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Naturalisation trends: applications doubled, waiting time halved
Standard naturalisation
The most common way to acquire Dutch nationality is through the naturalisation procedure. The IND recently published a report highlighting trends in naturalisation applications:
- In 2018, 26,500 people applied; by 2024, this had doubled to 52,100 applicants.
- 97.3% of applications were approved over the past seven years.
- Average processing time dropped from 344 days in 2018 to 182 days in 2024.
Applicants usually must renounce their original nationality, though some exemptions exist, for example if renunciation is not possible.
Option procedure
The option procedure is less common but quicker and usually allows applicants to retain their original nationality. Between 2018 and 2024, 52,000 people acquired Dutch nationality via this route.
Eligibility includes former Dutch citizens who have lived in the Netherlands for at least one year on a valid residence permit (Article 6(1)(f) of the Dutch Nationality Act). The IND recorded 2,273 approvals of this type between 2018 and 2024.
A key benefit of the option procedure is that renouncing another nationality is not required.
Retaining your original nationality
If you gained Dutch nationality via standard naturalisation but cannot renounce your original nationality, and you do not meet one of the existing exemptions, one alternative is to temporarily renounce your Dutch nationality and re-apply under the option procedure.
We have successfully assisted clients with this process. For questions or support, please contact our nationality desk: nationalitydesk@kroesadvocaten.nl