Am I a Dutch Citizen?

Hi All,

I have few questions regarding Dutch nationality law and it would be great if anyone here could help.

My grandfather was born in Hillegom and lived in the UK from 1955 until his death in 2014 he never gained UK citizenship and maintained his Dutch passport. He married my grandmother (a UK national in 1960). My father was born in 1962 and I know his birth was registered at the Dutch Embassy. He has lived in the UK his whole life and it is my understanding that he would have lost his Dutch nationality in 1990 when he turned 28.

I was born in December 1988 while my father still had Dutch citizenship. Am I correct in believing that I have Dutch nationality from birth until I turn 28 in December? My mother is British and my parents were married when I was born.

Assuming the above is correct, would it be possible for me to apply for a Dutch passport in the next few months before I turn 28, and if so, what documentation would need?

I would be immensely greatful,for any advice that anyone could offer.

Thanks,

Chris

Has your father ever applied for a Dutch passport or other government certification of his Dutch nationality?

Also see Dutch Nationality Law and the current Dutch law on nationality.

I'm not an expert but I've lived in Netherlands before and speak some Dutch. My understanding is that the Netherlands doesn't allow dual citizenship. Therefore if you are a British citizen, you can't be Dutch at the same time.

rooibos wrote:I'm not an expert but I've lived in Netherlands before and speak some Dutch. My understanding is that the Netherlands doesn't allow dual citizenship. Therefore if you are a British citizen, you can't be Dutch at the same time.

That's not true, though becoming a dual national by deliberate action is rather hard, and having another nationality is a threat to Dutch nationality.

The OP's biggest concern has to be whether he lost his Dutch nationality when his father did in 1990. My reading of the Dutch law is that if he still has Dutch nationality, he is not about to lose it if he is living in the UK. If the UK leaves the EU, then active steps to preserve it will be needed, such as regularly renewing his Dutch passport - possibly before it expires!