What are the requirements to become a Dutch citizen through naturalisation?

Checked on 2026-10-26

To become a Dutch citizen you need 5 consecutive years of lawful residence with a non-temporary permit, A2 civic integration, a valid permit when you apply, and in most cases renunciation of your current nationality. The fee is €1,139 and the IND must decide within 12 months.

Key facts

What	The law says	Source
Residence required	5 consecutive years with a valid permit, always renewed on time	IND, Naturalisation
Permit you must hold	Permanent residence, EU long-term resident, or a temporary permit for a non-temporary purpose — on the day you apply, during the procedure and at the ceremony	IND, Naturalisation
Dutch language	Civic integration exam passed at A2 level (reading, listening, writing, speaking, KNM) or exemption	IND, Civic integration for naturalisation
Dual nationality	In principle you must renounce your current nationality; exceptions exist	IND, Naturalisation
Application fee (2026)	€1,139 per person; €1,454 joint with partner; €168 per child	IND, Fees 2026
Decision	Within 12 months (statutory); ceremony within 12 months of the decision	IND, Naturalisation
Planned change	B1 language requirement included in the January 2026 coalition agreement, not yet in force	IND, Naturalisation

The 5-year residence requirement

You must have lived in the Kingdom of the Netherlands — not just the European Netherlands but also the Caribbean parts — for at least 5 consecutive years with a valid residence permit, and you must have always renewed it on time. On the day you apply, throughout the procedure and on the day of the citizenship ceremony, you must hold a qualifying permit: a permanent residence permit (asylum-based or regular), an EU long-term resident permit, or a temporary permit issued for a non-temporary purpose. Residence as a family member of an EU national also qualifies.

Dutch language and civic integration

You must have passed the civic integration exam at language level A2. This covers reading, listening, writing, speaking and Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM). Alternatives accepted: the NT2 state exam at B1 or B2, or a DUO advisory statement showing demonstrable effort if you cannot pass. Exemptions exist — the IND lists them on its civic integration page.

Planned change: the coalition agreement of January 2026 proposes raising the language requirement from A2 to B1. As of October 2026 this is not yet in force; the IND still applies A2.

Renouncing your nationality

Dutch law in principle requires you to give up your current nationality when you naturalise. Dual nationality is not generally permitted. Exceptions exist — for example, if you are married to a Dutch citizen, if your country of origin does not allow renunciation, or if renouncing would cause serious financial harm. Check the IND website for the full list.

How to apply

You apply at your municipality (gemeente), which collects the fee and forwards the application to the IND. The fee in 2026 is €1,139 for a single person, €1,454 if you apply jointly with a partner, and €168 for each child under 18 applying with a parent. The IND must decide within 12 months, though it may extend this period. If approved, you must attend a naturalisation ceremony within 12 months of the decision and make the declaration of commitment.

Exceptions to the 5-year term: spouses of Dutch citizens and people who have lived in the Netherlands for at least 15 years may qualify earlier or through the option procedure instead of naturalisation.
Permanent residence: also requires 5 years and A2 integration, but does not require you to renounce your nationality.

Sources

IND: Becoming a Dutch national through naturalisation checked 2026-10-26
IND: Civic integration for naturalisation checked 2026-10-26
IND: Fees — costs of an application (2026) checked 2026-10-26
Government.nl: Becoming a Dutch citizen checked 2026-10-26

Change history

2026-10-26: Page created

This is general information, not legal advice, and Lumen is not a law firm. Rules change and offices differ: check the official sources above before you act. Found something wrong or out of date? Write to support@lumen.observer.