Naturalisation
Spouses and registered or civil partners of Dutch nationals can apply for Dutch nationality if they meet a number of conditions. The conditions and application procedure are outlined in the brochure (*) Hoe kunt u Nederlander worden in het buitenland?
Naturalisation exam
In order to be able to submit an application for Dutch nationality, the applicant must have passed a naturalisation exam ('inburgeringsexamen voor naturalisatie'). The brochure (*) Inburgeringsexamen. Voorwaarde voor naturalisatie in het buitenland provides more information on the test. Please contact the Embassy by telephone if you would like to register to take the test at the Embassy. The test can also be taken in the Netherlands, even if you are living abroad (see www.inburgeren.nl ).
Preparing for the naturalisation exam
Click here for more information on learning Dutch as a second language. A book that can be used to prepare for the 'Kennis Nederlandse Samenleving' part of the test is het boek Bagage. Practice exams are available on www.inburgeren.nl.
(*) The brochures are only available in the Dutch language.
Regaining Dutch nationality
In certain situations it will be possible for a former Dutch national to regain his/her Dutch nationality, either by way of naturalisation or by way of a so-called 'optieverklaring' (until 1 April 2013). Further information is availabe in the brochure Hoe krijgt u de Nederlandse nationaliteit terug?
Changes in Dutch nationality law
Parliament has approved a bill to amend the current Dutch nationality act ('Rijkswet op het Nederlanderschap'). The date on which these amendments will come into force is not yet known. Click here for more information on the changes (in Dutch).
