Acquiring Dutch citizenship through an option
Are you an immigrant or the child of an immigrant? And do you not currently hold Dutch citizenship? If so, it’s possible to acquire Dutch citizenship through option. You will be given the same rights and duties as citizens of The Netherlands. If you live in the municipality of Leiden or Noordwijk you can file a request with the municipality of Leiden.
You can find explanations, exceptions and examples on the website of the Immigration en Naturalisation Service (IND).
Filing a request
Do you live in Leiden or Noordwijk and do you want to become a Dutch national through option? You can file a digital request to the municipality of Leiden.
Did you upload all documents with your request? Then we will make a personal appointment with you.
Did you not upload all documents? Then we will contact you and tell you which documents you still have to send.
The appointment at the Stadskantoor
During the meeting at the Stadskantoor we will discuss your request.
- Do you want to make a ‘declaration of solidarity’? If so, then you have to file a request to become a Dutch national. You will have to pay for this request. Read more about the ‘declaration of solidarity’ in the brochure.
- The municipality will make a decision on your request within 13 weeks. We can extend this term only once with 13 weeks.
The naturalisation ceremony
You will only become a Dutch national if you attend the naturalisation ceremony. This meeting is a legal requirement. During the naturalisation ceremony you will make a ‘declaration of solidarity’.
The municipality will invite you to attend the naturalisation ceremony.
Do you live in Noordwijk? In that case you will receive an invitation from the municipality of Noordwijk to attend the naturalisation ceremony.
How long does it take?
It will take a maximum of 13 weeks before you receive notification of the municipality’s decision.
The municipality can extend this period by a maximum of 13 weeks.
Costs
View the costs to become Dutch via option on the website of the Dutch Association for Civil Affairs (NVVB).
Please note: not all costs listed on that website are related to option.
More information
Request becoming a Dutch national through option
It’s possible that your legal name will have to be determined. This is mandatory if you do not have a last or first name. This may be the case if you have a singular name, or multiple names without a distinction between your last name and first names. For further explanations, exceptions and examples you can consult the website of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service.
Your child of 17 years or younger can request Dutch citizenship alongside you. You will have to report your child on the form during your follow-up appointment. Children of 16 or 17 years of age are required to be present during the appointment. They will have to consent to the request. For further explanations, exceptions and examples you can consult the website of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service.