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Can my child become a naturalised Dutch citizen abroad?

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If you want your child to become a naturalised Dutch citizen abroad, they can only do so at the same time as you. And if they live at the same address as you. You should then add your child to your application. 

Attention: Please note: if your child is 18 or older they can submit their own naturalisation application.

Conditions for your child to be naturalised

Your child must accompany you to the embassy or consulate-general

  • Children aged 12 and above must accompany you to the embassy or consulate-general to submit the application.
  • Children under 12 do not have to go with you to the embassy or consulate-general. 

Child’s consent

  • If your child is 16 or 17 years old, they must give their consent to become a naturalised Dutch citizen. 
  • If your child is between 12 and 15 years old, they do not have the final say. However, their opinion will be taken into account in the decision of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).  

Permission from the child’s other parent

  • The IND also takes account of the opinion of the child’s other parent in its decision.
Attention: Please note: children under 18 do not have to take the naturalisation test.

In the event of a disagreement, the IND decides

If you want your child, aged 12 to 15, to be naturalised but they or their other parent disagree, the IND will decide whether your child should acquire Dutch citizenship. In doing so the IND focuses primarily on the interest of the child. The following situations are possible:

  1. Your child and their other parent both agree to the naturalisation. Your child will acquire Dutch citizenship, provided all other conditions are met.
  2. Your child agrees to the naturalisation, but their other parent does not. The IND will decide whether the child acquires Dutch citizenship. 
  3. Your child does not agree to the naturalisation, but you and their other parent do. Again, the IND will decide whether your child acquires Dutch citizenship. 
  4. Your child and their other parent both disagree with the naturalisation. Your child will not acquire Dutch citizenship.

After submitting your application

If you are applying for naturalisation for yourself and your child, you will both be informed about the decision on your application at the same time. 

Contact

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