Become a Dutch citizen
Do you live in The Hague and would you like to apply for Dutch citizenship (nationality)? You can apply in 2 ways: through an option procedure or through naturalisation. Make an appointment for this.
How it works
There are 2 ways of becoming a Dutch citizen:
Become a Dutch citizen through the option procedure
Have you been living in the Netherlands for a long time? Then you can request the option procedure.
- The option procedure is a faster and less expensive way of getting Dutch citizenship.
- You can keep your own citizenship, if the country where you come from allows this.
- The option application goes through the municipality and the mayor takes a decision on it.
Not everyone can become a Dutch citizen through option. The option procedure is intended for a certain group of people. Read on the website of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) about Begin external link: when option is possible(External link), end external link..
Become a Dutch citizen through naturalisation
You have not been living in the Netherlands for very long? And you are not eligible for option? Then you can request naturalisation.
- A request for naturalisation costs more and takes more time.
- You usually cannot keep your own citizenship.
- The application goes through the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
Conditions
- You are registered in The Hague.
- Your birth certificate is Begin link: registered in the BRP, end link. .
View more conditions on:
Needed to apply
See what you need to take to the appointment on the Begin external link: website of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).(External link), end external link.
Are you also applying for Dutch citizenship for your child aged 12 years or older? Then your child has to come with you to the appointment.
Apply
You can make an appointment for a naturalisation request online or by telephone.
Online
By telephone
Contact the municipality by calling tel. 14070 or +31 70 353 30 00 from abroad.
Fees
Look at the fees on the Begin external link: website of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)(External link), end external link..
You pay the fees at your appointment. You can only pay this amount with a bank card.
Was your application rejected? You will not get any money back.
How long it takes
Become a Dutch citizen through the option procedure
The municipality will send you a letter with the decision within 3 months after your application was submitted. More complex applications can take 6 months.
Become a Dutch citizen through naturalisation
The IND will send you a letter with the decision within 1 year after your application was submitted. More complex applications can take up to 2 years. If you have to wait more than 1 year, you will get a letter.
Frequently asked questions
When am I officially a Dutch citizen?
You will officially become a Dutch citizen after you have attended the Begin link: naturalisation ceremony, end link. . You will make the declaration of commitment there.
How do I apply for a passport after becoming a Dutch citizen?
A week after the naturalisation ceremony you will be able to Begin link: apply for a Dutch passport, end link. at City Hall Spui, the Escamp or Laak City Office. You then will also turn in your residence permit.
What happens if my application is rejected?
Did the municipality reject your application? You will receive a letter with explanation about this.
How can I check the status of my application?
Do you want to know the status of your application for Dutch citizenship? There are 2 ways:
Option (the municipality)
You will receive a letter from the municipality within 3 months. If your application is complicated, you will receive a letter within a maximum of 6 months. If you have not received a letter after 6 months and want to know the status of your application, you can send an email to Begin link: naturalisatie&optie@denhaag.nl, end link. .
Naturalisation (the IND)
Did you apply through naturalisation? The IND then handles your application. You will receive a letter within 12 months.
Do you want to check the status? Log in to Begin external link: Mijn IND(External link), end external link.. There you can see how far your application is. For questions, please Begin external link: contact the IND(External link), end external link.. The municipality does not have this information.