Dutch passport
The Dutch passport, issued to Dutch citizens, allows visa-free travel to 125 countries and visa-on-arrival access to 44 countries, ranking second globally in 2024 with a mobility index of 177. You can obtain it through work, company registration, startups, marriage, or education.
For more details on obtaining a Dutch passport and immigration to the Netherlands, contact Malekpour Institute for a free consultation or ask your questions in the comments.
Conditions for Obtaining a Dutch Passport
The Netherlands offers a low unemployment rate, making it attractive for job seekers. Its universities provide opportunities for international students, with pathways to residence in the Netherlands and a Dutch passport upon graduation. Following the principle of jus sanguinis, Dutch citizenship is passed through parentage, not place of birth. The Dutch passport is highly ranked globally.
Validity of the Dutch Passport
One of the important factors for immigration is the facilities and benefits that come with obtaining citizenship and a passport. The global ranking of each country’s passport indicates its power in comparison to others, evaluated by criteria such as the number of countries it can travel to freely.
The validity of the Dutch passport is very high, and this passport holds the second rank in the global ranking.
- Dutch passport rank: Rank 2
- Visa-free travel: Holders of a Dutch passport can travel to over 180 countries without needing a visa or with a visa on arrival.
- Access to Schengen countries: The possibility of freely traveling to Schengen area countries without requiring a visa.
Visa-free Countries with a Dutch Passport
As mentioned above, individuals who have obtained Dutch citizenship can travel to 169 countries without prior visa requests with this passport. Among these countries, there are many that applicants holding Dutch citizenship can visit without obtaining any visa.
In some of these countries, these individuals can stay for limited durations such as 30, 60, or 90 days, and in others, for unlimited periods. You can view the list of countries where Dutch citizens can travel without a visa, countries requiring a visa on arrival, countries needing an electronic visa, or generally requiring a visa at this website, along with the permissible duration of stay in each country.
Where can you go with a Dutch passport?
- Schengen countries (such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, etc.)
- European Union countries (such as Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, etc.)
- Countries outside the European Union (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Canada, Australia etc.)
Types of Dutch Passport
To obtain a Dutch passport, you should know that this country has two types of passports:
- Ordinary Dutch passport
One includes pages with images, personal information, and other necessary details. This passport is usable for travel to countries that use a Schengen visa.
- Dutch biometric passport
The other passport contains an electronic chip that holds your information, image, and fingerprint. This passport is usable for travel to countries that use biometric visas.
Methods to Obtain a Dutch Passport
To obtain a passport from a country, it is important to consider through which paths individuals can migrate based on their current situation. Obtaining a passport signifies gaining citizenship, which, as mentioned, is a legal, political, and spiritual bond between individuals and countries. The process of obtaining citizenship varies based on each pathway:
- Study
- Work
- Investment
- Birth
- Marriage
- Asylum
These methods can lead to obtaining residency and citizenship, and eventually obtaining a passport from the Netherlands. Below, we will mention each of these immigration methods and details related to obtaining a Dutch passport.
Dutch Passport Through Work
One of the best ways to obtain a Dutch passport is to work in the Netherlands. With a low unemployment rate of 3%, job seekers have a good chance of finding employment. After working and paying taxes for 2 to 5 years, individuals can apply for permanent residency and then a Dutch passport after 1 to 2 more years. To work in the Netherlands, you’ll need a job offer in the Netherlands from an employer, issued when no suitable candidate is found within the EU.
Dutch Passport Through Study
Studying in the Netherlands doesn’t directly lead to a Dutch passport, but it can be a stepping stone. Students in undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral programs can obtain a Dutch student visa. After graduation, if they secure a job and sign a contract, they can receive work residency. After 2 to 5 years of working and paying taxes, they can apply for permanent residency and later, a Dutch passport after 1 to 2 more years. Other related points to this method are as follows:
- Studying in Dutch in public universities and in English in private universities
- IELTS 6 for undergraduate, IELTS 6.5 for master’s, and IELTS 7 for doctoral programs
- Annual tuition costs between 8,000 to 12,000 euros
- One-year job search visa after studying
Dutch Passport Through Investment
A Dutch passport can be obtained through investment in the Netherlands and obtaining residency. Statistically, the Netherlands holds the first rank in attracting investments worldwide, with the United States following it. There are various types of investment paths in this country, and we mention three main ones here:
- Investing through company registration
Among the most important and well-known investments in this country is investment through company registration in the Netherlands. This type of investment requires a high minimum capital investment of 1,250,000 euros and follows a points-based system (PBS). Age, work experience, investment amount, and business plan are scoring factors in this regard.
- Investing through startups
Another method to obtain a Dutch passport through investment is startup in the Netherlands, which requires presenting innovative and creative ideas. In this approach, the government supports projects that can create suitable economic transformation within Dutch society.
In this method, the investment comes from the government itself, but the applicant must have an IELTS score of 6 and establish a real startup. Within 3 to 5 years, the individual can receive permanent residency and subsequently apply for a Dutch passport after 1 to 2 years of obtaining permanent residency.
- Investing in real estate
Another investment method in the Netherlands is through investment in real estate and buying property in the Netherlands, although this will not lead to residency, and thus we will not delve into it.
Dutch Passport Through Birth
Obtaining a passport and residence in the Netherlands through birth is one of the most common ways to acquire a passport in the Netherlands. Familiarizing oneself with the legal rules and regulations governing the subject of birth and passport acquisition through this path can be very helpful before taking any steps. Countries have generally enacted laws that bestow specific legal effects upon the birth of a newborn on their soil. Two broad principles exist in this regard:
- Principle of Soil
- Principle of Blood
The Netherlands follows the principle of blood, meaning a child’s citizenship is determined by the nationality of the parents, not the place of birth. Unlike countries like the USA, Canada, and Brazil, which follow the principle of soil, the Netherlands grants citizenship through parentage, as do other EU countries.
Dutch Passport Through Marriage
To obtain a Dutch passport through marriage in the Netherlands, individuals must prove their relationship is genuine and provide evidence of residence and financial capacity to support their spouse. Marriage to a same-sex partner is also permitted. After 3 years of marriage, if the relationship is legitimate and no citizenship laws are violated, individuals can apply for a Dutch passport. Language proficiency and integration into Dutch society can enhance the chances of approval.
Dutch Passport Through Asylum
A Dutch passport can be obtained through asylum in the Netherlands under the Geneva Convention, which defines refugees as individuals fleeing danger due to race, religion, or belief. However, the Netherlands has tightened regulations to prevent fraudulent asylum claims.
Asylum seekers often face living in camps, limited civil rights, and significant financial and psychological challenges. Therefore, pursuing legal and lower-risk immigration methods is recommended for those seeking a Dutch passport. Note that Malekpour Institute does not offer asylum services.
Time Required to Obtain a Dutch Passport
To receive a Dutch passport, you must visit the passport and passport office and fill out the forms. If you provide correct identity documents without issues, it takes 2 to 6 weeks for your passport to be issued. Using emergency services for passport acquisition may expedite the process, but otherwise, delays may occur.
Renewing a Dutch Passport
For passport renewal, the applicant must also visit the passport office and bring paperwork such as a passport photo, previous passport, and verified identification documents to fill out the necessary forms. If you visit timely while the passport is still valid, the renewal period is usually shorter than the initial request and can take about 1 to 2 weeks.
However, if your passport has expired, the renewal might take longer than 2 weeks due to the need for further reviews, potentially taking up to 6 weeks.
Required Documents for Obtaining a Dutch Passport
The required documents for obtaining a Dutch passport may vary based on the chosen method. In general, the necessary documents for obtaining a Dutch passport are as follows:
| Method | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Work | – Passport and identity documents – CV and educational/work history – Job offer from employer – Proof of residence in the Netherlands – Proof of financial means |
| Study | – Passport and identity documents – Language proficiency certificate – Transcript of previous education with diploma – Proof of residence in the Netherlands – Proof of sufficient financial means |
| Investment | – Passport and identity documents – Financial documents – Documents related to investment projects |
| Birth | – Birth certificate and hospital records – Child’s identity documents – Court confirmation – Proof of financial means for the child’s living expenses |
| Marriage | – Marriage certificate – Identity documents – Divorce certificate (if applicable) – Death certificate (if applicable) – Proof of residence in the Netherlands |
Cost of Obtaining a Dutch Passport
The cost of obtaining a Dutch passport may vary based on the chosen method. Generally, the required documents for obtaining a Dutch passport are as follows:
| Type of Passport | Validity | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Dutch Passport | 5 years | €75 |
| 10 years | €109 | |
| Children’s Passport | 5 years | €30 |
| 10 years | €52 | |
| Biometric Passport | N/A | €150 |
Advantages of Obtaining a Dutch Passport
A Dutch passport can offer two significant advantages for applicants seeking to obtain it, as detailed below:
- Visa-Free Travel
- EU Citizenship
- Access to High-Quality Healthcare
- Social Benefits
- Strong Economy
- Voting Rights
- Dual Citizenship
- Security and Stability
- Access to Education
- Global Recognition
Dutch Passport and a Reliable Lawyer for Important Matters
Taking steps to acquire a Dutch passport individually may come with risks. Individuals lacking sufficient experience and knowledge about documents, how to collect, and present them to the embassy may face difficulties due to their lack of experience, leading to unfortunate consequences. Obtaining a passport involves matters related to international law, and it is advisable to use an immigration lawyer for such matters.
Malekpour Institute, with 15 years of experience in immigration matters and employing skilled and capable advisors, can assist you in obtaining a Dutch visa and ultimately acquiring the Dutch passport, guiding you until the desired outcome is achieved.
Difference Between Permanent Residency and Dutch Citizenship
Permanent residency and Dutch citizenship differ in rights, obligations, and benefits. Permanent residency allows individuals to live, work, and study in the Netherlands indefinitely but lacks political rights like voting in national elections.
Dutch citizenship, on the other hand, grants full rights, including voting, access to a Dutch passport, and visa-free travel to over 180 countries. Citizenship also requires meeting stricter conditions, such as language exams and cultural integration, typically after 5 years of residency. Many immigrants first obtain permanent residency and then apply for citizenship.
Does the Dutch Passport Expire?
Yes, the Dutch passport can be invalidated under certain specific conditions. Reasons that may lead to the cancellation or revocation of a Dutch passport include:
- False Information: Providing false details during the application can lead to citizenship and passport revocation.
- National Security Threats: Involvement in serious crimes or terrorism can result in the loss of citizenship.
- Dual Citizenship: Acquiring another nationality without informing Dutch authorities may lead to revocation.
- Long-Term Residence Abroad: Living outside the EU for years without ties to the Netherlands can lead to citizenship loss.
Cancellation of a passport is usually accompanied by the revocation of citizenship, except in cases of loss, theft, or misuse, which may only lead to replacement or non-renewal. For more precise information, one can refer to the official website or the immigration office of the Netherlands.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dutch Passport
- How many visa-free countries are there with a Dutch passport?
With this country’s passport, you can travel to 126 countries without a visa and to 44 countries with a visa on arrival.
- What methods are available to obtain a Dutch passport?
Methods to obtain a Dutch passport include work, study, and investment.
- Can a Dutch student visa be converted to a Dutch passport?
A student visa cannot be converted to a Dutch passport, and the residency type must change. After graduation, time is allowed to find work in the Netherlands and obtain a work residency.
Is it possible to obtain the nationality of this country if born in the Netherlands?
The nationality grant law in the Netherlands follows the principle of blood and does not grant nationality to the children of foreign nationals born in this country.
Conclusion:
This article covers the Dutch passport, its value, and how to obtain it. The Netherlands, known for its strong economy, high quality of life, and favorable immigration conditions, is a popular destination for the ones seeking residency and citizenship. Factors like age, education, work experience, and capital can impact the immigration process. For more information on obtaining a Dutch passport and comparing immigration options, contact Malekpour Institute for free consultations or post your questions in the comments for expert responses.
