Article 8 of the Netherlands Nationality Act (Rijkswet op het Nederlanderschap, RWN) lists the conditions for becoming a Dutch national through naturalisation. You must be an adult, hold a permanent right of residence, have lived in the Kingdom for at least five years, be integrated and be willing to make a declaration of solidarity (verklaring van verbondenheid).
Table of contents
What are the conditions for naturalisation?
Under article 8(1) RWN you must:
- be 18 or older;
- hold a residence right for an indefinite period, or a temporary permit with a non-temporary purpose, to which there are no objections;
- have had lawful residence and your main residence in the Kingdom for at least five uninterrupted years immediately before the application;
- be considered integrated, usually shown by passing the civic integration exam (currently at least level A2) or by an exemption;
- declare that you are willing to make the declaration of solidarity at the naturalisation ceremony.
When is a shorter residence period enough?
The five-year term does not apply to former Dutch nationals and to persons who have been married to, or in a registered partnership with, a Dutch national and living together for at least three years (article 8(2) RWN). The term is reduced to two years if you have had at least ten years of lawful residence in total (article 8(3)). A three-year term applies to unmarried partners who have lived with a Dutch national for three years and to stateless persons (article 8(4)), and to persons recognised or legitimated by a Dutch national (article 8(5)).
Is there an income requirement?
No. The RWN does not set an income requirement for naturalisation. You do need a valid residence status, and income may matter for the residence permit itself, for example a partner permit.
What else should you take into account?
You pay a fee (leges) when you apply at your municipality. Unless an exemption applies, you must also renounce your current nationality after naturalisation (article 9 RWN).
Related terms
- Naturalisation
- Article 9 Netherlands Nationality Act
- Renunciation requirement
- Civic integration
- Option procedure for Dutch nationality
Our immigration lawyers advise employers, sponsors and families on regular migration and Dutch nationality. Want to know what this means for your situation? Book a free introductory meeting.
