Go to content
Logo Dutch GovernmentTo the homepage of netherlandsworldwide.nl
NetherlandsWorldwide

Can I apply for a Dutch nationality certificate?

If you are a dual Dutch national aged 18 or over and have been living for more than 13 years outside the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten and outside the EU, you may need a Dutch nationality certificate to ensure you don’t lose your Dutch nationality. If you make sure your Dutch passport or ID card doesn’t expire, you don’t need to apply for a Dutch nationality certificate.

Warning: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague will issue a Dutch nationality certificate only to prevent the loss of your Dutch nationality. You must apply for the certificate within 13 years from the date of issue of your most recent Dutch passport, ID card or previously issued Dutch nationality certificate.

Applying to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a certificate not possible?

If you need a Dutch nationality certificate for a purpose other than preventing the loss of your Dutch nationality, find out where to apply below.

Purpose of the application

If you have both Dutch and Turkish nationality, in the following situations the Turkish authorities will require a document from the Dutch authorities containing your personal details and how and when you obtained Dutch nationality:

  1. Turkish military service,
  2. renouncing Turkish nationality,
  3. registering your dual nationality with the Turkish civil status records office (Nufus).

If you are currently registered in the Dutch Personal Records Database (BRP), apply to your municipality for a Dutch nationality certificate. Ask the municipality to specify on the certificate how and when you obtained Dutch nationality.

If you are registered in the Non-residents Records Database (RNI), apply to an RNI municipality for a nationality certificate. Ask the municipality to specify on the certificate how and when you obtained Dutch nationality.

Some countries, such as Türkiye and South Africa, require you to have a Dutch nationality certificate if you want to get married there. These countries often want to know how and when you obtained Dutch nationality. 

  • If you are currently registered in the Dutch Personal Records Database (BRP), apply to your municipality for a nationality certificate. Ask the municipality to specify on the certificate how and when you obtained Dutch nationality.
  • If you are registered in the Non-residents Records Database (RNI), apply to an RNI municipality for a nationality certificate. Ask the municipality to specify on the certificate how and when you obtained Dutch nationality.

In some countries, the local authorities require you to have a Dutch nationality certificate when applying for a residence permit there.

Warning: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not issue Dutch nationality certificates for this purpose. You can prove that you are a Dutch national using a valid Dutch passport or ID card. Keep in mind that in some countries your passport or ID card must still be valid for at least 6 months.

If you are unsure whether you have Dutch nationality, apply for a Dutch passport or ID card. You will need to submit a number of documents with your application. The Dutch authorities will then look into whether you hold Dutch nationality. 

You can also have your Dutch nationality established by a Dutch court.

Some authorities may require a document stating how and when you became a Dutch national. Whether by naturalisation or option, for example. You can request a copy of the naturalisation decision or the confirmation of nationality acquired through the option procedure online from the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). 

Request a copy from the IND online.

Some countries, such as Suriname, require a Dutch nationality certificate when you apply for a gun licence there. 

  • If you are currently registered in the Dutch Personal Records Database (BRP), apply to your municipality for a certificate stating your nationality.
  • If you are registered in the Non-residents Records Database (RNI), apply to an RNI municipality for a certificate stating your nationality.

Some countries, such as South Africa, require you to have a Dutch nationality certificate if you want to renew your passport of your dual nationality. These countries often want to know how and when you obtained Dutch nationality. 

  • If you are currently registered in the Dutch Personal Records Database (BRP), apply to your municipality for a nationality certificate. Ask the municipality to specify on the certificate how and when you obtained Dutch nationality.
  • If you are registered in the Non-residents Records Database (RNI), apply to an RNI municipality for a nationality certificate. Ask the municipality to specify on the certificate how and when you obtained Dutch nationality.

Contact

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Also useful