Requirements for Minors to Obtain Citizenship

You can only become a Dutch citizen by naturalization. Your minor children can also apply for naturalization with you.

Conditions for the naturalization of children

A child under the age of 18 cannot apply for naturalization by himself. However, your child can apply for Dutch citizenship with you. In this case, you are also applying for your child's naturalization. This is called joint naturalization.

Conditions for joint naturalization of children under 16 years of age

• Your child lives in the Netherlands.
• Your child has a valid permanent residence permit or a temporary residence permit for the purpose of non-urgent residence. The residence permit must be valid until the day of the naturalization ceremony.
• Children aged 12 and over must accompany you to the municipality when applying. Your child will tell the municipality what he thinks about joint naturalization.

Joint naturalization conditions for children 16-17 years old

• Your child has been living in the Netherlands for at least 3 years.
• Your child has a valid permanent residence permit or temporary residence permit. The residence permit must be valid until the day of the naturalization ceremony.
• Your child must accompany you to the municipality when applying. There, your child must confirm that he or she agrees with the application for joint naturalization.
• Your child must be prepared to express their desire for naturalization by saying so during the naturalization ceremony.

Consent of the other parent

Only 1 parent is applying for naturalization? And is this parent also requesting joint naturalization of the child? Then the other parent must apply to the municipality to give permission for the joint naturalization of the child.