Best Citizenship Lawyers in Ommen

About Citizenship Law in Ommen, Netherlands

Citizenship in the Netherlands is governed nationally by the Dutch Nationality Act. The municipality where you live manages the front end of applications. If you live in Ommen, you file your request for Dutch citizenship at the Gemeente Ommen. The municipality checks your documents, collects the fee, and forwards your file to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service IND. The IND makes the legal decision.

There are two main legal routes to become Dutch. Naturalisation is the standard route for most adults after a period of lawful residence. The option procedure is a simplified route that is only available to specific categories such as certain former Dutch nationals, some people born and raised in the Netherlands, and some stateless persons who meet strict conditions. Dutch nationality can also be acquired automatically by birth or acknowledgment in specific family situations or by adoption in limited circumstances.

Citizenship law is national. However, practical steps such as appointments, document checks, and the naturalisation ceremony happen locally in Ommen.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many people complete a straightforward application with help from the municipality. A lawyer can be very helpful when the situation is complex. You may want legal support if you have an unusual residence history, long stays abroad, or time with a temporary residence purpose. You may need advice if you hold multiple nationalities or if your country makes renunciation difficult or costly. Criminal record entries, unpaid fines, or ongoing investigations can affect eligibility and timelines, and a lawyer can assess risks before you apply.

Family situations can be sensitive. Cases involving acknowledgment of parentage, international adoption, custody and consent for children, or proof of birth and identity from countries with limited records often benefit from legal guidance. Statelessness claims require careful evidence. If the IND intends to refuse your application, a lawyer can draft a response, file an objection, or appeal to the administrative court. A lawyer can also help if you previously lost Dutch nationality and want to regain it.

Local Laws Overview

The Dutch Nationality Act sets who can acquire or lose Dutch nationality. Two key administrative bodies are involved. The Gemeente Ommen registers residents in the Personal Records Database BRP, accepts citizenship applications, and organizes the naturalisation ceremony. The IND performs the legal assessment and issues the decision.

Naturalisation usually requires that you are 18 or older, have lawfully lived in the Kingdom of the Netherlands for five years without interruption with a residence permit for a non temporary purpose as defined by the IND, and have passed the civic integration requirement. You must sign a declaration of solidarity and attend a ceremony before you become Dutch. Some exceptions to the five year rule exist, but they are limited and specific. The language and integration requirement is usually met by the civic integration exam. Rules can change, so verify current requirements before applying.

The option procedure is faster and simpler but only for clearly defined categories. Examples include some former Dutch nationals, some people born in the Netherlands who have lived there continuously and legally for many years, and some stateless persons who meet strict residence conditions. The municipality handles option requests and may consult the IND.

Dual nationality is restricted. In general, you may need to renounce your current nationality when you naturalise. There are exemptions, for example if your country does not allow renunciation, if renunciation is not reasonably possible, in some cases involving marriage to a Dutch national, or for recognised refugees. The IND applies the exemption rules case by case.

Public order rules apply. The IND checks your background for a set period. Certain convictions, fines, or probation can lead to refusal or a waiting period before you may apply. Fees are set nationally and change each year. Decision periods are set by law. As a rule of thumb, naturalisation decisions may take up to 12 months and option requests are usually shorter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between naturalisation and the option procedure

Naturalisation is the standard route and has broader eligibility but more requirements, such as the five year residence rule and civic integration. The option procedure is simpler and faster, but only available to specific groups listed in law. If you qualify for the option route, the municipality can often complete the process more quickly.

Does time as a student or au pair count toward the five year residence requirement

Usually not. For naturalisation, the residence must be with a non temporary purpose as defined by the IND. Study, exchange, and au pair residence are temporary. Some work and family permits are non temporary. If you are not sure how the IND will classify your past permits, ask the municipality or a lawyer to review your residence history before you apply.

Do I have to give up my current nationality

Often yes for naturalisation, but there are important exemptions. Common exemptions include if your country does not allow renunciation, if renunciation is not reasonably possible or leads to disproportionate costs or consequences, in some situations involving marriage to a Dutch national, and for recognised refugees. The IND decides whether an exemption applies based on evidence.

How long does the process take

Option requests are generally decided faster than naturalisation. Naturalisation can take up to about 12 months from the date the IND receives the complete file. Actual times vary by workload and the complexity of your case. After approval, you must attend a ceremony in Ommen to receive your decision and complete the process.

What language or integration proof do I need

Most applicants must meet the civic integration requirement. This is typically shown by passing the civic integration exam. Some diplomas or prior schooling in Dutch can exempt you. Requirements and accepted certificates can change, so confirm with the municipality or IND before booking exams.

Can I include my children in my application

Yes, minor children can often be included if they live with you and meet residence conditions. Children aged 16 and 17 usually need to sign consent. If both parents have custody, both may need to consent. The municipality will tell you what documents are needed, such as birth certificates and custody evidence.

Will travel abroad interrupt the five year requirement

Short trips are usually fine. Long absences or deregistration from the BRP can break the continuity and reset the clock. If you plan extended travel or have spent significant time outside the Netherlands during the qualifying period, seek advice before applying.

What documents will I need in Ommen

You should expect to provide a valid passport, residence permit, birth certificate, proof of marital status, evidence of lawful residence history, integration exam results or exempting diplomas, and documents for included children. Foreign civil status documents often need legalisation and a sworn translation. Bring originals to your appointment.

What happens if the IND refuses my application

You will receive a written decision with reasons. You generally have the right to file an objection within a set deadline. If the objection is rejected, you may appeal to the administrative court. Deadlines are strict. Consult a lawyer promptly if you receive a negative decision or an intention to refuse.

How much does it cost

Fees are set annually by the Dutch government and differ for naturalisation and option, for single applicants and for families, and for replacement ceremonies. The municipality collects the fee at the appointment. Ask the Gemeente Ommen for the current fees before you apply.

Additional Resources

Immigration and Naturalisation Service IND. This is the national authority that decides on citizenship applications and publishes current policy and forms.

Gemeente Ommen Burgerzaken. The municipal desk where you make your appointment, submit documents, and attend the naturalisation ceremony.

Rijksdienst Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs DUO. The body that administers the civic integration exam and issues exam results and integration information.

Het Juridisch Loket. Free first line legal information that can help you understand your options and prepare for a lawyer consultation.

Raad voor Rechtsbijstand. The Legal Aid Board manages subsidised legal aid for those who qualify based on income and case type.

VluchtelingenWerk Nederland. The Dutch Council for Refugees can guide recognised refugees on integration and citizenship steps.

Next Steps

Confirm your eligibility. Review how you may qualify, either through the option procedure or naturalisation. Pay special attention to residence purpose, residence duration, and integration requirements.

Collect your documents. Obtain legalised and translated civil status documents if needed. Make sure your BRP registration in Ommen is correct and up to date. Keep proof of lawful residence and identity ready.

Check current rules and fees. Requirements and fees can change. Ask the Gemeente Ommen or consult official national guidance to verify the latest standards before you book an appointment.

Seek legal advice if your case is not straightforward. Speak to a citizenship lawyer if you have criminal record entries, complex residence history, potential renunciation issues, statelessness, or if you previously lost Dutch nationality.

Schedule your municipal appointment. Contact the Gemeente Ommen Burgerzaken to book a citizenship intake. Bring originals and copies of all required documents and be prepared to pay the fee.

Respond to any IND requests. If the IND asks for more information, provide it on time. Keep copies of all submissions and proof of postage or upload confirmations.

Attend the naturalisation ceremony. If you are approved, you must attend the ceremony in Ommen and sign the declaration of solidarity. You become Dutch at the ceremony when you receive your decision. Then you can apply for a Dutch passport or identity card.

If refused, act quickly. Note the objection deadline and contact a lawyer to evaluate your chances and prepare a response or appeal.

This guide offers general information for residents of Ommen. It is not legal advice. For personalised guidance, consult a qualified Dutch nationality lawyer or the municipality.