Becoming a Dutch citizen through option

How does it work?

• You must submit a declaration to the municipality stating that you wish to become a Dutch citizen through option.
• You pay the costs after you have made the declaration.
• You will complete a form in which you state that you wish to make the declaration of solidarity. You will make this declaration during the naturalization ceremony. With this, you declare that Dutch law also applies to you. Children younger than 16 years do not have to do this.

The municipality will check your declaration. If it is approved, you will receive an invitation to the naturalization ceremony.

Naturalization ceremony

You will make the declaration of solidarity at the naturalization ceremony. You will also receive confirmation during the ceremony that you have become a Dutch citizen. You are required to attend this ceremony. Was your child 16 years or older when the option declaration was made? Then he or she is also required to attend the ceremony. Children younger than 16 do not have to come along, but they are welcome to do so.

How much does it cost?

You can find the current costs on www.ind.nl.

What do I need to bring?

• Your residence permit
• Your valid passport or other travel document
• Your birth certificate
• Other documents about your personal situation. For example, a marriage certificate or divorce certificate.

Important information regarding foreign documents

• The municipality must be able to verify that foreign documents are genuine. This can be done by legalizing the documents. Ask the municipality in advance whether this is necessary.
• Foreign documents must be in Dutch, English, French, or German. If this is not the case, you must first have the documents translated by a sworn translator in the Netherlands.