Can’t get a passport application appointment due to COVID-19? Are you an adult dual national living outside of the Netherlands or European Union member states and thus at risk of automatically losing your Dutch nationality?

Solution, apply for a Dutch Nationality Certificate instead of a passport. Normally we recommend a passport over a nationality certificate but in case of emergency…

Now you can apply from the comfort of your lock down home.

• Go to
  English: https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/living-working/applying-for-consular-declarations/dutch-nationality-certificate
  or
  Dutch: https://www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/wonen-werken/paspoort-en-id-kaart/verklaring-van-nederlanderschap-aanvragen
• Choose the country where you are normally resident.
• At step 3 you will find this email address to contact and send your application to:
  verklaringnederlanderschap@247bz.nl 
  and information on how to pay the fees (EUR 30,00 per cert).

10-Year Clock and automatic loss of your Dutch nationality explained
If you are an adult and have another nationality next to the Dutch nationality and you live outside of the EU for 10 years you will automatically lose your Dutch nationality (RWN Art 15 paragraph 1c) unless you get a new Dutch passport, ID card or nationality certificate (Art 15 paragraph 4). Yes, even if you were earlier allowed to have/keep both nationalities. The date of issue of the document (not of application) restarts the 10-Year Clock. The 10-Year Clock will also reset and pause when you live in the EU for a year (Art 15 paragraph 3). So during your first year resident in the EU the clock keeps ticking. Adults only, so the earliest you can lose it is at age 28 (18+10). This is in the Dutch nationality law as of 2003. Prior there were other similar clocks.

Important!
Ensure you include all required documents as mentioned in step 1 and 2. For each country of residency there may be slight different requirements. If because of COVID-19 or other reasons you can’t get all required documents do send in your application but include a letter explaining the situation. Propose that if the missing document(s) is/are really needed you will forward this once you can. Ask for a reply and keep a copy of your email. Chase if close to deadline. Keep holidays (in your country and the Netherlands) etc in mind.

Not sure or need help, email the authorities first and ask for help. Alternatively come to Habsburg Legal Services for help.