Becoming Dutch

Do you live in Leiden? Then you can apply for naturalization directly via the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). This is faster than a request to become Dutch via the municipality.

In some cases you can ‘become Dutch by option’. For example, if you have lived in the Netherlands for more than 15 years. This is cheaper than naturalization. First check the conditions on the IND website.

Online application for naturalization via the IND

On the IND website you can find more information about the request for naturalization. You can find a video there ‘How do I become Dutch through naturalization?’. You can also read here what the conditions are for becoming Dutch through naturalization and what it costs.

Go to the IND website and fill in the form ‘request for naturalization’. The IND will decide on your application. You can also go there with questions about your application.

Pay and identify yourself at the Stadskantoor counter

Make an appointment 5 days after completing the form to come to the counter in the Stadskantoor in Leiden. You must identify yourself at the counter and pay for the application. The IND will only process your application after payment.

  • Bring to the appointment
  • Confirmation of the online application at the IND
  • Proof of identity
  • Debit card or cash
Make an appointment

Are you unable to submit your application via the IND?

Do you not meet the requirements of the IND? Do you have dual nationality, or do you live in Noordwijk? Then you cannot submit the request to become Dutch directly via the IND. In that case, you can have a pre-research done via the municipality of Leiden. This investigation will make clear whether you are eligible to become Dutch by naturalization or by option.

Have a pre-research done via the municipality

Fill in the form. You will need DigiD for this.

Pre-research to become Dutch

Don’t have a DigiD? And can’t arrange the pre-research online? Then call to make an appointment at the City Office. The telephone number is 14 071.

What happens after your request?

  • Have you sent all the documents for the pre-research? Then we will schedule an appointment with you at the Stadskantoor. During this appointment, you will submit your application to become Dutch.
  • If you have not sent all the necessary documents or if they are insufficient, we will inform you what you still need to submit. After that, we will schedule an appointment at the Stadskantoor.

The official application at the Stadskantoor

During your appointment at the Stadskantoor, you will submit your official application to become Dutch. This application has a fee. You must pay this fee even if your application is rejected by the municipality or the IND.

How long does it take?

  • If you want to become Dutch through naturalisation, the IND will decide on your application. This takes up to 1 year. The IND can extend this by 1 more year.
  • If you want to become Dutch through option, the decision from the municipality will take up to 13 weeks. The municipality can extend this by 13 weeks.

Costs

For more information on the costs to become Dutch, visit the website of the Dutch Association for Civil Affairs (NVVB) (in Dutch).

More information

Has your application to become a Dutch citizen been approved? The municipality will then invite you to the naturalization ceremony. Do you live in Noordwijk? The municipality of Noordwijk will then send you an invitation to the naturalization ceremony.

In this meeting, you will make the ‘declaration of solidarity’. Read in the brochure what the ‘declaration of solidarity’ is.
The naturalization ceremony is an important meeting. You will only become a Dutch citizen if you attend this meeting.

Check the IND website for the naturalization of your children.

The IND website has information about determining or changing your last name.

If you become Dutch, you must give up your original nationality (or nationalities).