In recent years, there have been various changes in Dutch nationality law with respect to the acquisition of Dutch nationality by a child following an acknowledgement of paternity by a Dutch father.
Under Dutch nationality law in force until 1 April 2003, a child born to a mother who was not a Dutch national and not married to the Dutch father, acquired Dutch nationality if the unmarried Dutch man acknowledged paternity of the child. This acknowledgement could be done when registering the birth or at a later date.
From 1 April 2003 until 1 March 2009, a child only acquired Dutch nationality at birth if the parents were not married at the time of the child's birth if the unmarried Dutch father acknowledged paternity of the unborn child. If he acknowledged paternity after the child was born, the child could only acquire Dutch nationality through a so-called 'optieverklaring' after the Dutch father had raised and cared for the child for a continuous period of three years after the acknowledgement of paternity.
Changes in Dutch nationality law with effect from 1 March 2009
With effect from 1 March 2009, a child will acquire Dutch nationality:
- if the Dutch father acknowledges paternity of the child before the child has reached the age of seven years;
- if a child has been legitimated by the Dutch father's marriage to the child's mother or
- if proof is submitted that he is the child's biological father within one year of the acknowledgement of paternity by the Dutch father.
If one of the events listed above took place on or after 1 April 2003 and before 1 March 2009, Dutch nationality can be applied for by way of a so-called 'optieverklaring'.
Acknowledgement of paternity
The Embassy in London can draw up a deed of acknowledgement. This is a notarial deed for which the fee will be approximately £270.00. Please contact the Embassy for further information about the process and the documentation required.
Please note that acknowledgements of paternity governed by the law of another country have to be valid under Dutch law.
