Law changes, and so does its practice. Everything we have published is below: changes in the law, our commentary on them, practical guides, and news from the practice. Filter by kind, or search by keyword.
Our new website: finding what you need, faster
A flatter structure, menus that follow how people search, and the Law Library brought to the front. And there is a book.
The book is out: Lost by Operation of Law, an Old Wound!
200 pages on Dutch nationality that lapses with no letter and no decision — free to read, and published ahead of a parliamentary debate expected in December.
What was lost when consular work moved to The Hague
The photograph is from 1998: a passport being issued at a Royal Netherlands embassy. An application came in over the counter and was decided there, by someone who had been trained to decide it.…
On the Dwindling Relevance of the Dutch Single-Nationality Principle
One of these days, a debate will held in the Tweede Kamer (the Dutch House of Representatives) concerning an initiative proposal which will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The subject? Dual nationality,…
Dual Nationality Netherlands – Update January 2026
Last month we already heard that the political discussions on this topic hadn't yielded many positive results. The coalition agreement text now presented regarding nationality is even more vague and diplomatic than before. Let's…
Canada gives Citizenship to Lost Canadians
As of this Monday, 15 December 2025, Canada may extend citizenship to children born or adopted abroad to a Canadian parent also born outside the country. This is good news for some Dutch nationals…
2025 Draft Proposal to Change the Dutch Nationality Law – published today!
Let me start with a few frustrations about this newly released draft proposal. It proposes far more changes than the current government initially announced. Why go beyond the coalition agreement of the PVV, VVD,…
The situation in the World. The Netherlands, the Dutch in USA, Myanmar, The Dutch in UK, South Africa beacon of light…
My reflections as a nationality lawyer. The DUTCH government has resigned 03 June 2025 and is in caretaker status. This will be the case until a new government has formed after the upcoming elections.…
Stop Automatic Loss of Dutch Nationality 2025
With the new Dutch elections there are again signals that the politicians want to give attention to automatic loss of Dutch nationality, often unwilling and even unaware loss. A new proposed law? That is…
Important August 2025 updates!
Dear Customers, Habsburg Legal Services ltd is changing into Habsburg & Kuijk Legal Services ltd.What does this mean for you? In order to organise our services to you better we have made some changes.…
Possible Vietnamese nationality for the Vietnamese community in the Netherlands
Changes to the Vietnamese nationality law can help former Vietnamese who may want to get their Vietnamese nationality back, but be careful of the Dutch law. If you are a former Vietnamese refugee, or…
Law No. 79/2025/QH15 of the National Assembly: Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Vietnamese Nationality
Luật số 79/2025/QH15 của Quốc hội: Luật sửa đổi, bổ sung một số điều của Luật Quốc tịch Việt Nam.Law No. 79/2025/QH15 of the National Assembly: Law amending and supplementing a number of articles…
10 years and B1 before 01 October 2025?
Aftermath of the far right or the future? Trying to rush it through quickly to gain votes for the October elections? That's what it sounds like. But is that the case!? Members of Parliament…
Naturalisation A2 to B1 confusion on upcoming changes
If you naturalise the previous/current government has announced that it wants to change the Dutch language requirement from level A2 to B1. There are apparently incorrect rumours going around this will be starting 01…
Royal Nationalities
How a princess can lose her Dutch nationality – and what that says about our laws. That the Dutch Oranjes, the Oranje-Nassau family, descend from present-day Germany is already known to most people. William…
The UK follows changing world on citizenship and Immigration laws
(news and opinion)The 2024 UK elections was 60.0%, down from 67.5% in 2019. The second lowest turnout at a UK general election since the introduction of universal suffrage in 1928, with only the 2001…
FAQs on South African Court Decision to repair lost SA citizenship / nationality.
To the reader. The below is meant for those who now find themselves (unexpectedly) to be dual Dutch-SA citizens/nationals. However, some of these FAQs may apply to other nationalities/countries as well. Also see our…
Dutchies and others are today made South African again
FAQs on South African Court Decision to repair lost SA citizenship / nationality. BREAKING NEWS - The Constitutional Court of South Africa has today, 06 May 2025, made many Dutch nationals (and other foreigners…
Hungary’s Extreme Right Move April 2025
Hungary’s parliament passed an amendment to the constitution today. The move shows how through nationalism and nationality the extreme right is trying to dictate. For Hungary the larger question is on LGBT+ rights, which…
Right wing affects Italian nationality law
Right wing politicians are on the increase worldwide. Voters are often convinced in the benefits of nationalism and asocial policies, not realising this can hurt them. The Netherlands is a prime example of how…
Kris explains! 11 – Dutch integration and language requirements differences.
Kris explains! Dutch integration and language requirements differences. A1 for an entry visa for residency (mvv) for those who require a visa to enter the country. B1 for residency, to be passed within 3…
Kris explains! 10 – Be careful of scams with ETA (UK) and ETIAS (EU).
Kris explains! 10 - Be careful of website scams taking your money for ETA (UK) and ETIAS (EU). Update: I previously did not call these visas. But they are in fact just that. They…
Kris explains! 09 – My Dutch passport is still valid, but I am no longer Dutch?
Kris explains! The Dutch passport expiry date does not always mean you are still Dutch. ... for expats, by expats ... https://youtu.be/1Qdh-xIrCQw More Video Tips and Hints - FAQs answered here.
Kris explains! 08 – Naturalisation, if NL allows dual it should be fine, right!?
Kris explains! It takes two to tango. One country/law allowing dual nationality/citizenship does not mean the other allows it as well. Be aware to consider both sets of laws. For example, for South Africans…
Kris explains! 07 – I am Dutch but I never applied for the Dutch nationality of my child. What to do?
Kris explains! I am Dutch but I never applied for the Dutch nationality of my child. What to do? Normally no issues, except unmarried Dutch fathers may need to legally acknowledge their child. And…
Kris explains! 06 – Waarom de filmpjes en info in het Engels?
Waarom de filmpjes en info in het Engels? ... for expats, by expats ... https://youtu.be/VeAh7niGDAA More Video Tips and Hints - FAQs answered here.
Kris explains! 05 – Loss of Dutch Nationality and how to prevent loss
Kris explains! Loss of Dutch nationality/citizenship and understanding how to prevent such loss. At 17 minutes this is a long one. ... for expats, by expats ... https://youtu.be/oczBFwXQoAE More Video Tips and Hints -…
Kris explains! 04 – I am married to a Dutch citizen. Can I become Dutch?
Kris explains! I am married to a Dutch citizen. Can I become Dutch? Yes you can, after 3+ years of marriage AND cohabitation. Anywhere in the world except while resident in the country of…
Kris explains! 03 – I am told I am no longer Dutch!? Can I get my nationality/citizenship back?
Kris explains! I am told I am no longer Dutch!? Can I get my nationality/citizenship back? You may indeed have lost your Dutch nationality. However, the officials are not always correct. And yes, there…
Kris explains! – 02- How to travel as a dual national/citizen
Kris explains! How to travel as a dual national/citizen? Which passport to use when? Travel between your countries and other countries. Switching passports between borders. How to avoid immigration and legal confusion, and thus…
Kris explains! – 01- Introduction
Kris is a Specialist Dutch Nationality Lawyer (jurist) and assists expats and migrants worldwide. In this series of videos he answers some frequently asked questions. ... for expats, by expats ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23n5wPuqeDk More Video…
What you need to know about “false self-employment” in 2025
False self-employment, or 'schijnzelfstandigheid' as it's known in Dutch, is becoming increasingly significant in the Dutch labor market. It occurs when individuals are officially registered as self-employed (ZZP'ers - zelfstandige zonder personeel) but, in…
Some of our fees are changing in March and May 2025
Our rates for new clients will change as of 15 March 2025.Our rates for current clients will change as of 15 May 2025. Unfortunately, this is necessary as our own operational costs have increased…
Dutch Tax Residency for migrants and immigrants explained
Please note: Habsburg & Kuijk Legal Services does not provide tax advice or tax services. This article is general information only. It’s more than just the 183 days, it’s "all relevant facts and circumstances"…
Sweden on a slipery nationality slope?
When economies are not doing well we historically saw countries veering to the right. Also today we see more and more extreme right, call it middle right or far right, potato potato. With that…
Meet with Kris at PAN Amsterdam 2024
Clients of Habsburg Legal Services who want to meet Kris can get free entry tickets to the PAN Amsterdam 2024, https://www.pan.nl. Please contact Kris directly for your tickets. If you are not yet a…
The Good, The Bad and the Unknown for South Africans
Please note that the South African Constitutional Court will hear the citizenship court case on 05 November 2024 (notice of set-down). We expect it to be ratified at that moment, but we'll only know…
Those DAFT Dutch American Tax Rules, year one!
Please note: Habsburg & Kuijk Legal Services does not provide tax advice or tax services. This article is general information only. There is no escaping taxes they say. The impression of being taxed by…
We are going to emigrate, but how do we take care of our parents!
A while ago a couple came to me, whom I have known for years and regularly assist them with all kinds of management matters. They had decided to move to Spain and start a…
New right wing Dutch government to restrict foreigners
The new right wing Dutch government (coalition) was formally sworn in today. It wants to make things more difficult for foreigners. This for those wanting to move/work/study in the Netherlands, and those already in…
Confidential secret questions and answers between the Dutch Coalition and Ministry of Justice, the disappeared Dutch citizen.
I wrote last week about my views on the coalition and the agreements to change the Dutch (nationality) law. Yesterday we gained some more insight into the political reasoning behind the so-called Coalition Agreement.…
Indonesia considering dual nationality
Indonesia is considering allowing dual nationality in certain cases. According to Minister Luhut Binsar Panjaitan. Worldwide more and more countries have changed their laws since WW2 to allow more than one nationality/citizenship. Indonesia is…
The testament (will) and who executes it
In my work, the subject of wills is usually discussed, but sometimes you encounter strange situations. For example, a few years ago an older single woman without children contacted me through a business friend.…
Help, what should happen to my art collection?
I recently had a conversation with a lady who I have known for years through our contacts in the field of art, etc. She had been in a coma for 2 years and when…
Financial services at your destination
We do not provide financial services nor can we vouch fully for the services we refer to on this page. The purpose of this page is to give you hints and tips on what…
Current Delays in Renewing Your Dutch Passport
Dutch passports valid for 10 years were first issued in 2014. This means that there are many passports which will be reaching their expiry date this year, and as such, the government has advised…
Post-Election Response Times
Since the results of the 2023 Dutch general election some people have become anxious with regards to their status as (former) Dutch nationals. As well as potential changes to nationality or immigration law which…
Introducing: Chloë Faucher
Chloë Faucher, M.A., B.Ed We are excited to welcome Chloë Faucher, who has joined our team as of 01 February 2024. As a globetrotter and aspiring polyglot, Chloë has always had a keen interest…
non-EU spouse travel together for more than 90 days in Schengen
What if you are married to an EU national and don't want to live in the EU but would like to stay there for holidays longer than 90 days? If you belong to one…
Meet Kris at the PAN Amsterdam 2023?
Who wants to meet me at the PAN Amsterdam? 18-26 Nov 2023. Also this year I am assisting family with setting up and manning stand 52, Bastings Antiquairs. I welcome discussing the Dutch nationality…
South African white paper on immigration and citizenship
South African government issued on 10 November '23 a white paper on immigration and citizenship. The language shows that it wants to become more restrictive where it comes to immigration and naturalisations. This paper…
Dutch Elections and the Dutch Nationality Law
Visiting Dutch Parliament Shortly before the elections we see some action regarding the nationality law. The GOED Foundation and Kris von Habsburg (of Habsburg Legal Services) have often knocked on politicians' doors. For example,…
Tjebbes proportionality test 4% or 70% chance of success?
There is currently a relatively young former Dutch man standing before the Dutch Council of State/Supreme Court. As he himself states, his Dutch citizenship is at stake. And the way in which the so-called…
South African supreme court rejects loss of citizenship.
Those South Africans who lost their citizenship/nationality when becoming Dutch, are still South African, the South African Supreme Court ruled today. For those who didn't get a Retention Letter in time and complied with…
The Forgotten Children
With respect to the recent draft law proposal we (NIDV, SGOED, SNBN and many others) have asked that the period 1985-2003 is included in the new bill. We have some hope this may be…
Upcoming change of Dutch nationality law, our response to the 1st draft.
As you may already know, there is a proposal to change the Dutch nationality law. This concept change of law, proposal, was made following the Dutch government coalition agreement published 15 Dec 2021. In…
Proposal to change the law to regain Dutch nationality very limited! 14 March 2023, consultation
State Secretary for Justice and Security, Eric van der BurgBorn on 09 October 1965 in Amsterdam, unmarried, 2 children. Party: VVD.“Justice starts with mutual trust. In our just society, I want to offer good…
Yippeeee! we did it! Timeline of a Case, Retrospective return of Dutch Nationality
Success is of course great. However, sometimes success is more than great. In the case of Ms I. it became quickly clear to that she was emotionally affected by the loss of her nationality…
Change of fees as per Feb ’23
To all clients and potential clients. Please note that as of 01 Feb 2023 our fees are changing. This is unfortunately necessary as our own operating expenses have seen recent increases due to economic…
General pardon for all former Dutch nationals!
Old Netherlanders (Oud-Nederlander) is the official term for former Dutch nationals, young and old. It has happened to many, unfortunately often unconsciously, Dutch nationals who automatically lost their Dutch nationality through voluntary acquisition of…
103 year old gets nationality back
It was great when we learned that 103 year old Mr Hissink got his Dutch nationality back.
SBS Dutch interview on the 01 April 2022 change of Dutch nationality law.
Here an interview with SBS Nederlands about the amendment of the law regarding the now 13-Year Clock and possible loss of Dutch nationality. For the reader/listener, note that the 10-now 13-Year Clock is about…
April fools day 2022 Change of Dutch nationality law, no joke, Tjebbes proportionality test via Option
"Old-Dutchies" is the official government terminology that does not always correspond to the many young "former Dutchies". For (former) Dutch nationals who (also) have a different nationality, it is good to know that today…
Ukraine Nationality Law ¦ Fighting in/for Ukraine
Are you a non-Ukrainian, Dutch, Latvian, or an Ukrainian, Russian, or a dual national/citizen? What would joining the fight mean for you and your nationality? On our page with the Ukrainian nationality law we…
Ukraine Nationality Law — the full text as at 21 March 2022
21 March 2022 Seen the current conflict and attack on Ukraine we wanted to provide people with a copy of the Ukraine Nationality/Citizenship Law at the time of writing. See below. Note that the…
16 March ’22 Money exchange/transfer advise
Update from our favourite money changer, Jason. Re Ukraine/Russian influence on currencies."Exchange rates currently sit as follows; GBP/EUR 1.1890GBP/USD 1.3096EUR/USD 1.1011 With The U.S and The UK both expected to raise Interest Rates in…
Email Maintenance
Please note that Habsburg Legal Services is moving its email servers. This to ensure we maintain the best and secure email services. This move will happen on 22 Feb 2022 and this may result…
Dutch mobile passport applications in your area!?
Updated 21 September 2026: this article was written in February 2022, shortly before the rules on losing Dutch nationality changed on 1 April 2022. Where it mentions the 10-Year Clock, see The 5-10-13-Year Clocks…
Ukraine influence on GBP, EUR, USD exchange rates.
Good morning! A message from Jason! "As the Ukraine/Russia tension continues, we’ve seen the currency exchange rates affected in both directions throughout the past 5 days. The main beneficiaries of the ongoing tension has…
Technical Maintenance
Please note that Habsburg Legal Services is moving its email servers. This to ensure we maintain the best and secure email services. This move will happen on 08 Feb 2022 and this may result…
April fools day, 10 to unlucky 13-Year Clock and codification of the Proportionality test. Statelessness. Changes to the Dutch nationality law.
Written February 2022. This page reflects the situation at the time of writing. For the current rules on losing Dutch nationality, see The 5-10-13-Year Clocks and Loss of Dutch Nationality. The Dutch nationality law…
Early January urgent Dutch cases only!
Dear all, due to a recent unexpected death of a close family member of Kris, our founding director and Dutch nationality specialist, we are a bit short staffed in this area. We apologise and…
Dutch government coalition agreement 2021 and Nationality
Written December 2021. This page reflects the situation at the time of writing. For the current rules on losing Dutch nationality, see The 5-10-13-Year Clocks and Loss of Dutch Nationality. Hurray! It's a happy…
Minimal Reasonable Change of Dutch Nationality Law
Currently Dutch politicians are considering the Dutch nationality law and the Tjebbes case EU proportionality test implementation into the law, 35 859 (R2157). Dutch Secretary of State for Justice and Security, Ankie Broekers-Knol, who…
We don’t want to do more! Says the Dutch Secretary of State for Justice and Security
Proportionality Test / Tjebbes Bill 35859- (R2157) The Dutch Secretary of State for Justice and Security, Ankie Broekers-Knol, recently presented two memorandums to the Dutch House of Representatives, which once again shows that Mrs…
Dutch politicians ask questions! Tjebbes proportionality test and proposed change to the Dutch nationality law 35 859 (R2157)
Politicians seem to agree with the Dutch interest groups and foundations. The current Dutch nationality law and the possibility of automatic loss of a citizen's nationality/citizenship is evidence of a nonchalant attitude towards the…
Automatic British Citizenship for EU children with perhaps automatic loss of other nationality.
Written July 2021. This page reflects the situation at the time of writing. For the current rules on losing Dutch nationality, see The 5-10-13-Year Clocks and Loss of Dutch Nationality. Please note that this…
SBS Dutch radio interview on complexity of Netherlands nationality law.
I hope that this Australian radio interview (in Dutch) gives the Dutch expats, migrants and community in Australia a little clarity on the complexity of the Dutch nationality / citizenship law. My aim is…
Pensioen, backpacker, na reizen terug naar NL problematiek!
Met pensioen door Europa reizen of de wereld rond?Na je studies met je rugzak de wijde wereld in?Avonturier?Zeilend de wereld rond?Digital Nomad?Terug naar Nederland? We horen vaak hoe sommige mensen voor reizen kiezen. Men…
UN urges Dutch to change their legislation for defacto stateless child of trafficked mother.
photo credit UNHCR (not Denny) The UN Human Rights Committee has concluded that the Netherlands violated a child’s right to acquire a nationality. We would not think this from a country like the Netherlands.…
Stateless Dutch born Women
History shows us how gender discrimination and the idea of the man at the head of the family was fully integrated into our societies, and laws. Until 1964 women mostly lost their Dutch nationality…
Have you lost your Dutch nationality? Want it back?
You wouldn't be the only one who unknowingly and unwillingly lost their Dutch nationality. It happens more than we would like. The Dutch government itself estimates that it may be happening to about 2,000…
Dutch Passport Expiring? How To Prevent Loss of Nationality during COVID-19
Updated 21 September 2026: this article was written in October 2020. The rules on losing Dutch nationality changed on 1 April 2022, and the ten-year period described below is no longer the current rule.…
Dutch Historical Age of Majority or Maturity
Dutch Historical Age of Majority versus Age of Maturity and Becoming an Adult Some of these terms can be confusing and are often used to mean the same. But there are or can be…
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