Municipality of Nieuwkoop: applying for Dutch citizenship by naturalisation

There are 3 ways to become a Dutch citizen:

1. Automatically by birth (if 1 of your parents is a Dutch citizen at birth), adoption or recognition in the Netherlands.
2. Through a short (3 months) simple procedure for becoming a Dutch citizen. This is called the option procedure. You must belong to a special group specified by law.
3. If you are not eligible for the option procedure, you can become a Dutch citizen through naturalisation. This procedure usually takes less than 1 year and takes up to 2 years.

Naturalization

More information about the conditions, the required documents, the procedure, the costs and the process after the granting or rejection can be found on the  website of the IND.

Option procedure

Becoming a Dutch citizen through the option procedure is the easiest and fastest way to become a Dutch citizen, provided you are eligible for this. If you meet the conditions for option, the mayor will decide on this. More information about the conditions, the required documents, the procedure, the costs and the process after the grant or rejection can be found on the website of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).

If you meet the conditions, you can make an appointment for your naturalization application.

Call +31 172 521100 to make an appointment.

The costs can be requested from the municipality. Visit the Customer Contact Center, Teylersplein 1 in Nieuwveen or call +31 172 521100.

• The municipality assesses whether you meet all conditions for naturalisation and provides the Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst – IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) with advice. The municipality sends your file to the IND.
• The IND checks whether you meet all conditions and takes a decision. The IND must take a decision within 12 months. If you have any questions about the application in the meantime, you can contact the IND.
• You officially become a Dutch citizen only after the naturalisation ceremony.
• You can apply for a Dutch travel document 1 week after the naturalisation ceremony.