The Netherlands is an extremely attractive country to live and work in. As part of the EU, it’s a place packed with culture, art and has a great entrepreneurial culture. Apart from that, Dutch passport is one of the strongest ones in Europe.
The Dutch passport is ranked fifth globally, with visa-free access to Europe, the UK, and over a total of 180 countries.
As you can imagine, the Dutch citizenship is highly coveted by many people. But it’s not easy to get. You need to put in quite a large amount of money and a lot of commitment by staying there for a few years.
But the Netherlands makes this commitment easy for those who really want to get the Dutch passport. If you’re an English speaker, then you’ll be happy to know that 90% of the population speaks English, with 71% speaking German and 29% speaking French.
In terms of lifestyle, the Dutch have a very liberal and eco-friendly lifestyle. They’re progressive, easy-going and expat-friendly. Dutch people are very open-minded and accept foreigners wholeheartedly. This is partly due to the fact that millions of tourists visit the country each year.
There’s always something going on in the country. The nightlife is great. It has some of the best schools and universities in the world, so it’s a great place to settle with your family as well.
If you’re an entrepreneur who’s wondering if the Netherlands is a good choice for you, then here is your answer. The Netherlands has a great business environment with companies like booking.com coming out of the country’s startup scene.
Benefits of Having A Dutch Passport
As mentioned, the Dutch passport is one of the strongest in the world. If you’re interested in traveling, you’ll be able to enjoy visa-free access to many countries within the EU and the rest of the world.
Even the United States merely requires an eVisa if you plan on staying there for less than ninety days. Other benefits of the Dutch citizenship include:
1. The Right to Vote
As a Dutch national, you will be able to vote in all Dutch elections, from local to regional to national ones. As a Dutch national, you will be able to vote in all Dutch elections, from local to regional to national ones. You can also vote in the European elections as well. If you want to pursue public service, you can even hold public office and positions in the judiciary.
2. Unrestricted Right of Stay
As a Dutch citizen, you won’t have to worry about staying away from the Netherlands for too long. You don’t need a residence permit, and there are no conditions attached to staying in the Netherlands. You can also live in other European countries with no restrictions.
3. Living in an Eco-Friendly Country
The Netherlands is very particular about the environment and sustainability. Amsterdam is the rising capital of sustainable fashions. Dutch people, in general, are very environmentally conscious.
Of course, this is part of the culture in the Netherlands. So, even if you’re not too particular about these things, you do not have to think about it too much. Dutch people will happily educate and welcome you.
4. A Major Financial and Trade Capital
Netherland’s strategic location makes it easy for multinational businesses to function and for trade to take place. It has a flourishing startup industry making it very feasible for entrepreneurs.
General Requirements for Dutch Citizenship
- Be at least 18 years or older.
- Prove your identity and nationality with valid documents.
- Have lived in the Kingdom of the Netherlands for at least 5 consecutive years with a valid residence permit.
- Have always extended your residence permit on time. In some cases, you can apply for naturalization earlier.
For the Dutch naturalization process, you must have a valid residence permit from one of the following types:
- A regular permanent residence permit for Non-EU citizens,
- A residence permit as long-term EU residents,
- An asylum permanent residence permit,
- A temporary residence permit with a non-temporary purpose of stay,
- A residence permit as a family member of an EU national (except stay with minor Dutch child, ruling Chavez-Vilchez), or
- A residence document of Article 50 TEU Withdrawal Agreement (Terugtrekkingsakkoord) for UK nationals and their family members.
In addition to this, you must have passed the civic integration exam (or be exempt from it), you should also be able to read, speak and write Dutch to a sufficient level. The Dutch government should recognize that you’re not a threat to the national security of the Netherlands.
You must be willing to make the declaration of solidarity during the naturalization ceremony. By making the declaration of solidarity, you agree that the laws of the Kingdom of the Netherlands also apply to you.
You will also be willing to renounce your current nationality. Some countries are an exception to this rule, but in general, there is no such thing as possessing a dual Dutch passport along with another country’s.
Documents Required
To apply for naturalization, you will need the following documents:
- A valid passport or another travel document
- A birth certificate from your country of origin
- A valid residence permit or other proof of lawful residence
- Civic integration diploma or other proof of civic integration or a certificate of exemption (or partial exemption) from the integration requirement
As you can see, the process of getting Dutch citizenship can be quite long. It can also take years (as per one of the naturalization requirements). However, what do you do if you’re a businessman or entrepreneur who can’t stay in one place for long?
Well, you’ll be happy to know that there is an option for you as well.
How to Get the Netherlands Golden Visa
The Netherlands introduced its golden visa program in 2013 to attract venture capital funding into small business startups.
The popularity of this program was low in the first years. So, in 2018, the Dutch government introduced a few pragmatic changes in the investment requirements.
The key requirement for any high net worth applicant is to invest €1,250,000 directly into a Dutch startup company or into a Dutch Venture Capital Fund, which will invest the fund’s money in multiple Dutch startups.
The Netherlands golden visa makes the process of getting a long-term residence permit quite easy. You can even travel to and fro the Netherlands without worrying about your residency requirements too much.
Of course, you’ll have to stay there for a big chunk of time but with a golden visa, you get to stay a little less.
Financial Requirements for the Golden Visa Netherlands
Now, to qualify for the Dutch golden visa, you know that you need to invest at least € 1.25 million. But how do you know where to invest?
To ensure that you’re doing the right thing, make sure that the venture fund you plan on investing in is recognized by the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs. Additionally, make sure that the fund is affiliated to the Nederlandse Vereniging van Participatiemaatschappijen (NVP).
You also have to make sure that two out of three criteria must be met for the investment to be accepted for the Dutch golden visa program:
- Within five years, the startup must create at least ten full-time jobs,
- The contribution must enhance the innovativeness of a Dutch company (e.g., by introducing a patent, investing in both technological and non-technological innovation, or investing in a Dutch company classified in the top sector), and
- Non-financial added value, such as providing specific knowledge, networks, or clients, with the investor demonstrating active involvement with the company.
Eligibility for the Dutch Golden Visa Program
To qualify for the Dutch golden visa program, you must be over eighteen years old, have a clean criminal record, and be in good health and sound character.
As mentioned, your investment needs to add value to the Dutch economy, which will be assessed by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). They use a point-based system to calculate how well your investment will be received.
You will also have to pass a due diligence check for money laundering crimes.
In addition, applicants are expected to pass a medical examination and purchase medical insurance from a Dutch health insurance company.
Benefits of Dutch Golden Visa
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Invest and receive permanent residency
After your investment has been approved, you need to first obtain a residence visa, which will be converted into a permanent residence permit after five years.
Your family qualifies for this as well.
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Dutch passport ranks as the 5th most powerful passport in the world.
Once your six years are complete, you can apply for Dutch citizenship. You can apply for a Dutch passport after you get your citizenship.
With this, you have unfettered access to the EU and visa-free travel to over 180 countries across the globe.
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Strategic location
Being in the heart of Europe, the Netherlands provides access to the Western European market. It is an excellent base for IT startups, and most of the EU’s main business hubs are all within reach via two-hour flights.
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Tax-friendly schemes
Now, the Netherlands, like all of Europe, isn’t the best for taxes. However, entrepreneurs will be happy to know that the Dutch tax system offers them benefits, especially if you want to expand your business throughout Europe.
Why Consider a Dutch Passport?
As you probably know, the Netherlands has a long tradition and reputation for being able to attract investors and entrepreneurs. It has a long-established startup scene. If you’re interested in upcoming innovations, the Netherlands is the place to go to.
As long as your investment benefits the Dutch economy, you’re good to go. Historically, investors are rewarded by further investment opportunities and the chance to immediately live, work or study (if your skills require it) in one of the world’s most economically stable countries.
The Netherlands has excellent living standards, a low crime rate, and investors can easily settle and feel at home in the Netherlands. Furthermore, the path to the Dutch passport is made available almost immediately once you have completed the requirements.
Unlike many European countries, where the process of naturalization can take years, it’ll take you between one and two years to get yours. There is no issue with bureaucracy or anything like that.
We all know that in recent years, Western European countries have made their naturalization procedures more difficult. But luckily, in the Netherlands, everything is simple and straightforward.
Of course, the price tag attached to the Dutch golden visa is quite steep, but that’s justified given how many benefits you can reap from the nation.
Other Ways to Obtain Dutch Citizenship
Apart from the Dutch golden visa program, we’ve mentioned, there are other ways you can obtain the Dutch nationality. These include:
1. Citizenship by Birth
If one or both of your parents is a Dutch national at the time of your birth, you qualify for immediate citizenship. This also applies to adoption or acknowledgment of parentage by a Dutch citizen.
2. Citizenship by Descent
If either one or both of your parents and grandparents have Dutch nationality, and you can prove it, you can apply for the citizenship by descent program.
3. Citizenship by Marriage
If you are married to, or the registered partner of, a Dutch citizen and you have been living together in the Netherlands for at least three years. There are other requirements for this as well, and sometimes, it can take a long time.
The Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) will ask for several documents, which vary according to nationalities.
Rights of Dutch Nationals
In the Netherlands, all basic rights of citizens are clearly laid out in the Constitution. Being a Dutch national means you can enter the Netherlands freely without any restrictions.
Other rights that apply to Dutch citizens include the right to vote, stand in elections for parliamentary positions, and join the military.
Renouncing Other Nationalities
To become a Dutch citizen, you must renounce any other nationalities which you may possess. The only exception to this rule is if you are a refugee and if your origin country does not allow you to renounce your nationality.
Get in Touch with Nomad Capitalist to Learn More
Nomad Capitalist is here to help you obtain the Dutch golden visa and, in time, the Dutch passport.
We have years of experience catering to the needs of many individuals seeking the Dutch and other European citizenships by investment. You can take advantage of our experience to get the best out of these programs.
Since it is one of the leading European countries, being the seventeenth strongest economy in the world, you need help to correctly guide you in the right direction.
Nomad Capitalist is here to help you. Simply get in touch with one of our representatives to see your options.
