EN 
NL 
DE 
FR 
ES 
PT 
TR 
UK 
AR 
PL 
RO 
RU 
ZH 
naturalization netherlands
qualify for naturalization
conditions of naturalization
IND
naturalization costs
lawyer naturalization
become a Dutch citizen by naturalization then you can
immigration law attorney enschede
immigration law lawyer overijssel
aliens law enschede
lawyer enschede immigration law
how it works bring children under year how long does it take who costs
In Enschede and Overijssel, you can count on the expertise of Derbedrosian Immigration Lawyers, your specialized immigration lawyers in Enschede. We understand that naturalization is an important step for those who wish to become Dutch citizens. Naturalization means that you obtain the Dutch nationality. There are certain costs associated with the naturalization process. To qualify for naturalization, you must meet specific conditions, including a certain length of residence in the Netherlands and having a valid residence permit. If you want to become a Dutch citizen through naturalization, it is essential to follow the proper steps and meet the requirements. Our immigration lawyers in Enschede are available to advise and guide you through the naturalization process. If you have questions about naturalization, costs, conditions or other immigration law matters, please do not hesitate to contact Derbedrosian Immigration Lawyers. We are ready to assist you and support you in realizing your goal of becoming a Dutch citizen through naturalization.
Naturalization in the Netherlands is the legal process by which foreigners can obtain Dutch nationality. This process has specific conditions and steps that must be followed to become an official Dutch citizen. In this introduction, we will provide a brief overview of the main aspects of naturalization in the Netherlands, including the requirements and procedures involved in obtaining Dutch nationality.
At what point do we speak of naturalization?
Naturalization simply refers to obtaining Dutch citizenship. If you are a foreigner and have legally resided in the Netherlands for a continuous period of 5 years, you are eligible to be naturalized as a Dutch citizen. It is crucial to understand that the final decision on your request to become a Dutch citizen is made by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).
Keep in mind that it can take up to one year for the IND to make a decision on your naturalization request.
If you are married to a Dutch citizen and living together, there is a shortened period of 3 years before you are eligible for naturalization.
The naturalization process is an important step for those who choose to assume Dutch nationality. It requires patience and careful compliance with the requirements established by the IND.
Conditions for naturalization
- Residential term: As mentioned earlier, the period of residence is a requirement. Naturalization requires that you have lived in the Netherlands continuously for the past 5 years. It is very important that you can prove that you actually had a permanent residence in the Netherlands during this period. This proves your accumulated connection to the country.
- Residence permit: having a valid residence permit at the time of your naturalization application is absolutely necessary. This means that you must have official permission to stay in the Netherlands. Without a valid residence permit, your application for naturalization cannot be processed.
- Offense: an important consideration for naturalization is your criminal background. The Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) retains the right to reject your naturalization application in case of public order concerns, especially if you were convicted of a criminal offense within five years prior to your application. In particular, a prison sentence or community service may affect the approval of your application to become a Dutch citizen.
Naturalization procedure
The process of naturalization in the Netherlands involves several steps to ensure that everything is done correctly and according to the law. Here are the comprehensive steps:
- Submit application: Initially, you apply to the municipality in which you live to become naturalized. This application is known as a naturalization request. It is the formal request to obtain Dutch nationality.
- Document control: After you submit the naturalization application, the municipality will review your application. They will check that you have submitted all the required documents and will confirm your identity. It is important to remember that there are fees associated with this step, which you will have to pay after the municipality forwards your application to the IND (Immigration and Naturalization Service).
- IND approval: If your application is approved by the IND, an important step follows. You will be invited to a special ceremony where you will officially receive Dutch citizenship. This is a symbolic and legal recognition of your new status as a Dutch citizen.
- Civics exam (if applicable): In some cases it may be necessary to take an integration exam as part of the naturalization process. This exam tests your knowledge of the Dutch language and culture.
The naturalization process is an important legal procedure and requires careful attention to detail. It is advisable to seek professional advice at every step and ensure that you meet all the requirements and obligations involved in naturalization.
Option Procedure
The option procedure offers an opportunity to obtain Dutch nationality. However, not everyone is eligible for this procedure. Listed below are the situations in which you are entitled to a residence permit through the option procedure.
- Residence in the Netherlands with a residence permit: If you currently live in the Netherlands and have a valid residence permit, you are eligible for the option procedure.
- Living in the Netherlands as a citizen of the Union: A citizen of the Union is someone who has the nationality of a country belonging to the EU, EEA or Switzerland. If you belong to this category, you do not need a residence permit to live in the Netherlands and can follow the option procedure.
- Residence abroad or in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands with a residence permit: If you live outside the Netherlands, including in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (consisting of Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, and the special municipalities of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba) and you have a valid residence permit, you are eligible for the option procedure.
It is important to note that obtaining Dutch citizenship outside the Netherlands is a different process than in the Netherlands.
Cost of naturalization
The cost of naturalization can vary depending on your situation. Here are the costs for different scenarios:
- Individual naturalization: If you only want to be naturalized, the cost is €945.00.
- Joint application: If you and your partner apply together, the cost is €1206.00.
- Family with children: If you have a child under 18 who also wants to be naturalized, the cost is €139.00.
- Special situations: For people without nationality or those with an asylum permit, the cost is €703.00.
Keep in mind that these fees relate only to the naturalization process itself. Depending on your specific situation, additional costs may apply. It is wise to keep this in mind when planning your naturalization process.
Lawyer for naturalization
It is advisable to hire an attorney who specializes in the immigration law can help you with your naturalization process. At Derbedrosian Law Firm, we have attorneys who know a lot about immigration law. Please feel free to contact us. We will then put you in touch with one of our lawyers who can assist you further with legal matters.