Latent naturalisation for minor-aged children

It is (often) possible for minor-aged children to obtain Dutch nationality, notwithstanding the fact that their parent(s) did not apply for joint naturalization when the parent(s) themselves asked for naturalization. This situation is referred to as “latent naturalisation” (also known as “na-naturalisatie” in Dutch). The law does make a distinction between children born before the submission of their parents’ application for naturalisation and children born during their parents’ naturalisation process.  

Children born before their parents' application for naturalisation 

The first group refers to children whose parents deliberately chose not to submit a joint application for Dutch citizenship, when the parents themselves asked for naturalisation. For instance, parents are from a country where multiple nationality is not allowed (such as, Japan), and the parents prefer letting their children keep their original citizenship. Afterwards, the parents may have changed their mind, deciding to let their children become Dutch citizens too. In this situation, a minor-aged child must have lived and must have been holding a valid residence permit for three consecutive years, before an application for “latent naturalisation” can be accepted.

Children born during their parents' pending naturalisation application 

The second group refers to children who were born during their parents’ pending naturalisation application. For example, a parent applied for naturalisation in November. Two months later, this parent gets a newborn baby. In order for the newborn baby to ask for latent naturalisation, the baby first needs to obtain a valid residence permit of non-temporary nature. Nonetheless, children born during their parents’ pending naturalisation procedure can be exempted from the aforementioned three-year residency requirement.

Should you have any questions about Dutch nationality law, please feel free to contact Mynta Law.