- Option procedure for Dutch nationality
- Naturalisation
- Renunciation requirement
- Article 8 Netherlands Nationality Act
- Public order test
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