Beyond Borders 2026
20+ solutions for residency, second citizenship, and investment —
all in one day at the international Beyond Borders 2026 Summit in Lagos.

Join us on September 24, 2026, at Beyond Borders in Lagos.
wa tg
Request a callback
Dutch citizenship by naturalisation

Dutch citizenship
by naturalisation

Obtain the passport of one of Europe’s leading countries and unlock the opportunities of the EU for yourself and your loved ones

  • Visa-free travel across countries worldwide and within the Schengen Area
  • Open access to employment opportunities in all EU member states
  • The right to prestigious education and high-quality healthcare
  • The opportunity for family members to obtain European citizenship

Unlock your options — consult with an expert today

Program overview

Obtaining Dutch citizenship through naturalisation is possible after meeting the requirements established by the Dutch Citizenship Act (Rijkswet op het Nederlanderschap). The main requirement for most applicants is at least 5 years of legal residence in the Netherlands. During this period, applicants must demonstrate successful integration into Dutch society, proficiency in the Dutch language, and knowledge of the country’s culture and way of life as part of the inburgering civic integration process. Compliance with Dutch laws and the absence of serious grounds for refusal are also assessed.

The decision on the application is made after a review of the applicant’s case by the relevant authorities. The standard processing time may take up to 12 months.

  • Residence period: An application for Dutch citizenship can be submitted after 5 years of legal residence in the Netherlands, provided that all statutory requirements are met.
  • Right to work and conduct business: The right to work, pursue professional activities, and develop a business in the Netherlands.
  • Education: Access to free or subsidised education at Dutch educational institutions under the conditions established by law.
  • Taxation: A 30% tax ruling for certain foreign specialists, double taxation treaties, and various tax deductions and benefits related to mortgages, entrepreneurship, investments, and family circumstances.

Benefits of obtaining Dutch citizenship

Freedom to live and work in EU countries Dutch citizenship grants the right to live, work, and conduct business in any EU country without additional permits.
Access to high-quality education Dutch citizens have access to the country’s education system and can study at universities in other EU countries under the same conditions as EU nationals.
High standard of healthcare protection A Dutch passport provides access to the country’s healthcare system and the use of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) during temporary stays in other EU countries.
International mobility A Dutch passport provides extensive visa-free travel opportunities to many countries around the world.
Legal protection and EU citizenship rights Dutch citizens benefit from the protection of national and European legislation, as well as consular assistance abroad.
Possibility to retain multiple citizenships In certain cases provided for by Dutch law, dual or multiple citizenship may be permitted.
Protection of consumer and business interests Entrepreneurs benefit from legal protection of their property, consumer, and commercial interests in the Netherlands and across the EU.
Access to funding and European support programs Dutch companies can participate in national and European programs supporting business development, innovation, and growth.

The opportunities that come with Dutch citizenship

Improving quality of life

The Netherlands is one of Europe’s most developed countries, known for its stable economy, high standard of living, and reliable protection of citizens’ rights. A Dutch passport allows its holder to benefit from the advantages of European Union citizenship and confidently plan the future for their family.

Career opportunities and business development in the EU

Dutch citizenship provides access to the European labor market, allowing individuals to work freely, establish companies, and develop entrepreneurial projects across EU countries. Dutch passport holders benefit from extensive opportunities for professional growth, cooperation with international companies, and participation in a favorable business environment.

Access to high-quality healthcare and social protection

Dutch citizens have access to one of the most advanced healthcare systems in Europe. The national health insurance system ensures access to necessary medical care, while the country’s social security system provides various forms of support in circumstances defined by law.

Get your guide to Dutch citizenship

Get your guide to Dutch citizenship

  • Step-by-step application process
  • Clear eligibility requirements and expected costs
  • A ready-to-follow citizenship strategy
  • Updated information for 2026
Get the guide
Visa-free travel options
The Dutch passport is considered one of the strongest passports in the world, allowing visa-free access to more than 170 countries without the need to obtain a visa in advance. It ranks 4th in global passport rankings and provides access to 173 destinations according to the Mobility Score index. These include popular destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
flag 173 countries passport mobility
pass 4th place passport power ranking
  • Visa-free countries120
  • Visa on arrival42
  • eVisa countries11
map

Dutch passport: 170+ countries without a visa

The Americas

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Cuba
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Grenada
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Jamaica
  • Mexico
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Suriname
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • The USA
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela

Asia

  • Armenia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bangladesh
  • Brunei
  • Cambodia
  • China
  • Georgia
  • Hong Kong
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Japan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Laos
  • Macau
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Mongolia
  • Nepal
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Sri Lanka
  • Taiwan
  • Tajikistan
  • Thailand
  • Timor-Leste
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vietnam

Africa

  • Angola
  • Botswana
  • Burundi
  • Cabo Verde
  • Comoros
  • DR Congo
  • Ivory Coast
  • Djibouti
  • Egypt
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eswatini
  • Ethiopia
  • Gabon
  • Gambia
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Kenya
  • Lesotho
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Mauritania
  • Mauritius
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Nigeria
  • Rwanda
  • São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Senegal
  • Seychelles
  • Sierra Leone
  • South Africa
  • South Sudan
  • Tanzania
  • Togo
  • Tunisia
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

Europe

  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Austria
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czechia
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Kosovo
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • San Marino
  • Serbia
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Ukraine
  • United Kingdom
  • Vatican City

Oceania

  • Australia
  • Fiji
  • Kiribati
  • Marshall Islands
  • Micronesia
  • New Zealand
  • Palau
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Samoa
  • Solomon Islands
  • Tonga
  • Tuvalu
  • Vanuatu

Middle East

  • Bahrain
  • Israel
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Lebanon
  • Oman
  • Palestinian Territories
  • Qatar
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Syria
  • Turkey
  • The UAE
Consult a Mirsatori specialist to assess your chances of obtaining Dutch citizenship

Consult a Mirsatori specialist to assess your chances of obtaining Dutch citizenship

  • Faster access to a European passport
  • Relocation to a developed EU country
  • Full legal support throughout the process

Unlock your options — consult with an expert today

Comparative overview of Dutch citizenship and other programs

Category
Netherlands Netherlands
Spain Spain
France France
Number of countries available for visa-free travel
170+
170+
170+
Required period of residence
from 5 years
from 10 years
from 5 years
Personal income tax
from 35%
from 19%
from 0%
Corporate tax
19% / 25.8%
from 15%
from 15%
Family immigration
yes
yes
yes

Residency in the Netherlands is your first step toward citizenship

To qualify for Dutch citizenship through naturalization in the future, you must first obtain an appropriate residence status. Depending on the purpose of relocation, you may apply for a residence permit based on employment, highly skilled work, entrepreneurship, education, or family reunification.

Mirsatori specialists will assess your situation and help determine the most suitable basis for obtaining a residence permit in the Netherlands. We will prepare the required documents, support communication with the relevant authorities, and continue assisting you throughout the process — from obtaining residency to submitting your naturalization application.

Step-by-step plan for obtaining citizenship

Step-by-step plan for obtaining citizenship

Selecting the relocation pathway and obtaining a residence permit

Mirsatori lawyers analyze your situation and determine the most suitable way to legalize your stay in the Netherlands — for example, through employment, entrepreneurship, education, or family reunification. They assist with document preparation and provide full support throughout the process of obtaining the required residence status.

Get a consultation

Relocation to the Netherlands and registration

The Mirsatori team provides support during the relocation process and helps resolve key administrative matters after arrival. If you plan to stay in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, you must register with the local municipality in the Personal Records Database (BRP). After registration, applicants receive a BSN (Burgerservicenummer) — a personal identification number used for interaction with government authorities and access to official services.

Get a consultation

Maintaining residency status and meeting the required residence period

Mirsatori specialists support you throughout the entire period of residence required for future naturalization. In the standard case, an application for citizenship can be submitted after 5 years of continuous legal residence, provided that the applicant maintains an eligible residence status.

Get a consultation

Preparing for naturalization and compiling the application dossier

The company’s lawyers review your eligibility under Dutch citizenship requirements, help confirm the required level of integration, and prepare you for the civic integration exam. Naturalization usually requires passing a Dutch language exam at level A2.

Get a consultation

Submitting the application and supporting the review process

With the support of a specialist, you prepare the naturalization application and submit it to the municipality where you reside. After an initial review, the municipality forwards the dossier to the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service), which assesses whether you meet the program requirements. The standard decision period is up to 12 months.

Get a consultation

Completing the procedure and obtaining a passport

After receiving a positive decision from the authorities, you must attend a naturalization ceremony and make the Declaration of Solidarity. Once this requirement is completed, you officially become a Dutch citizen. Our lawyers then assist you with obtaining a Dutch passport.

Get a consultation

Get a personalized strategy for obtaining a Dutch passport

A specialist will create a tailored citizenship plan for you, providing a detailed analysis of each step, taking into account your family composition, required period of residence, and language proficiency.

Get your strategy
Investment plan

Citizenship by naturalization: alternative programs

Country Cost Residency requirement Benefits
Spain Spain
Cost upon request
Residency requirement from 10 years
Benefits
  • Visa-free travel to 176 countries
  • Free healthcare and education
  • Right to work in any EU country
Learn more
France France
Cost upon request
Residency requirement from 5 years
Benefits
  • Visa-free travel to 170+ countries
  • Right to live and work in Schengen countries
  • Access to affordable education and healthcare
Learn more
See all programs

Media coverage

imidaily

Mirsatori's team examines the reasons behind the rush of European HNWIs to Dubai, from low taxes, safety, business opportunities, and more. Below, we explore 5 of the most important and compelling...

reg

According to Andris Kaushelis, General Manager of the international law firm Mirsatori, modern legal mechanisms allow you to build an asset ownership structure that only shares information with...

travelandtourworld

Spain is one of the few countries where the government has officially defined the term “innovation” and incorporated it into Law 28/2022, “On the Development of the Startup Ecosystem.”

Our blog

See all articles
Beyond Borders 2026 14 September 2026
News 04.09.2026 Beyond Borders 2026 — a summit focused on residency, second citizenship, and global investment opportunities
Taxes 14 September 2026
Taxes 31.07.2026 Taxes in Turkey in 2026
Vanuatu Passport 14 September 2026
Citizenship 24.06.2026 Vanuatu passport in 2026: visa free countries and entry requirements
7 European countries 14 September 2026
Residence permit 30.05.2026 7 European countries where you can obtain residency by investment

FAQ

How many years do you need to live in the Netherlands to obtain citizenship?

In the standard case, you must have legally and continuously lived in the Kingdom of the Netherlands for at least 5 years. Exceptions to this rule may apply to certain categories of applicants.

Can you obtain Dutch citizenship without permanent residence?

Yes. A permanent residence permit is not always required to apply for naturalization. In particular, an eligible temporary residence permit or another status recognized under Dutch law may be sufficient.

Do you need to know Dutch for naturalization?

Yes. In most cases, applicants must pass the civic integration exam at a minimum A2 level. In certain situations, an applicant may be exempt from this requirement.

Do you need to renounce your current citizenship?

In most cases, adult applicants are required to renounce their previous citizenship after acquiring Dutch citizenship. However, Dutch law provides several exceptions, including certain spouses of Dutch citizens and individuals with specific statuses.

Where is the naturalization application submitted?

The application is submitted to the municipality (gemeente) where the applicant is registered. The municipality reviews the documents and forwards the application to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), which makes the final decision.

How long does the application review process take?

The IND makes a decision on a naturalization application within 12 months from the start of the official processing period. In certain cases, this period may be extended, for example, if additional information is required.

Can children be included in a naturalization application?

Yes. A minor child can be included in a parent’s application if the established requirements are met. Children aged 12 and older must be present during the application process and express their opinion, while children aged 16–17 must provide consent to acquire citizenship.

Can Dutch citizenship be obtained faster?

Yes, in cases provided for by law. For example, a shorter residence period may apply to certain spouses or registered partners of Dutch citizens. The specific conditions depend on the legal basis for accelerated naturalization.

Is there a separate citizenship exam?

No. There is no separate exam specifically for obtaining citizenship. To meet the integration requirement, applicants usually need to pass the civic integration exam, which assesses knowledge of the Dutch language and basic aspects of life in Dutch society.

When does an applicant become a Dutch citizen?

A positive decision from the IND does not automatically grant citizenship. After approval, the applicant must attend a mandatory naturalization ceremony and make the Declaration of Solidarity. Once this requirement is completed, the applicant officially becomes a Dutch citizen and can apply for a Dutch passport.

Get expert guidance on your case
Schedule a meeting with our specialists, in-office or online, and receive a tailored case analysis, a clear cost estimate, and the best solution to achieve your goals.
If you would like to offer our services to your clients, visit our partnership page to learn about the terms of cooperation and opportunities to grow your business.

Fill out the form to schedule a meeting in the office or online

×
Prefer messengers?
If you would like to offer our services to your clients, visit our partnership page to learn about the terms of cooperation and opportunities to grow your business.
Mirsatori
Homepage Telegram WhatsApp Call now
  • Corporate services
  • Legal services
  • Financial services
  • Residence permit
  • Citizenship
  • More