Go to content

Could I lose my Dutch citizenship by having dual citizenship?

If you hold dual citizenship, you can lose your Dutch citizenship if you have lived outside the Koninkrijk der Nederlanden (Kingdom of the Netherlands) or the European Union (EU) for 13 years or longer. The Koninkrijk der Nederlanden comprises 4 countries: the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, and 4 special municipalities:  Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba.

Keeping your Dutch citizenship

You are entitled to keep your Dutch citzenship if you:

  • have lived in the Koninkrijk der Nederlanden or the EU for at least one of those 13 years, or
  • always renew your passport, or ID card before it expires or request a Dutch citizenship certificate. The expiry date is 13 years after the date on which the document was issued. A new 13-year period starts on the day you receive the passport, ID card or certificate.

Dutch citizenship certificate

If you don't need a passport or ID card for anything besides proof of Dutch citizenship, it is cheaper to apply for a Dutch citizenship certificate .

The certificate costs €30 and you can apply for it at an embassy or consulate of the Netherlands. Please note: you must apply for the certificate before your current passport or ID card expires.