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If you want to apply for a Dutch passport or ID card and you live in the United Kingdom, follow this step-by-step plan.
Step 1: Create your personal checklist
Creating a personal checklist will show you what documents you need in order to apply for a passport or ID card. Create a separate checklist for each application. This means one for you and one for your child, for instance.
When you have created your checklist, go to step 2.
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Step 2: Check the additional requirements
Your personal checklist (see step 1) will show you that you also need documents from the United Kingdom in order to apply for a Dutch passport or ID card. You can also see whether your documents need to be legalised and translated.
Attention: If your Dutch passport or ID card is with the Home Office, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) or Student Finance, ask them to return it to you. You cannot apply for a new passport or ID card without it.
You must prove that you are legally resident in the United Kingdom. You can do this by providing one of the following documents:
- a valid visa and any supporting documents
- a valid residence permit. This may also be an email or letter from the Home Office, telling you what your status of your residence is
- if you also have the British nationality, a valid British passport or ID card.
If you only have the Dutch nationality, are 18 or over and your passport or ID card has expired more than 2 years ago, you must also prove that you do not have the British nationality. You can do this by applying for proof that you do not have British citizenship (form NQ). You can download a form for this from the UK government website, or apply online.
If you are applying for a Dutch passport or ID card for a minor, please use the proof of legal residence of the Dutch parent(s).
If your personal checklist (step 1) says you need your parents’ consent and one of your parents is withholding consent, you can apply to a court of law for consent by proxy instead. Find out how to do this.
If your mother is not Dutch, your personal checklist will say that you need proof of your mother’s civil status when you were born. If you were born in the UK, please note that the UK does not issue certificates of civil status. In this case, you can use a self-declaration of civil status, completed and signed by your mother.
If you have a birth certificate or marriage certificate from the United Kingdom, you may need to have it legalised. This depends on when you last applied for a Dutch passport or ID card.
The last time I applied for a Dutch passport or ID card was before 1 January 2021
If your birth certificate or marriage certificate has not been officially amended since your last application, you do not need to have it legalised.
If your birth certificate or marriage certificate has been officially amended since your last application, you must have the document legalised with an apostille. Find out more about having documents from the United Kingdom legalised.
This is the first time I’m applying for a Dutch passport or ID card, or the last time I applied was after 1 January 2021
You must have your birth certificate or marriage certificate legalised with an apostille. Find out more about having documents from the United Kingdom legalised.
Documents from another country
If you have documents from another country, find out if you need to have them legalised.
You can submit documents written in Dutch, English, German or French. If you have documents in another language, you should have them translated by a sworn translator. You do not need to have multilingual extracts translated. A multilingual extract is a standard form in 9 languages.
Step 3: Make an appointment
Once you know which documents you need, you can make an appointment in the United Kingdom or the Netherlands. Make a separate appointment for every application you wish to submit.
Appointment in the United Kingdom
Embassy in London
Make an appointment online with the embassy in London
After making an appointment it will be confirmed by email. The email will contain a link you can use to change or cancel your appointment.
VFS Global in London
In most cases, you can also make an appointment to submit your application with VFS Global. VFS Global is an external service provider. Their locations have longer opening times than the embassy. Please be aware that submitting your application through VFS Global is more expensive.
Make an appointment online with VFS Global in London
You can skip steps 4 and 5.
Attention: If your passport or identity card is lost or stolen and you do not have a copy of it, you cannot submit your application through VFS Global. Make an appointment online with the embassy in London.
In most cases, you can make an appointment to submit your application with VFS Global in Edinburgh. VFS Global is an external service provider. Their locations have longer opening times than the embassy in London. Please be aware that submitting your application through VFS Global is more expensive.
Make an appointment online with VFS Global in Edinburgh
You can skip steps 4 and 5.
Attention: If your passport or identity card is lost or stolen and you do not have a copy of it, you cannot submit your application through VFS Global. Make an appointment online with the embassy in London.
In most cases, you can also make an appointment to submit your application with VFS Global in Birmingham. VFS Global is an external service provider. Their locations have longer opening times than the embassy in London. Please be aware that submitting your application through VFS Global is more expensive.
Make an appointment online with VFS Global in Birmingham
You can skip steps 4 and 5.
Attention: If your passport or identity card is lost or stolen and you do not have a copy of it, you cannot submit your application through VFS Global. Make an appointment online with the embassy in London.
Appointment in the Netherlands
You can submit your passport or ID card application at a border municipality in the Netherlands. If you wish to do this, you can skip steps 4 and 5.
- Apply for a passport or ID card at a Dutch border municipality
You can submit your passport or ID card application at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. If you wish to do this, you can skip steps 4 and 5.
- Apply for a passport or ID card at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Step 4: Go to your appointment
You must submit your passport or ID card application in person. Even applicants under 18 must appear in person.
Bring all the documents on your personal checklist. For every document the checklist will show you whether you need to provide the original and/or a photocopy.
If you needed to have documents legalised and/or translated, bring the legalised and translated versions with you as well.
The overview of consular fees in the United Kingdom tells you how much you will have to pay for a passport or ID card and which payment methods are accepted.
Submitting your application through VFS Global is more expensive. Find out what the extra costs are on the VFS Global website.
Applying for a passport or ID card at a Dutch border municipality or at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport will cost you less.
No. If you need your current passport or ID card while your application is being processed, you can retain it for the time being.
When do I have to hand in my old passport or ID card?
If you are collecting your new passport or ID card in person, you should hand in your old one when you come to collect it.
If you are having your passport or ID card sent to you, you will need to first send your old one to the embassy or consulate-general. Only then will your new passport or ID card be sent to you. This means that there will be a period when you have no passport or ID card. If you want your old passport or ID card back, inform the embassy or consulate-general.
I have a residence permit or visa in my old passport, what should I do?
If your passport contains visas or a residence permit and you want to keep those pages intact, inform staff of this when you submit your old passport.
After you submit your application you will receive a track & trace code to track the status of your application. You will receive an email when your new passport or ID card is ready.
Step 5: Collect your passport or ID card or have it sent to you
It usually takes 4 weeks until your passport or ID card is ready. You will be contacted if there are documents missing from your application. In this case, it will take longer than 4 weeks until your passport or ID card is ready. You must collect your new passport or ID card within three months; after three months it will be destroyed.
Embassy in London
You can collect your new passport or ID card on the following days:
- Monday and Friday: 10:00 - 12:00
- Tuesday: 14:00 - 15:30
You do not need to make an appointment but first check which days our offices are closed.
VFS Global in London, Edinburgh and Birmingham
Find out when you can collect your new passport or ID card on the VFS Global website.
You can have your new passport sent to you by registered post (Royal Mail Special Delivery). You will need to pay GBP 7.00 postage.
It is normally not possible to have your new ID card sent to you. But double check this when you submit your application.
Contact
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Contact the embassy in London
If you are submitting your application through VFS Global, you can contact them by email:
London lonnlpp@vfsglobal.com
Edinburgh edinlpp@vfsglobal.com
Birmingham birnlpp@vfsglobal.com
FAQs
How do I get a Dutch identity card? ›
Applying for a Dutch passport or identity card
If you have Dutch citizenship, you should apply for a Dutch passport or identity card to the municipality where you are registered. You will need to bring a colour photo and your old documents with you.
Foreign citizens can apply for Dutch citizenship if they have lived in the Netherlands legally for at least 5 years.
How do I get a Dutch passport in the Netherlands? ›To apply for a Dutch passport in the Netherlands (passport aanvragen) you must visit the town hall of the municipality (gemeente) where you are registered. You must go yourself in person, it is not possible to have someone else apply for you.
How do I apply for a Dutch passport? ›As a Dutch citizen, you can apply for a passport or identity card at most Dutch embassies and some consulates outside the Netherlands. You need to make an appointment first. More information about appointments and opening times can be found on the individual websites of diplomatic missions outside the Netherlands.
How do I get a Dutch passport in the UK? ›- Step 1: Create your personal checklist. ...
- Step 2: Check the additional requirements. ...
- Step 3: Make an appointment. ...
- Step 4: Go to your appointment. ...
- Step 5: Collect your passport or ID card or have it sent to you.
In some cases, you can. If you apply for Dutch nationality through the 'option procedure' instead of the naturalisation procedure, it is less likely that the Dutch government will require you to give up your British nationality.
What are the benefits of having a Dutch passport? ›- You are not a foreign national anymore. ...
- You no longer need a residence permit. ...
- You can stay abroad for a longer pe riod without any problems.
- You are allowed to vote in all Dutch elections.
- You are an EU citizen. ...
- You will be allowed to work in all public positions.
In addition to your citizenship of the Netherlands you might hold citizenship of 1 or more other countries. Depending on the situation you might have to choose between your Dutch and other citizenship.
How long does it take to get a Dutch passport after applying? ›Step 5: Collect your passport or ID card or have it sent to you. It usually takes 4 weeks until your passport or ID card is ready. You will be contacted if there are documents missing from your application. In this case, it will take longer than 4 weeks until your passport or ID card is ready.
How long does it take to get a Dutch ID card? ›How long does an application for a Dutch ID card take? Your ID card will be ready after 6 working days. You can collect your card in person (by appointment only) or have it delivered to your address.
How much does it cost to apply for Dutch citizenship? ›
Dutch citizenship application costs
An application for Dutch citizenship by naturalisation for a single person costs 945 euros (2022). A naturalisation request together with a partner costs 1.206 euros (2022). Applying for Dutch citizenship via the option procedure has lower fees.
The Dutch passport currently ranks on the 4th place according to the Guide Passport Ranking Index. It provides visa-free access to 190 countries. This makes it one of the most desirable passports in the world with a very high mobility score.
How do I get my Dutch citizenship in 3 years? ›You can become a naturalised Dutch citizen abroad only if one of the following situations applies to you: You have been married to or in a registered partnership with a Dutch national for at least 3 years. You can prove that you have lived with your Dutch partner for at least 3 years.
Could I lose my Dutch nationality automatically and how can I avoid this? ›If you only hold citizenship of the Netherlands, you will never automatically lose it. However, you can automatically lose your Dutch citizenship if you acquire another citizenship or if you have dual citizenship. The Government of the Netherlands can also actively revoke your Dutch citizenship.
What is the option procedure for Dutch citizenship? ›Proof of acquisition of Dutch nationality through the option procedure, form 1:33a. A photocopy of their passport for each nationality they currently hold. Proof of legal residence in the country of application. If the parent is married, an official copy of their marriage certificate.
Can Dutch have dual nationality in UK? ›Dual citizenship (also known as dual nationality) is allowed in the UK. This means you can be a British citizen and also a citizen of other countries. You do not need to apply for dual citizenship. You can apply for foreign citizenship and keep your British citizenship.
How long can I stay in the Netherlands as a UK citizen? ›If you are travelling to the Netherlands and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.
How do you get an EU passport if you are British? ›Requirements to get an EU passport for UK citizens
Be either non-EU, non-Swiss, or non-EEA. Make a minimum investment in exchange for residency or citizenship. Have a clean criminal record. Comply with the country's stay requirement.
The United Kingdom allows citizens to have dual citizenship, which means you can be a UK citizen and at the same time a citizen from another country. If you're looking to renew your UK passport, there won't be any problem if you have dual citizenship.
Is it hard to get Dutch citizenship? ›You are eligible for obtaining Dutch citizenship by naturalization if: You have been living in the Netherlands with a permanent residence permit for at least five years. You have been living in the Netherlands and you are an EU/EEA national. You have been living in the Dutch Caribbean with a residence permit.
Which passport is better Dutch or German? ›
...
The complete list of passport rankings for 2021.
Dual citizenship is defined as being a citizen of two countries simultaneously. Dual citizens have two passports (one from each country) and enjoy the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of each country. A person can become a dual citizen in different ways.
Can dual citizens use both passports? ›Two Passports
As a dual citizen, you are allowed to carry passports from both countries. For example, if you are a U.S. citizen and also a citizen of New Zealand, you can travel more easily between these two countries.
Under the current Dutch Citizenship Act, you can keep dual nationality and multiple passports for as long as you live, provided you always carry a valid Dutch passport or identity card and do not voluntarily obtain another nationality.
What is a national identity card Netherlands? ›The Dutch identity card (Dutch: Nederlandse identiteitskaart, [ˈne. dər. ˌlɑn. tsə idɛnti'tɛitskart]) is an official non-compulsory identity document issued to Dutch nationals in the European part of the Netherlands and certain diplomatic missions.
How do I get a European ID card? ›...
Requirements for your first UK ID card
- be a UK resident (live in the United Kingdom)
- create your online account (complete a registration form and activate your account)
- complete an online application for a new (first-time) CitizenCard and make a payment.
Your ID card
CitizenCards are available for any UK resident and are issued in 3 age categories: '18+' for adults, '16-17' for young people over 16 and 'Under 16' for children.
To become a naturalised Dutch citizen you must usually first pass the civic integration exam. This is also known as the naturalisation test. Passing the test proves you have knowledge of the Dutch language and Dutch society.
Do Dutch citizens get free healthcare? ›Does the Netherlands have free healthcare. The Netherlands has universal healthcare, but the government requires all adults living or working in the Netherlands to have basic insurance. The basic plan will cost € 100-120 out of pocket.
What are the 4 qualifications to be eligible for naturalization? ›Be of the minimum required age (typically, at least 18) Continuously and physically live in the United States as a green card holder for a certain number of years. Establish residency in the state or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) district where they intend to apply. Have “good moral character”
Is UK or Dutch passport stronger? ›
Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden were joint fifth, all with passports stronger than the UK's.
What passport is the most valuable? ›Japanese citizens now hold the most passport power, as they are able to enter 193 nations visa free, or with visa-on-arrival. South Korea and Singapore hold joint second place, with both countries' passports enabling their citizens to access 192 nations without restrictions.
Which passport is the strongest 2022? ›What is the number 1 country with the most powerful passport in the world? Japanese passports have been determined to be the strongest in the world with an outstanding 193 potential visa-free destinations across the globe.
Does Dutch permanent residence expire? ›Dutch permanent residence permits are valid for five years or 10 years in the case of EU/EFTA permits for adults over 18. You can renew them through your local IND office or online if you have a DigiD account.
Which country gives citizenship in 2 years? ›Dominican Republic
Naturalization is the fastest way to become a citizen after only two years of staying in the nation.
You may wish to keep your Dutch bank accounts open for a period of time after you leave the Netherlands. In principle, this should not be a problem for the major banks, especially if you wish to keep a spaarrekening (savings account) open with the bank, as long as you have notified them of your change of address.
What nationality are you if you live in the Netherlands? ›The Netherlands is a member state of the European Union (EU) and all Dutch nationals are EU citizens. They have automatic and permanent permission to live and work in any EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country and may vote in elections to the European Parliament.
How do you prove residency in Dutch? ›Your passport or ID card is sufficient proof of your rightful residency in the Netherlands. The EEA comprises EU countries, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland .
How do you qualify for a Dutch passport? ›Foreign citizens can apply for Dutch citizenship if they have lived in the Netherlands legally for at least 5 years.
What are the requirements for a Dutch passport? ›You must take a completed and signed application form with you and a recent photograph which is a true likeness. You must also be able to prove that you hold Dutch citizenship. If there is any doubt about your citizenship, the embassy or consulate staff will be unable to issue the document you need.
What can I use as ID Netherlands? ›
- a Dutch passport or a passport or identity card of a country belonging to the EU or the EEA. ...
- a Dutch identity card;
- a refugee travel document issued by the Dutch authorities;
- an alien's travel document issued by the Dutch authorities.
- You meet the general requirements that apply to everyone.
- You have had a valid Dutch residence permit for at least 5 consecutive years. ...
- Only years from the age of 8 on count towards the 5-year period. ...
- You had your main residence in the Netherlands during the entire 5-year period.
- You are not a foreign national anymore. ...
- You no longer need a residence permit. ...
- You can stay abroad for a longer pe riod without any problems.
- You are allowed to vote in all Dutch elections.
- You are an EU citizen. ...
- You will be allowed to work in all public positions.
If you are married to a citizen of the Netherlands, you may keep your own citizenship. The same applies in the case of a civil partnership. Refugees who want to be naturalised are allowed to keep their original citizenship.
What do I need to get a Cypriot ID? ›- The original birth certificate.
- The original naturalization certificate or registration.
Immigrants who have valid permanent residence permits can also get an ID. A temporary ID serves as proof of identity while you're waiting for your application for an ID to be processed. This document is only valid for a short period.
What is the easiest ID to get? ›Postal ID. This identification is one of the easiest and fastest IDs to get and is valid for 3 years.
What can you use for ID instead of passport? ›- Photocard Driving Licence (an expired photocard does NOT invalidate the licence)
- A valid passport.
- An expired passport.
- Formal ID Cards (armed forces, police, student union, company ID card)
- Tachograph Card.
- Local Authority/Taxi ID.
- Blue Badge (parking for people with disabilities)
- Firearms Certificate/Shotgun Licence.
This status allows you to apply more easily for residency in some other EU countries. The two main differences between permanent residency and citizenship are that you cannot vote in national elections, and you are not allowed to work in certain sectors such as the police or the army.
Is a residence permit an identity card Netherlands? ›a Dutch identity card for aliens (residence permit, foreigner identity card or W-document, or privileged person's identity card)