Public consultation closes December 1, 2025 — Your voice can still make a difference.
What This Proposal Would Change
This bill proposes to extend the naturalization period for Dutch citizenship from 5 years to 10 years. Currently, residents can apply for citizenship after five years of legal residence. Under this proposal, they would need to wait ten years instead.
Consultation Statistics
Total Submissions
3096
Support
1.61%
Opposition
98.39%
Overall Sentiment
Main Arguments For the Extension
- Integration and Social Cohesion (23 mentions)
- Symbolic Value of Citizenship (5 mentions)
Main Arguments Against the Extension
- Integration and Social Cohesion (883 mentions)
- Fairness and Equity (753 mentions)
Why does this matter?
Current situation: Residents can apply for Dutch citizenship after 5 years of legal residence.
Proposed change: This would double the waiting period to 10 years.
Real-world impact:
• Delays voting rights and full civic participation
• May affect job opportunities requiring citizenship
• Impacts family reunification timelines
• Creates longer period of uncertainty for residents
Submissions Over Time
Make Your Voice Heard
The public consultation is open until December 1, 2025. Submit your response and contribute to this important decision.
Submit Your Response Now