When do I need a Dutch nationality certificate?
If you are a dual Dutch national aged 18 or over and have been living for more than 13 years outside the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten and outside the EU, you could lose your Dutch nationality. To retain your Dutch nationality, you can apply for a Dutch passport or ID card or a Dutch nationality certificate before the 13 years elapse.
Foreign authorities may, for various reasons, require you to prove that you have Dutch nationality. From 1 July 2024 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague will only issue a Dutch nationality certificate to prevent you from losing your Dutch nationality.
Find out more about the situations in which you can apply for a Dutch nationality certificate
Retaining Dutch nationality
If all 3 points below apply to you, you could lose your Dutch nationality:
- You have another nationality besides Dutch.
- You are an adult (18 years old or over).
- You have, as an adult, been living outside the Netherlands, the European Union, Aruba, Curaçao or St Maarten for more than 13 years.
You will lose your Dutch nationality if you do not apply for a new Dutch passport, ID card or Dutch nationality certificate on time.
That means within 13 years of the date of issue of your old Dutch passport, ID card or Dutch nationality certificate. You must therefore apply for a new passport, ID or Dutch nationality certificate every 13 years and well before the period elapses. A new 13-year period begins from the date of issue of your new passport, ID card or Dutch nationality certificate.
Please note: the period changed from 10 to 13 years on 1 April 2022. Did the 10-year period expire before 1 April 2022? Then you do not fall under the term of 13 years and you will have lost your Dutch nationality.
You can apply for a Dutch nationality certificate online or by post. The certificate is cheaper than a passport or ID card. Keep in mind that you cannot use a Dutch nationality certificate to travel. You need a passport or ID card for that.
- Applying for a Dutch nationality certificate if you live abroad
- Applying for a passport or ID card if you live abroad
For minors (children under 18)
If your child is under 18, they do not need a Dutch nationality certificate.
Your child may be Dutch by birth or acknowledgement (Ind.nl). This means that your child automatically has Dutch nationality. You do not need to apply for a Dutch nationality certificate for your child.
If your child’s passport or ID card will expire soon, you do not need to apply for a Dutch nationality certificate, passport or ID card for them to retain their Dutch nationality. A passport or ID card is necessary only if your child needs to travel abroad or prove their identity.