How to obtain Dutch citizenship in 2025: current ways to do so

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Many people are concerned about how to obtain Dutch citizenship in 2025. The answer lies not in the glamour of Amsterdam, but in following the legal requirements and providing facts from your immigration history. Every path to citizenship is not a formality, but a calibrated sequence of actions where there is no room for chance. The conditions may have changed, but the system’s approach remains the same: strict but clear. If you have the necessary data, have taken the necessary steps and have serious intentions – the goal is achievable. We will go through each method in detail, focusing on the key requirements and steps.

Legal start: through naturalisation

Naturalisation is the classic way of obtaining Dutch citizenship. It is suitable for most migrants who have undergone long-term adaptation.
Prerequisites:

continuous residence for at least 5 years under a Dutch residence permit, including residence in the Kingdom for at least 80% of the time;
Successful completion of a language, culture and constitutional exam;
no criminal record;
renunciation of previous civil status, with few exceptions.

As of 1 January 2025, the integration exam has been modernised. It is fully digitalised. It includes listening, a written part and an interview. The average level of requirements is B1, according to the CEFR. The result is Dutch citizenship, with all the rights of an EU citizen.

Option: shortcuts for “their own”

The optatisation procedure is not an indulgence, but a recognition of the rights of persons historically linked to the Netherlands. It is one of the least known but realistic ways of obtaining Dutch citizenship.
Those who can take advantage of it are:

persons who were born in the country and have lived there for at least 3 years;
children whose parents are Dutch;
former subjects of the kingdom who have lost their passport for technical reasons.

The opt-in process is a pure formality: registration in the municipality, submission of an application, confirmation of facts. The passport is issued after 3-6 months. The principle of confirmation, not proof, applies here.

By birth and by blood: transfer by law

It is possible to acquire Dutch citizenship by birthright if one of the parents is a Dutch citizen. Act No. 305 (ed. 2022) preserves this right regardless of the territory of birth. When you are born in the country from foreign parents, you are not granted a passport of the country. But after 3 years of residence it is possible to apply for an option. Adoption by a Dutch citizen gives the right to formalisation, subject to international norms.

How to obtain Dutch citizenship through marriage

Marriage to a Dutch citizen does not automatically entitle you to Dutch citizenship, but it does open the way to citizenship through naturalisation. One of the key conditions is a minimum of 3 years of living together in the Netherlands or 5 years outside the Netherlands. The marriage must be intact at the time of application. The IND immigration office carefully checks the authenticity of the relationship. It looks at the presence of common children, shared household, photographs, correspondence and financial ties. In 2024, 12 per cent of applications were rejected because of suspected sham marriages. Preparation for filing should be as thorough as possible, focusing on the real facts of living together.

Dual nationality: strictly but with reservations

If you are thinking about obtaining a Dutch passport, it is important to consider the prohibition on dual Dutch citizenship. The law requires you to relinquish your former passport upon naturalisation.

Exceptions apply if:

the country does not allow refusal (e.g. Iran);
the applicant is married to a Dutchman;
civilian status obtained by option;
the loss of the first passport will result in damages;
the person was born with two citizenships.

In 2024, the IND approved 23 per cent of applications with retention of previous citizenship. The decision depends on the circumstances and the level of integration.

Immigration and residence permit: transition to citizenship status

Any path to Dutch citizenship starts with legal status. Immigration to the Netherlands is by labour, study, family or humanitarian status. A permanent or long-term residence permit for the Netherlands is needed to go through the naturalisation procedure. Temporary residence permit is not taken into account. The steps include selecting a category, applying to the IND, possible MVV, registration, annual renewal. Since 2025, migrants follow the process through the DigiD online office.

Examination, language and culture: compulsory stage

The main filter on the way to how to get Dutch citizenship is the Inburgering exam. It includes:

understanding, speaking and writing in Dutch;
Knowledge of laws and social norms.

Until 2021 – A2 level, from 2022 – B1 level. In 2025 it is planned to strengthen to B1+ with the addition of digital skills. The integration course is compulsory. The municipality sends it to an accredited centre. The duration is up to 18 months. Without the course, refusal is inevitable, even if all other conditions are fulfilled. For children under 16 years of age, a simplified scheme is in place: the written part is adapted and the oral part is removed altogether.

How to build a path to legalisation and naturalisation

Emigration to the Netherlands is not just a change of country, but a strategic decision that opens the way to permanent residence. The initial step is to choose a solid migration base. One of the most attractive options is participation in the EU Blue Card programme. It provides a residence permit with the prospect of obtaining a permanent residence permit after three years, rather than the standard five. There is a special type of visa for innovative entrepreneurs. Called startup visa, issued with the support of one of the 36 recognised facilitators relevant for 2025.

Determining the basis for migration

The most common legal avenues are:

employment under contract with a Dutch employer;
training at accredited universities or research institutes;
Family reunification or partnership with a national/resident of the country.

Financial planning

Living in the Netherlands requires a stable income and a clear budget:

rent starts from 950 € per month (depending on the city and type of property);
food costs – minimum 300 € per person per month;
additional expenses: transport, mobile communications, utilities, leisure activities.

Analysing key areas

Before moving, it’s important to research:

the labour market for your profession or business niche;
health care system: compulsory insurance, choice of family doctor, registration with GGD;
education: entry conditions, types of schools, language support for children and students.

Drawing up of mandatory documents

Legal residency requires:

conclude a health insurance contract (basic policy is compulsory for all residents);
open a bank account in a Dutch bank to receive your salary, pay your rent and other daily expenses;
get a BSN (personal taxpayer number) – the key to accessing all state services.

Each of these steps is a brick in the foundation of your new life. The more thoroughly you work through the preparatory phase, the more confident you will feel as a new resident of the Netherlands. Start with the right strategy and it will only be a matter of time before you are on the road to citizenship.

How to obtain Dutch citizenship: conclusions

Obtaining Dutch citizenship is a process that requires careful planning and strict adherence to regulations. Each path available consists of sequential steps that go far beyond mere formality. Citizenship status cannot be achieved without proven integration into society, proficiency in the national language and demonstration of strong ties to the country.

Although the immigration system is transparent, it requires the active participation of the applicant at every stage. Only by completing all the necessary procedures legally can you gain access to a Dutch passport, the full range of rights of an EU citizen and a wide range of opportunities that are not limited by national borders.

Differences between a residence permit and permanent residence: what is important to know before moving to a new country

Moving to another country is a significant step that requires not only careful preparation of suitcases and visa processing, but also a deep understanding of the legal aspects. Any long-term stay abroad begins with a choice between two key legal statuses: temporary residence permit (residence permit) and permanent residence (permanent residence). Both options provide an opportunity to legally live and work in a new country, but are governed by different rules.

The differences between a residence permit and permanent residence — what are they? This is not just a formality in the documents. These are fundamental differences in your rights, stability, level of responsibility and control by the state. This choice determines not only the legitimacy of your stay, but also the opportunity to build a fulfilling future without restrictions.

Differences between a residence permit and permanent residence: the legal basis

It may seem that residence permits and permanent residence provide a similar starting point — the opportunity to live and work abroad. However, their legal basis is fundamentally different: a residence permit is focused on a specific purpose of stay, whereas permanent residence emphasizes the status of a full-fledged member of society.

A residence permit is issued for a strictly defined period of time and is always linked to a specific reason: work, study, family reunification, business. Any change in these conditions may require an extension of the residence permit, a change in its type, or even cancellation. This means constant dependence on external factors and the need to regularly confirm the validity of your stay.

Permanent residence, on the contrary, frees you from such a binding. It does not depend on a specific employer or educational institution, does not require regular confirmation every few months, and is usually issued indefinitely or for a very long period with minimal conditions for renewal. Permanent residence confirms your right to be a full-fledged part of society, providing much greater freedom and stability.

Labor market opportunities: the difference between a residence permit and permanent residence

The rights granted by each status vary greatly in their depth, and this is especially noticeable in practice. The differences between a residence permit and permanent residence are most obvious in the field of employment and social life.

If you have a residence permit, your opportunities in the labor market may be significantly limited. For example, a work residence permit often does not allow you to open your own sole proprietorship or engage in freelancing, while a student’s residence permit may limit or prohibit work hours altogether. Access to most social benefits and government support programs with a residence permit is also limited.

Permanent residence, on the contrary, removes these restrictions. With it, you can:

Freely change employers without the need to re-issue documents.
Move from one region to another without losing your status.
Open your own business (sole proprietor, LLC, etc.) without additional permits.
Apply for social benefits and participate in government support programs on an equal basis with the citizens of the country.

Permanent residence provides much greater flexibility and independence in professional activities.

Your status in crisis: sustainability of residence permit and permanent residence

The migration path is rarely completely smooth. Losing your job, changing your life plans, or having to move to another city can all jeopardize your temporary status. It is at such moments that the differences between a residence permit and permanent residence are especially acute.

A residence permit is a status that depends on the stability of external circumstances. If the reason for its issuance (for example, a work contract or university admission) disappears, you risk losing the right to stay in the country and being forced to leave it.

Permanent residence creates internal stability. It guarantees the preservation of your rights even in the event of a sudden change in circumstances (for example, job loss or divorce). This status protects you from having to leave the country immediately and allows you to make long-term plans: buy real estate, invest, get a mortgage, without fear for your future.

Path to citizenship and integration: differences between a residence permit and permanent residence

For many immigrants, the ultimate goal is to obtain citizenship of a new country. The path to a passport often goes through obtaining permanent residence.

The period of stay on a residence permit is rarely fully taken into account when calculating the period required for naturalization. It is often necessary to obtain permanent residence first, and only after that the countdown for obtaining citizenship begins.

The period of permanent residence is almost always taken into account without reservations when calculating the deadline for applying for citizenship. This greatly simplifies the procedure, eliminates delays, and minimizes the risk of failure. In some countries (for example, in the Netherlands or Spain) This can mean the difference between waiting 10 years and being able to apply for citizenship within 5 years of obtaining permanent residence.

Comparison of key characteristics: Residence permit vs permanent residence

For clarity, let’s present the differences between a residence permit and permanent residence in a convenient table.:

Parameter	Residence permit (residence permit)	Permanent place of residence (permanent residence)
Validity period	1-5 years with the possibility of extension	Indefinite or long-term (usually 5-10 years, with a simple extension)
Binding to the base	Yes (work, study, marriage, business, etc.)	No, the status is independent of the original reason.
Access to social media services	Limited, depends on the type of residence permit	Full, on an equal basis with citizens
Change of employer	Requires notification or new permission	Allows you to change jobs freely
Moving to other regions	Sometimes it is restricted or requires a new permission	No country restrictions
The path to citizenship	It is often not fully accounted for or requires a status change.	Fully included in the required period
Annual reports	They are often present and require confirmation	As a rule, they are missing
The opportunity to open a business	Depends on the type of residence permit, may be limited	Allowed and supported

How status differences affect a migrant’s life: let’s look at examples

Formally, both statuses give the right to legal residence, but in practice, the differences between a residence permit and permanent residence form completely different life scenarios. A residence permit makes your stay dependent on external factors that can change at any time, while permanent residence gives you independence from the constant need to confirm the reason for staying in the country.

One of the most striking examples is an entrepreneur in the Netherlands. If you have a residence permit based on doing business, you will usually have to prove the economic viability of your project every year. In case of losses, a temporary decrease in income or a drop in demand, the residence permit may not be extended. Even short-term difficulties, such as market changes or rising costs, are fraught with consequences for your status. If you have permanent residence, there are no such bureaucratic obligations: your business can develop without constant bureaucratic pressure, even during unstable periods.

The second example is a family in Spain. A residence permit issued on the basis of family reunification is often linked to a specific region (autonomous region). To move to another part of the country, a new residence permit may be required, which entails additional bureaucracy and time costs. There are no such regional restrictions on permanent residence, which gives freedom to choose a place of residence and work throughout the country.

When to choose permanent residence, and when to choose a residence permit?

The right choice depends on your goals, planning horizon, and level of confidence in your future in a new country. The differences between a residence permit and permanent residence show that these statuses do not compete, but correspond to different life strategies.

If your goal is a short—term stay with the possibility of returning to your homeland, then a residence permit makes sense. It is ideal for:

Academic training programs.
Time-limited work contracts or internships.
The first year of adaptation in a new country, especially in countries with relatively lenient visa conditions.

A permanent residence permit should be chosen when planning a long-term stay abroad and striving for full integration. This status is preferred for those who:

He plans to conduct business without restrictions and bureaucratic red tape.
He wants to provide children with access to full-fledged education on an equal basis with citizens.
Needs stable access to medical care without restrictions.
I intend to purchase real estate and finally gain a foothold in the country.
Considers the possibility of naturalization and obtaining citizenship in the future.

Permanent residence removes most of the bureaucratic barriers, frees you from frequent inspections and creates space for confident long-term planning. Unlike a residence permit, it allows you to change the direction of your life (for example, change your profession or move) without the risk of losing your legal status.

If your immigration scenario involves moving the whole family, making serious investments in housing, or registering your own company, it makes sense to immediately focus on obtaining a permanent residence permit. This will save years of waiting, reduce the number of requests to immigration services and minimize dependence on short-term circumstances.

Conclusion

The differences between a residence permit and permanent residence lie much deeper than just the validity period of the document. They determine how a person will live in a new country: temporarily, with constant consideration for conditions and restrictions, or stably, with broad prospects for the future. Making a conscious choice between these two statuses is not just a bureaucratic procedure, but a strategic decision that will affect every aspect of your life abroad.

June 18, 2025

Top 10 cities in the Netherlands with cheap property: where it is profitable to buy a home

Real estate in the Netherlands is traditionally associated with high prices, dense development and frantic demand. Outside Amsterdam and Rotterdam lies another market – more stable, affordable and promising. Dutch cities with cheap property offer a real alternative to overheated metropolises. Here, buying a home offers not only benefits, but also freedom of choice: more square metres, a quieter environment, reliable rental income.

1. emmen: space, ecology and economy

Emmen occupies a key position among destinations with attractive housing costs. The average price per square metre of around €2,100 makes it particularly accessible to first-time investors. This figure remains 40-50 per cent lower than in Rotterdam or Utrecht, and the quality of housing and urban planning remains high. The development of the city is focused on sustainability, with an emphasis on low-carbon transport, energy-efficient neighbourhood redevelopment and the creation of green public areas.

The region is actively developing co-operation with the German border regions. This provides additional population flows, employment in cross-border projects and rental demand. Industrial zones and logistics centres offer jobs, and educational programmes at local colleges strengthen Emmen’s position as a centre of attraction for young people. Dutch cities with cheap property rarely combine sustainability, dynamic development and stable capital growth at once.

2. Heerenveen: sport, stability and logistics

Heerenveen is not only a sporting symbol of the Netherlands, but also a city with a well-developed infrastructure and a balanced price policy. The cost per square metre is kept at around €2,400, while the city administration continues to invest in roads, digital infrastructure and support for small businesses. Sporting events and academies provide a steady stream of temporary tenants, while logistics companies are developing warehouse properties within the city limits.

The proximity to the major administrative centres of Groningen and Leeuwarden generates sustained economic activity. The urban layout provides convenient connections to neighbouring regions, making Heerenveen a strategic place to live and invest.

3. Venlo: industry, border, benefit

Venlo is strategically located on the eastern border of the country and is actively using this factor to attract investment. The average cost of housing is around €2,200 per square metre, making the market accessible to both local buyers and international investors. The city is developing as an important logistics hub – there are large distribution centres, warehouses and transport companies oriented to the whole of Benelux and Germany.

The border location allows to attract tenants from different countries. Venlo creates a multicultural environment in which demand for housing remains high all year round. Local authorities are investing in landscaping, modernising roads and simplifying building regulations. Dutch cities with cheap property and access to cross-border business form a unique profile – strong demand, fast tenant turnover and the potential for above-average price growth.

4. tilburg: student drive and cultural dynamics

Tilburg demonstrates a vibrant combination of academic energy, a creative environment and a stable rental market. The university, cultural clusters and festivals form a continuous flow of temporary residents – students, young professionals and teachers. The cost per square metre remains at 2,600 euros, which compares favourably with similar educational centres in the country.

Price growth in Tilburg is uniform – 5-8% per year, due to the interest in investments in compact housing. New neighbourhoods are targeted at a young audience, offering studio flats, public spaces and convenient transport accessibility. The city does not depend on seasonal tourism, which makes the rental market predictable. \

5. Zwolle: administrative stability and silence

Zwolle retains its status as a reliable centre in the north-eastern part of the country. The average cost per square metre – around €2,500 – remains lower than in Utrecht, while the city offers high social stability and a clean environment. As the capital of the Overijssel province, Zwolle manages regional institutions, educational centres and hospitals, which creates a constant demand for renting and buying homes.

Municipal programmes support housing renewal, green renovation of neighbourhoods and affordable housing for families. A well-developed infrastructure and balanced planning make the city a convenient place to live and invest. Where to buy a house cheaper in the Netherlands and still retain all the elements of urban energy – Zwolle holds a strong position among such destinations.

6. Apeldoorn: parks, silence and safety

Apeldoorn offers a quiet and measured life away from the tourist noise. The average price per square metre of €2,400 is combined with high environmental standards, well-developed social infrastructure and security. The town forms an attractive environment for those seeking privacy, stability and clean air.

Demand is fuelled by families, older Europeans and government employees. Apeldoorn is home to parklands, museums, cultural centres and lacks the pressure of mass tourism. This makes housing liquid and resistant to fluctuations in demand. Dutch cities with cheap property rarely combine such quietness with real investment appeal.

7. Leeuwarden: student centre and budgetary choices

Leeuwarden occupies a key place in the educational map of Friesland. The city is actively developing the infrastructure around universities, colleges and research centres. This factor consistently generates a high demand for renting and buying housing. The price per square metre starts from 2,200 euros, and the offer covers a wide range – from small-sized flats to two-storey townhouses.

The city focuses on creating an accessible environment for young professionals and students, combining cultural initiatives, start-up programmes and improved public transport. Leeuwarden offers the opportunity to buy a home with a low entry threshold and a quick income through daily or long-term rentals.

8. De Fenter: history, logistics and growth

De Fenter offers a rare combination of historical atmosphere and industrial pragmatics. The city retains its medieval architecture, cosy centre and active business area. The cost per square metre – between €2,600 and €2,700 – is showing moderate growth, driven by the influx of logistics and retail companies.

The municipality is modernising waterfronts, developing river ports and investing in transport interchanges, which strengthens the city’s position as a logistics hub in the eastern part of the country. Property investments offer stable returns and the possibility of further growth through redevelopment of older neighbourhoods.

9. Oss: an industrial city with potential

Oss is among the hidden favourites among small industrial centres. The city is actively developing the pharmaceutical, chemical and transport sectors, which creates a steady demand for housing from factory and office workers. The average price of €2,300 per square metre makes this city a favourable entry point to the market. The market here is not prone to overheating and allows you to invest without the risk of overvaluation. Dutch cities with cheap property located outside the tourist destinations form a stable tenant base, especially in the long-term rental segment for workers and professionals.

10. Sittard-Gellen: a multicultural cluster

Sittard-Gellen is a border town with a distinctly international character. The cost per square metre – around €2,100 – makes it one of the most affordable in the country. The geographical position between Belgium and Germany allows for the free flow of labour, capital and business connections. This is fuelling interest from expatriates, freelancers and digital specialists.

Dutch cities with cheap property: conclusions

Dutch cities with cheap property form the second layer of the market, where rationality triumphs over hype. They are suitable for those who build their investment strategy thoughtfully: they evaluate not advertising but parameters, not metres but potential. These cities offer more for less – from a square metre to the standard of living.

June 15, 2025