NetherlandsWorldwide

When do I need a Dutch nationality certificate?

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You may need a Dutch nationality certificate if you want to retain your Dutch nationality. Or to show foreign authorities that you have Dutch nationality.

Warning: You can temporarily only apply for a Dutch nationality certificate to retain your Dutch nationality.

How you apply for the certificate depends on your situation:

  • I have never held a Dutch passport or ID card: you cannot apply for a Dutch nationality certificate. This also applies to children who do not yet have a Dutch passport or ID card. (You can, however, apply for a Dutch passport or ID card if you wish.)
  • My Dutch passport or ID card has expired: you can apply for a Dutch nationality certificate but you must submit your application by registered post. Find out how to do that.
  • I have a valid Dutch passport or ID card: you can apply for a Dutch nationality certificate online. Find out how to do that.

Retaining Dutch nationality

You can apply for a certificate in order to retain your Dutch nationality. You may lose your Dutch nationality if all of the following apply:

  • 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 have another nationality besides Dutch.

In this situation you can avoid losing your Dutch nationality by renewing your Dutch passport or ID card every 13 years. If you do not immediately need a Dutch passport or ID card for travel purposes, you can apply for a Dutch nationality certificate. You must have received the certificate within 13 years of the issue date of your passport or ID card.

Please note: the period changed from 10 to 13 years on April 1, 2022. Did the 10-year period expire before April 1, 2022? Then you do not fall under the term of 13 years and you will have lost your Dutch nationality.

Attention: Your child may be Dutch by birth or acknowledgement. This means that your child automatically has Dutch nationality. You do not need to apply for a Dutch passport, ID card or nationality certificate as proof. If you want to travel with your child they will need a passport or ID card. This also applies if your child requires medical care.

Moving, getting married or working abroad

If you are moving abroad, or if you are going to get married or work abroad, a foreign authority may ask you to provide a Dutch nationality certificate.

Benefits of a Dutch nationality certificate

The benefits are:

  • The certificate is cheaper than a passport or ID card.
Attention: A Dutch nationality certificate is not a travel document or identity document.