Voter eligibility for international residents

Although most elections in the Netherlands are open to Dutch citizens only, international residents may take part in the municipal elections provided they meet certain requirements.

Parliamentary elections

Elections for the national government are open to Dutch citizens only provided they are 18 years or older and they have not lost their right to vote.

Municipal elections

Many foreign nationals are unaware of their right to vote in municipal elections to the municipal council. The next elections are on Wednesday, 3 March 2010.

With the exception of embassy and consular staff, however, most expats over 18 who are registered in The Hague have the right to vote in local elections. Dutch citizens as well as citizens of European Union (EU) member states are eligible to vote.

International residents from non-EU member states must have lived in the Netherlands uninterrupted for five years in order to take part in the municipal elections. Like Dutch citizens, they must be 18 years or older and not have lost their right to vote in their country of origin. Specific voter registration is not necessary.

Provincial elections

The provincial elections in the Netherlands are for Dutch citizens only provided they are 18 years or older and they have not lost their right to vote.

Council of Europe elections

Citizens of EU member states can participate in the elections for the Council of Europe in two ways:

1. In their country of origin, in which case they can vote only for a candidate from that country;
2. In the Netherlands, in which case they can vote only for a candidate from the Netherlands. They must be 18 years or older and not have lost their right to vote in their country of origin.

Also see:

• Municipal Elections theme page