Dual nationality for Dutch children

Our nationality desk is often asked: will my child lose Dutch nationality if he or she obtains another nationality? The answer is almost always: it depends. It is therefore important to seek advice from one of our lawyers if you want clarity about this.
This blog contains a number of important principles.

Is it really obtaining another nationality?

First of all, it is important to distinguish between obtaining another nationality or simply applying for a passport. For example: if the child was born as a Canadian and Dutch citizen, has always only had a Dutch passport and now also wishes to apply for a Canadian passport, then applying for that passport does not mean obtaining another nationality. In that case, there is no loss of Dutch nationality.

Loss of Dutch nationality

The loss of Dutch nationality for a child is related to the situation of the parents. As long as one of the parents has Dutch nationality, the child cannot lose Dutch nationality. In the following cases, the child does lose Dutch nationality:

• if the father or mother voluntarily acquires another nationality and the child shares in this acquisition or already has this nationality;
• if the father or mother loses Dutch nationality. For example, a parent can lose Dutch nationality due to a long stay abroad;
• if the child independently acquires the same nationality as his or her father or mother.

These are the most common situations, but there are more situations in which the child automatically loses Dutch nationality. It is important to get advice before you apply for another nationality for your child.

Exceptions to the loss

There are a number of exceptions to the loss of Dutch nationality for children. A common exception has already been mentioned: as long as one of the parents is Dutch, the child does not lose Dutch nationality. Other important exceptions are:

• if the child was born in the country of the nationality he or she acquired and lives there at the time of acquiring that nationality;
• if the child has lived in the country of the nationality he or she acquired for an uninterrupted period of at least five years.

Want to know more?

The consequences of losing Dutch nationality are significant. Therefore, seek good advice before your child acquires another nationality!
Contact our nationality desk: nationalitydesk@kroesadvocaten.nl.