Naturalisation or option: positive decision

According to the IND, you meet all requirements to become a Dutch citizen. The IND will forward this decision to the King of the Netherlands. The King needs to place his signature. By signing, the King gives official permission to grant you Dutch nationality. This is called a Royal Decree.

You will only become a Dutch citizen after you have gone to the required naturalisation ceremony. Do this within 1 year after you’ve received the positive decision. If you do not go, you  will not get the Dutch nationality, and you will have to apply for naturalisation again.

Local councils (in Dutch: gemeenten) organise naturalisation ceremonies. The local council celebrates together with you that you have become a Dutch citizen. The naturalisation ceremony also pays special attention to the meaning of Dutch nationality.

• Find out more information about the naturalisation ceremony on the Dutch Government website.

Declaration of Solidarity

During the ceremony you will make a Declaration of Solidarity. You declare that you know that the laws of the Kingdom of the Netherlands also apply to you. Afterwards you will receive proof that you have become a Dutch citizen: the naturalisation decision or the option confirmation.

Naturalisation ceremony also obligatory for children aged 16 and over

Was your child aged 16 or more when the request for naturalisation was submitted? In that case your child must also attend the naturalisation ceremony. Is your child under 16 years old? In that case your child does not have to but may attend the ceremony.

• See the brochure Declaration of Solidarity on the Dutch Government website.

Did you go to the naturalisation ceremony? And have you received the naturalisation decision or the option confirmation? In that case you can apply to your local council for a Dutch passport.

If you have a foreign national’s or refugee’s passport you must hand it in when you collect your Dutch passport.

Have you become a Dutch citizen? And did you state at the time of the application for naturalisation or option that you will renounce your other nationality? You can often do this at the embassy or consulate of that country in the Netherlands.

• Find out more about renouncement of your other nationality.

Did your child not naturalise  together with you? After you have become a Dutch citizen yourself, you can also apply for naturalisation of your child. This is called subsequent naturalisation.

Requirements for later naturalisation of a child

• Your child has lived in the Netherlands for at least 3 years without interruption.
• Your child has a permanent residence permit or a temporary residence permit with a non-temporary residence purpose.

Requirements for later naturalisation of a child born during your naturalisation process

• Your child lives in the Netherlands.
• Your child has a valid residence permit for a non-temporary purpose, for example for residence with parents.

Was your child born during your naturalisation process? In that case the application for your child will be free of charge if you submit the application within 1 year after you have become a Dutch citizen yourself.