GetEUCitizenship Dutch citizenship by birth

Dutch citizenship by birth, also known as birthright citizenship, is granted to individuals who are born on Dutch territory or to Dutch citizen parents. Here are some crucial points to understand about Dutch citizenship by birth.

Key points of getting citizenship by birth in the Netherlands

Birth on Dutch territory. If a child is born on Dutch territory, they are generally considered to be a Dutch citizen regardless of the nationality or immigration status of their parents. This principle is known as “ius soli” or the right of the soil.
Dutch citizen parents. A child can acquire Dutch citizenship if at least one of their parents is a Dutch citizen at the time of their birth. This principle is known as “ius sanguinis” or the right of blood.
Dual citizenship. The Netherlands generally allows dual citizenship, which means that if a child acquires Dutch citizenship at birth, they can also hold the citizenship of their parents’ country or any other country that permits dual citizenship.
Registration. It is important to register the birth of a child with the relevant Dutch authorities, such as the municipality (gemeente), to ensure that their Dutch citizenship is officially recognized.
Citizenship by descent. Dutch citizenship can be passed down from parent to child, allowing successive generations to maintain their Dutch citizenship. However, specific requirements and limitations may apply depending on the circumstances of the parents’ citizenship.
Legitimation. In some cases, a child born to non-Dutch citizen parents on Dutch territory may be eligible for Dutch citizenship through a process called “legitimation”. This usually occurs when the child is legally recognized as the child of a Dutch citizen within a certain timeframe.

FAQ

Does being born in the Netherlands automatically make someone a Dutch citizen?

Yes, if a child is born on Dutch territory, they are generally considered to be a Dutch citizen, regardless of the nationality or immigration status of their parents. This principle is known as “ius soli” or the right of the soil.

Are there any exceptions to automatic Dutch citizenship for children born in the Netherlands?

There are a few exceptions to automatic citizenship. For example, if the child’s parents have diplomatic immunity or if they are in the Netherlands on a short-term stay without a legal residence permit, the child may not acquire Dutch citizenship by birth.

Can a child born in the Netherlands to foreign parents become a Dutch citizen later?

If a child is born in the Netherlands to foreign parents, they can acquire Dutch citizenship through a process called “legitimation”. Legitimation occurs when the child is legally recognized as the child of a Dutch citizen within a certain timeframe.

Can a child born outside the Netherlands to Dutch citizen parents be a Dutch citizen?

Yes, a child born outside the Netherlands can acquire Dutch citizenship if at least one of their parents is a Dutch citizen at the time of their birth. This principle is known as “ius sanguinis” or the right of blood.

Can a child have dual citizenship if they acquire Dutch citizenship by birth?

The Netherlands generally allows dual citizenship, so a child who acquires Dutch citizenship by birth can also hold the citizenship of their parents’ country or any other country that permits dual citizenship.

What is the process for registering the birth of a child for Dutch citizenship?

The birth of a child needs to be registered with the relevant Dutch authorities, such as the municipality (gemeente) where the child was born. This registration is essential to ensure that the child’s Dutch citizenship is officially recognized.

Dutch citizenship by birth