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.
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).
- You are registered in The Hague.
- Your birth certificate is Begin link: registered in the BRP, end link. .
View more conditions on:
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.
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.
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.
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.
- You will officially become a Dutch citizen after the Begin link: naturalisation ceremony, end link. . A week after the naturalisation ceremony you will be able to Begin link: apply for a Dutch passport, end link. at City Hall Spui or the Leyweg City Office. You then will also turn in your residence permit.
- Did the municipality reject your application? You will receive a letter about this.