Advantages and disadvantages of becoming a Dutch citizen

You do not decide to become a Dutch citizen for no reason. Becoming a Dutch citizen is an important decision. You must think very carefully about what it means for you to become a Dutch citizen. Besides the advantages and disadvantages that are on this page, you may have personal reasons why you do or do not want to become a Dutch citizen.

• You are not a foreign national anymore. You are included in the Personal Records Database (in Dutch: Basisregistratie Personen or BRP) of the Netherlands. You can also apply for a Dutch passport.
• You no longer need a residence permit. Therefore you no longer have to meet the requirements for a residence permit.
• You can stay abroad for a longer pe riod without any problems.
• You are allowed to vote in all Dutch elections.
• You are an EU citizen. You are allowed to vote in European elections. It will also be easier for you to move to another EU country.
• You will be allowed to work in all public positions. For example as mayor, police officer, soldier or judge.

• It is more expensive to apply for naturalisation than to extend a residence permit. See what the costs of naturalisation are.
• You usually have to renounce the nationality you now have. Make sure that you know what this means for you before you apply for naturalisation. You may lose certain rights in the country of which you now have the nationality. There are also fees for renouncing the nationality you now have.  
  • In these cases you will get double nationality if you become a Dutch citizen:
    • If you do not have to renounce the nationality that you now have.
    • You are unable to renounce the nationality that you now have.
• You can also lose your Dutch nationality again. For example, if you are convicted of a serious offence. Or if you committed fraud when you applied for a residence permit or Dutch nationality. This can even happen up to 12 years after you acquired the Dutch nationality. Have you voluntarily accepted the nationality of another country? Then you will automatically lose the Dutch nationality. Find out about loss of and revoking Dutch nationality.