The option procedure (optieprocedure) is a shorter route to Dutch nationality. Eligible foreign nationals make a written declaration (optieverklaring) to their municipality, and the mayor confirms the acquisition of Dutch nationality. Only the groups listed in article 6(1) of the Netherlands Nationality Act (RWN) can use it; everyone else must apply for naturalisation.
Table of contents
Who can use the option procedure?
Eligible groups include, among others:
- adults born in the Kingdom with lawful residence and main residence there since birth;
- adults with 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;
- 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 stateless persons and minors recognised by a Dutch national.
How does the procedure work?
You submit the declaration at the municipality where you live, which checks whether you belong to an eligible group. The mayor decides within thirteen weeks; this 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. Confirmation is refused if there are serious suspicions that you threaten public order or the security of the Kingdom (article 6(4) RWN).
How does option differ from naturalisation?
Option has no civic integration requirement and a decision period of thirteen weeks instead of one year. In most cases you can keep your other nationality. Only applicants who opt because they have lived in the Kingdom since the age of four must in principle renounce it (article 6a RWN).
Frequently asked questions
What if my residence was interrupted?
Most option grounds require uninterrupted lawful residence. A period without a valid residence right can block the route, in which case naturalisation may be the alternative.
Related terms
- Article 6 Netherlands Nationality Act
- Naturalisation
- Renunciation requirement
- Public order test
- Article 8 Netherlands Nationality Act
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