Dual nationality in the Netherlands (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Naturalisation in the Netherlands requires the applicant to try to lose the other nationality, with exceptions. Voluntarily acquiring another nationality causes loss of Dutch nationality, with exceptions.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Naturalisation: giving up the previous nationalityNationality rules | Required, with exceptions [1] |
| Naturalisation: exceptions to giving up the previous nationalityNationality rules | The application is refused if the applicant has not done what is possible to lose the other nationality, unless this cannot reasonably be required. The requirement does not apply to nationals of certain treaty states (Article 9(3)(a)), to people born in the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao or Sint Maarten who live there, to people married to a Dutch national, or to recognised refugees. [1] |
| Voluntarily acquiring a foreign nationalityNationality rules | Loss, with exceptions [1] |
| Loss of nationality on acquiring a foreign nationality: detailsNationality rules | An adult loses Dutch nationality by voluntarily acquiring another nationality. This does not apply to a person born in that country who lives there when acquiring it, to a person who lived there for at least five uninterrupted years before turning 18, or to a person married to a national of that country. [1] |
Notes
- The statute shows amendments to Articles 14 and 15 planned from 1 March 2027. Their content was not readable on the page. A separate 13-year rule (Article 15(1)(c)) can also end Dutch nationality for dual nationals living outside the Netherlands and the EU.
Sources
- wetten.overheid.nl: Rijkswet op het Nederlanderschap (BWBR0003738) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.