Introduction
Relocating to a new country and taking the decision to naturalise as an expatriate or student in a foreign country is a significant and often complex undertaking. This blog post unveils insights gathered from a Virtual Coffee Chat hosted by MyNigeria.NL . The chat focused on “Understanding and Navigating Dutch Naturalization Routes for Nigerians in the Netherlands.”
The topic was discussed through the perspectives of naturalised speakers Ayo, Timmy, and Clive. The discussion reveals the intricacies of the Dutch naturalisation process and provides insights for expatriates and students on this path.
Ayo Adebowale’s Journey and Insights
Ayo moved to the Netherlands in 2014. After spending six months in the Netherlands, his employer transferred him to Paris. Despite the move, Ayo maintained his registration in the Netherlands. Ayo shared the following information on naturalising in NL:
- You must have lived in the Netherlands for 5 years with a Residence Permit.
- You must have the civic integration exams or prove you have the required level of Dutch proficiency.
- All information for an application is available on the IND website.
- Applying for Dutch nationality means renouncing your Nigerian citizenship.
- Marrying a Dutch person means your partner wouldn’t have to renounce their citizenship. Your partner still has to write the civic exams after a 3-year waiting period.
Clive’s Insights
Clive emphasized the significance of starting the Dutch language exams immediately, regardless of future plans. He provided the following insights:
Starting the Process
- Start writing the exams by logging into the DUO website.
- The exams are quite easy and can be taken as many times as possible.
- The exams are paid at 50 euros per exam, with 5 steps for individuals with jobs and 6 steps for individuals without jobs.
- Losing your Dutch nationality voluntarily can occur if you accept a different nationality, either living abroad or in NL.
Exceptions include :
Being born in the country where adopting the nationality and living in that country when you get the new nationality, living in that country for 5 consecutive years before becoming an adult, or adopting the nationality of your partner.
Writing and Passing the Civic Exams
Clive outlined steps in order of ease for writing and passing the exams:
- Practice exams on the DUO website, failing and repeating until you start passing.
- Getting help to pass the exam.
- The exam consists of reading, listening, knowledge of Dutch culture, writing, and speaking.
Next steps after writing the exams include either of the 2 steps:
- Applying for Permanent Residency in 2 weeks, costing 250 euros.
- Sticking with the Residence Permit and applying for the passport.
The passport takes a maximum of 12 months and costs about 950 euros.
Note: Permanent residency gives you the same rights as a Dutch citizen outside voting and holding public office.
Timmy’s Insight
Timmy highlighted that exams can be done and passed in one sitting. He gave the following steps to take before writing the exams:
- Make up your mind.
- Practice.
- Go for the exams.
Other Notes
- Highly skilled migrants are not mandated to get the Dutch passport but can self-naturalise at will.
- Married partners can get their citizenship independently.
- A third person marrying a Dutch partner can maintain dual citizenship but would still require naturalisation.
- You can register your birth certificate before your appointment date.
- The Dutch government frowns at dual citizenship to prevent citizens who have been away for a long period from gaining social benefits.
- Information not available on the IND website can be obtained by calling the IND.
Conclusion
It is evident that understanding and navigating Dutch naturalisation is a journey worth undertaking with careful planning and proactive steps. The shared steps are helpful in naturalising as a Dutch citizen.
