You keep Dutch nationality if
- You were born in that country and live there
- You lived there 5 years in a row before turning 18
- You take the nationality of your spouse or registered partner
The 13-year rule
Living abroad with two nationalities
You can lose Dutch nationality automatically if all three of these apply.
1
Two nationalities
You have Dutch nationality and another nationality.
2
Outside NL and the EU
As an adult you live outside the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the EU.
3
13 years without a document
You did not get a Dutch passport, ID card or nationality declaration for 13 years.
Each new passport, ID card or Declaration regarding Dutch nationality starts a new 13-year period.
A new nationality
Taking another nationality
Voluntarily acquiring another nationality normally ends your Dutch nationality – with three exceptions.
Points to check
- The exceptions do not apply to Austrian nationality
- Children can lose Dutch nationality with a parent
- Living in the EU stops the 13-year clock
- Renew your passport on time
Not sure where you stand? Check before you apply for another nationality – it cannot be undone easily.
Lost it?
Getting Dutch nationality back
Option procedure
Former Dutch citizens can often regain nationality by option after at least 1 year of legal residence in the Netherlands.
Naturalisation
Otherwise naturalisation after the normal residence period, with the integration requirement.
Children
Children born abroad to a Dutch parent are Dutch – but the 13-year rule also applies to them as adults.
More on the option procedure and naturalisation: dutch-citizenship.nl.
FAQ
Questions about Dutch nationality
I live in Belgium – does the 13-year rule apply?
No. Time spent living in the EU does not count towards the 13 years.
Does a Dutch ID card count?
Yes. A Dutch passport, ID card or Declaration regarding Dutch nationality starts a new 13-year period.
I only have Dutch nationality – can I lose it?
No. The 13-year rule only applies if you also have another nationality.
I took my husband’s nationality – am I still Dutch?
Usually yes. Acquiring the nationality of your spouse is one of the exceptions.
Related routes
Staying, coming back or moving on
Stay
Permanent residence
Five years in? A permanent permit or EU long-term resident status travels better.
eu-permanent.nl Open website CitizenshipDutch citizenship
Naturalisation or the option procedure – and keeping your Dutch passport.
dutch-citizenship.nl Open website FamilyPartner visa
Coming back with a partner from abroad? The partner route explained.
partner-visa.nl Open website EU lawThe EU route
Lived with your family in another EU country? EU law may bring you back together.
yari-immigration.nl/eu-law-eu-route.html Open websiteInformation valid for 2026, based on ind.nl, government.nl, netherlandsworldwide.nl, belastingdienst.nl, svb.nl and cbs.nl. Rules can change – always check the latest information with us or on the official websites.