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Important Notice: The information on this page is believed to be at least partially incorrect or out of date. Additional information may be available in Country Information.

NETHERLANDS

CITIZENSHIP: Dutch citizenship is based upon the Nationality Act of 1984.

BY BIRTH: Birth within the territory of the Netherlands does not automatically confer citizenship.

BY DESCENT: Child born in wedlock, one of whose parents is a Dutch citizen. Child adopted, one of whose parents is a Dutch citizen and the adoption is in accordance with Dutch law. Child born out of wedlock whose mother is a Dutch citizen. Child born out of wedlock, of a foreign mother and Dutch father --citizenship will not be granted until the child is legitimized and recognized by the Dutch father.

BY NATURALIZATION: Dutch citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Having resided continually in the country for at least five years and able to speak the Dutch language. Foreign spouses of Dutch nationals may apply for citizenship after three years of marriage, provided they are able to speak the Dutch language.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED. Exceptions: Dutch child born abroad who acquires the citizenship of country of birth. Upon reaching the age of majority, person must chose which nationality to keep. Person, who involuntarily obtains another citizenship may not be asked to renounce Dutch citizenship.

Questions concerning dual citizenship and what constitutes involuntary acquisition of a foreign citizenship are not entirely clear in Dutch courts. In cases where the status of Dutch dual citizenship is unclear, contact the Dutch consulate for clarification.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:

VOLUNTARY: Voluntary renunciation of Dutch citizenship may be accomplished in the Netherlands or abroad. Dutch citizens living abroad may send letters of renunciation to the nearest Dutch embassy or consulate.

INVOLUNTARY: The following is grounds for involuntary loss of Dutch citizenship: Voluntary acquisition of foreign citizenship.

ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be directed to the address below:

Royal Netherlands Embassy Consular Section 4200 Linnean Ave., NW Washing ton, DC 20008

Chicago 713-622-8000 Houston 312-256-0110 Los Angeles 310-268-8169 New York 212-246-1429 Embassy Telephone: 202-244-5300 Fax: 202-364-2410

www.cbs.nl/enindex.htm

Email messages are not permitted. Contact nearest Consulate-General by telephone.

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