Is it easy to get Dutch citizenship? An honest answer

Last checked: 29 October 2026

Getting Dutch citizenship is not hard once you qualify, but qualifying takes time. The IND approved 98% of the naturalisation requests it decided in early 2026. The hard parts come before that: 5 years of legal residence, the civic integration exam at A2, about €1,139 in fees, and for most people giving up their current nationality.

So the honest answer depends on who you are. For a Dutch citizen's partner who speaks some Dutch, it is quite manageable. For someone who would lose a passport they need, it can be the hardest decision of their stay.

What the numbers say

The IND publishes figures every few months. For January to April 2026 (IND figures):

The approval rate is high because most people only apply when they meet the rules. The municipality also checks your documents before your file goes to the IND. A refusal usually means a missing requirement, not a strict officer.

The parts that are easy

• The procedure is clear. You apply at your own town hall, a staff member fills in the form with you, and the IND decides within 12 months (IND).
• The language level is modest. You need A2, a basic level. You do not need B1 for naturalisation. See the Dutch language test for citizenship.
• There is no interview about your life or values. You make a short declaration of solidarity at a ceremony.
• Some people skip the exam. A Dutch diploma taught in Dutch, an Nt2 state exam diploma, or 8 years of school in the Netherlands between ages 5 and 16 can exempt you (IND).

The parts that are hard

1. Five unbroken years

You need 5 years in a row with a valid permit, and you must have extended it on time every time (IND). A gap of a few days between permits can restart the count. A study permit alone does not count. This catches more people than the exam does. How long it takes explains the timeline.

2. The integration exam

The exam itself is A2, but it has many parts: reading, listening, writing, speaking, KNM and usually ONA or MAP. Each costs €50, and booking can take more than 6 weeks. Speaking and Writing results can take up to 16 weeks for now (DUO news). For people who work full time in English, finding the hours to reach A2 is the real challenge. Our article on whether the inburgering exam is difficult goes through each part.

3. Giving up your nationality

This is the hardest part for many people. Adults who naturalise must renounce their other nationality, unless an exception applies (IND: renouncing your nationality). You do not have to if, for example:

• you are married to or the registered partner of a Dutch citizen on the day the Royal Decree is signed
• you have an asylum residence permit
• you were born in the Kingdom and live there now
• your country does not let you give up its nationality, or the Netherlands does not recognise it (for example Taiwan)

You can also ask to keep it if renouncing would cause you serious harm, such as paying a large sum, losing an inheritance, or having to do military service first. The IND decides this case by case. Some countries take your nationality away automatically when you become Dutch, so check your own country's rules as well.

4. The cost

The IND fee is €1,139 for one person, or €1,454 together with a partner (IND fees). Stateless people and asylum permit holders pay €847. On top come exam fees and legalised, translated documents. The fee is paid when you apply.

5. A clean record

The IND checks for criminal convictions and large fines in the Netherlands and abroad (IND public order policy). Several small fines can add up. Leaving something out of your application is a reason for refusal by itself.

Who has it easier

Sources: IND exceptions to the 5-year term, IND option, IND renouncing.

Will it get harder?

The cabinet wants to raise the residence term from 5 to 10 years. In February 2026 the bill was still being prepared, with the aim of sending it to parliament in the third quarter of 2026 (parliamentary answers). It is not law yet. If you qualify now, the current rules apply to you today.

So is it worth it?

For most people who plan to stay, yes. A Dutch passport gives you the right to vote in national elections, free movement in the EU, and an end to permit renewals. The big question is your current passport. If you can keep it, or would lose little by giving it up, the path is mostly time and one A2 exam.

The exam is the part you can start on today. Learn the KNM topics in our chapter guides and try the free KNM practice exam. For the full list of rules, see Dutch citizenship requirements.

Frequently asked questions

How many naturalisation applications are refused?

Very few. In January to April 2026 the IND approved 98% of the requests it decided.

What is the hardest part of getting Dutch citizenship?

For many people, giving up their current nationality. For others, the 5 years of unbroken legal residence or finding time to study for the A2 exam.

Can I have dual nationality in the Netherlands?

Only if an exception applies, such as being married to a Dutch citizen, having an asylum permit, or being born in the Kingdom and living there.

Do I need to speak fluent Dutch?

No. The level is A2, which is basic. You need to handle simple everyday conversations and texts.

Is the option route easier than naturalisation?

Yes, if you qualify. There is no integration exam, it is cheaper, and the municipality decides within 13 weeks.

Is it harder for EU citizens?

No. EU citizens do not need a residence permit, but they still need 5 years, the A2 diploma or an exemption, and usually have to renounce.