Applying for the Dutch nationality

• With naturalisation, integration is compulsory, unless you have an exemption. The Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND) will handle your application. The king will make a decision on your application. The application will be handled within 12 months.
• With option, integration is not compulsory. The municipal government will handle the application. The mayor will make a decision on your application. Your application will be handled within 13 weeks. 

Conditions

Look for the conditions on the website of the IND and choose your subject.

• You are registered in Almere
• You register your foreign documents first
  • When applying for naturalisation or option, you will need to register your foreign documents of birth, marriage or divorce at the municipal government. Are you not sure if your documents are registered? Log in on MijnOverheid.nl with your DigiD. Go to “Identiteit”. Under “Persoonsgegevens” at “Beschrijving document” you will see if your documents are registered or not.
  • Only after the registration of the documents can an appointment be made for applying for Dutch nationality. Are your documents unregistered? Make sure to make an appointment for this first.
  • It is possible that your foreign documents should first be translated and converted. Look on netherlandsworldwide.nl for what you have to do. 

Make an appointment.

• Mail to nationaliteiten@almere.nl for a meeting.
• Provide your Burgerservicenummer (BSN), phone number and email address.
• Provide the personal data of everyone who wishes to apply for Dutch nationality.
• Attach a copy of your diplomas.

During the meeting, we will assess if you meet the requirements. In case you do not meet the requirements, we will tell you which documents you still need.

Children/partner 

• For an application of multiple people, all adults have to be present. Children from 12 to 17 years have to be present at the application. Children younger than 12 years do not have to come along.
• Both parents have to provide permission for the application of the Dutch nationality.

Bring with you

• A valid passport or European identity card
• A valid residence permit
• All foreign deeds you have
• Integration diploma. The IND requires the applicant to have an integration diploma. There are exceptions to this rule. For questions about diploma's, please contact DUO.
• If you have it: a participatieverklaring (participation statement).

Application

• You hand in your application for naturalisation or option at the municipal government.
• Do you meet all the requirements? Then we invite you for a meeting to submit your application.
• Keep in mind that we will ask you to pay at the meeting (in cash or by debit or credit card).
• If an underaged child is naturalising with you, then they have to personally attend the application if they are 12 years or older. Both parents have to attend the meeting.
• Do you withdraw your request, or does your application result in a rejection? Then you will not receive your money back. These costs are a contribution to the research and assessment that the government makes. 

After the municipal government has received the naturalisation decision of the IND, you will receive an application for the naturalisation ceremony. This is a compulsory meeting where you will make the declaration of solidarity. You will then be handed the decision that you are Dutch. Read more information about the naturalisation ceremony (in Dutch). 

Renouncing your nationality

If you become Dutch, you will lose your current nationality. In some cases, you will have to do so yourself, but it could also be automatic. There are situations in which you may retain your nationality. The rules are explained on the IND website. You can also look what the conditions are for your nationality.

We don’t accept laminated documents. This doesn't allow us to check whether the documents are official.