Dutch Citizenship Rules 2026: The 5-Year Rule Stays, But What About Dual Nationality?

The Hague – For thousands of international residents dreaming of that burgundy passport, the uncertainty is finally over. After months of political debate and anxiety-inducing rumors about stricter immigration laws, the Dutch government has clarified the rules for naturalisation in 2026.

The headline news is a mixed bag: The feared proposal to extend the mandatory residency period from 5 years to 10 years has been officially dropped. However, those hoping for a modernization of the dual nationality laws—similar to the recent reforms in Germany—will be disappointed. The Netherlands remains one of the strictest countries in Europe when it comes to keeping your original passport.

Whether you are a highly skilled migrant, an expat partner, or an international student, this comprehensive guide explains exactly what is required to become Dutch in 2026, who can keep their original nationality, and how to navigate the Civic Integration (Inburgering) exams.

Table of Contents

• The 2026 Verdict: What Changed?
• The 5-Year Rule: When Does the Clock Start?
• The Big Deal-Breaker: Dual Nationality
• The Golden Exceptions: Who Can Keep Both Passports?
• The Language Hurdle: Is it A2 or B1?
• The Price Tag: How Much Does It Cost?
• Step-by-Step: From Application to Ceremony
• Dutch Learning Corner

The 2026 Verdict: What Changed?

There was significant fear in the expat community that the new coalition government would make naturalisation much harder. The proposal on the table was to increase the residency requirement to 10 years to “ensure better integration.”

The Good News: This plan was scrapped. The government concluded that 5 years is sufficient time to integrate, provided the language requirements are met.

The Bad News: The “Renunciation Requirement” (Afstandsplicht) remains fully in force. This means that if you become Dutch, you must generally give up your current nationality, unless you fall into a specific exemption category.

The 5-Year Rule: When Does the Clock Start?

To apply for naturalisation, you must have lived in the Netherlands (or the Dutch Caribbean) for 5 consecutive years with a valid residence permit.

Critical Details:

• The Clock Starts: The day you registered at the municipality (BRP) and received your residence permit.
• No Gaps: You cannot have a “residency gap.” If your permit expired for even one day before you renewed it, the 5-year clock might reset to zero.
• Student Years Count: Unlike in some other countries, years spent on a student visa DO count toward the 5 years. However, you cannot apply while you are on a student visa; you must switch to a non-temporary visa (like HSM or Zoekjaar) before applying.

The Big Deal-Breaker: Dual Nationality

This is the most painful part for many. The Dutch law is based on the principle of “Single Nationality.” The government believes that having only one nationality promotes better loyalty and integration.

The Process: When you apply, you must sign a declaration stating you are willing to renounce your current citizenship. Once you become Dutch, you usually have a few months to provide proof that you have given up your old passport. If you fail to do so, your Dutch citizenship can be revoked.

Comparison: Unlike France, Belgium, or the UK, the Netherlands actively enforces this rule.

The Golden Exceptions: Who Can Keep Both Passports?

While the rule is strict, the exemptions are generous. Approximately 40% of new Dutch citizens actually get to keep their original passport. Are you one of them?

The Language Hurdle: Is it A2 or B1?

Integration is key. You must pass the Inburgeringsexamen (Civic Integration Exam) to prove you know the language and society.

Current Standard (2026):

For most new applicants under the new law (Wet Inburgering 2021), the target level is B1 (Intermediate).

However, there are transitional rules. If you were already living in the Netherlands before the law changed (under the 2013 law), you might still be able to qualify with A2 level.

Check your personal status on the DUO website (Mijn Inburgering) to be 100% sure.

The Price Tag: How Much Does It Cost?

Becoming Dutch is an investment. The fees are adjusted annually. For 2026, the application fees (leges) are approximately:

• Single Application: €1,023
• Couple Application: €1,305
• Child (under 18) included in application: €151

Note: If your application is rejected (e.g., because you failed a background check), you do not get this money back.

Step-by-Step: From Application to Ceremony

1. Pass the Exams: First, pass all 5-6 exams (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing, KNM, ONA). Get your diploma from DUO.

2. Visit the Town Hall: Make an appointment at your municipality (Gemeente). You cannot apply online; it must be in person.

3. The Investigation: The IND (Immigration Service) has 12 months to decide on your case. Currently, the average waiting time is about 6-9 months.

4. The King’s Decree: If approved, the King signs your naturalisation decree.

5. The Ceremony: You will receive an invite to a “Naturalisatieceremonie” at your town hall. You must attend and declare the oath of allegiance (De Verklaring van Verbondenheid).

6. The Passport: Congratulations! One week later, you can apply for your Dutch passport.

Dutch Learning Corner