(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 election recording a lower turnout (59.4%). Public dissolusionment seems worldwide to result in less active voters.… Read more: The UK follows changing world on citizenship and Immigration laws

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 news on the court decision. Each FAQ answer is based on the information at the time… Read more: 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 elsewhere) South African again. Some without their knowledge, and all withouth their consent or their own doing. Reason, the automatic loss of SA citizenship in its citizenship law was… Read more: Dutchies and others are today made South African again

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 prompted the change in constitution. Whatever you may think on the subject, it is clear that… Read more: Hungary’s Extreme Right Move April 2025

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 its own xenophobia and discriminatory attitudes has ever since 1893 influenced its nationality (and immigration) law.… Read more: Right wing affects Italian nationality law

Kris explains! Dutch integration and language requirements differences. … for expats, by expats … More Video Tips and Hints – FAQs answered here.

Kris explains! 10 – Be careful of website scams taking your money for ETA (UK) and ETIAS (EU). Official website links: UK https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta EUhttps://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en Note, that EES is currently set for October 2025 and ETIAS is set for 2026: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/revised-timeline-ees-and-etias-2025-03-07_en … for expats, by expats … More Video Tips and… Read more: Kris explains! 10 – Be careful of scams with ETA (UK) and ETIAS (EU).

Kris explains! The Dutch passport expiry date does not always mean you are still Dutch. … for expats, by expats … More Video Tips and Hints – FAQs answered here.

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 be aware that there could be changes to the SA citizenship act this year (2025), or… Read more: Kris explains! 08 – Naturalisation, if NL allows dual it should be fine, right!?

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 if you were born before 1985 from a Dutch mother married to a foreign father, then… Read more: Kris explains! 07 – I am Dutch but I never applied for the Dutch nationality of my child. What to do?

Waarom de filmpjes en info in het Engels? … for expats, by expats … More Video Tips and Hints – FAQs answered here.

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 … More Video Tips and Hints – FAQs answered here.

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 other nationality. FYI, a Civil Registered Partnership is equal to marriage but not all foreign partnerships… Read more: Kris explains! 04 – I am married to a Dutch citizen. Can I become Dutch?

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 are several routes to repair your Dutch nationality / citizenship. … for expats, by expats …… Read more: Kris explains! 03 – I am told I am no longer Dutch!? Can I get my nationality/citizenship back?

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 how to avoid missing flights etc. … for expats, by expats … More Video Tips and… Read more: Kris explains! – 02- How to travel as a dual national/citizen

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 … More Video Tips and Hints – FAQs answered here.

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 practice, function similarly to regular employees. Although this arrangement might initially appear attractive due to potential… Read more: What you need to know about “false self-employment” in 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 since 2023 due to the changing economy and government conditions within our field. With the higher… Read more: Some of our fees are changing in March and May 2025

It’s more than just the 183 days, it’s “all relevant facts and circumstances” People often assume that you are only a Dutch tax resident when you reside more than 183 days in the Netherlands, but determining whether you are a tax resident in the Netherlands can be surprisingly complex. Unlike… Read more: Dutch Tax Residency for migrants and immigrants explained

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 the usual growth in nationalism and xenophobia. In Sweden we see the political parties giving in… Read more: Sweden on a slipery nationality slope?

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 client then use our general contact form. Kris is again assisting his family and multitasking at… Read more: Meet with Kris at PAN Amsterdam 2024

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 it when we see this confirmed in writing. The Good NewsIf all goes as we wish… Read more: The Good, The Bad and the Unknown for South Africans

There is no escaping taxes they say. The impression of being taxed by two countries may unnecessarily scare some. Moving to the Netherlands under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) visa is an exciting opportunity for U.S. citizens looking to start a business in one of Europe’s most innovative economies. Our… Read more: Those DAFT Dutch American Tax Rules, year one!

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 B&B there. I had to arrange some matters for them in the Netherlands regarding the management… Read more: We are going to emigrate, but how do we take care of our parents!

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 the country. This includes announced measures such as: And although there is informal talk about further… Read more: New right wing Dutch government to restrict foreigners

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. A number of documents of confidential and secret correspondence crossed my desk, now quietly public. Mr… Read more: Confidential secret questions and answers between the Dutch Coalition and Ministry of Justice, the disappeared Dutch citizen.

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 showing to be pragmatic but also modern and liberal. Most European and developed countries have already… Read more: Indonesia considering dual nationality

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. She wanted to arrange her will. When she asked this, I initially responded by saying that… Read more: The testament (will) and who executes it

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 she woke up at the end of 2021, her husband turned out to be seriously ill.… Read more: Help, what should happen to my art collection?

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 delays with appointments and issuing passports. Therefore, if you have a Dutch passport that is expiring… Read more: Current Delays in Renewing Your Dutch Passport

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 may impact their rights and/or immigration plans. Given this, our workload has been higher than usual,… Read more: Post-Election Response Times

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 in world cultures, languages, and political science. Growing-up in a Dutch family, and in an immigration-based country exposed her to… Read more: Introducing: Chloë Faucher

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 of the 70 odd countries not requiring a Schengen visa then this can perhaps be possible.… Read more: non-EU spouse travel together for more than 90 days in Schengen

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 law and (loss) of nationality/citizenship. Give advice etc. So, you are welcome to drop by. Always… Read more: Meet Kris at the PAN Amsterdam 2023?

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 does not seem to mention the recent court ruling and possible reparation of citizenship for those… Read more: South African white paper on immigration and citizenship

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, last year we visited several of the major parties to explain where things are going wrong with the legislation… Read more: Dutch Elections and the Dutch Nationality Law

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 Tjebbes proportionality test has, in his opinion, been disproportionately applied and assessed by the Ministry of… Read more: Tjebbes proportionality test 4% or 70% chance of success?

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 an exception in Dutch law this is excellent news. Congratulations! For those who by Dutch law… Read more: South African supreme court rejects loss of citizenship.

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 considered. This would then include Article 15c (10-Year Clock version 2) from 1985 to 2003 in… Read more: The Forgotten Children

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 it was agreed that the loss of Dutch nationality has led to undesirable problems and that… Read more: Upcoming change of Dutch nationality law, our response to the 1st draft.

Let me start that I am very frustrated, even angry. This bill was of course written by lawyers within the Ministry of Justice and Insecurity, but with which assignment and instructions behind the scenes? And in the end, the State Secretary of Justice and Security, Eric van der Burg, cannot… Read more: Proposal to change the law to regain Dutch nationality very limited! 14 March 2023, consultation

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 and the prospect of being barred from what she saw equally as home. I really felt… Read more: Yippeeee! we did it! Timeline of a Case, Retrospective return of Dutch Nationality

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 factors. As our own expenses went up we tried to maintain our fees as long as… Read more: Change of fees as per Feb ’23

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 another nationality or through long-term residence abroad. A bright spot is that, since 01 April 2022,… Read more: General pardon for all former Dutch nationals!

It was great when we learned that 103 year old Mr Hissink got his Dutch nationality back.

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 losing the Dutch nationality in second instance. Loss in the first instance, when acquiring another nationality… Read more: SBS Dutch interview on the 01 April 2022 change of Dutch nationality law.

For (former) Dutch nationals who (also) have a different nationality, it is good to know that today the Dutch nationality law (RWN) has changed. The loss of nationality through the so-called 10-Year Clock version 3 has changed into a 13-Year Clock version 1. And the EU Tjebbes proportionality test and… Read more: April fools day 2022 Change of Dutch nationality law, no joke, Tjebbes proportionality test via Option

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 also look into possible loss of your nationality / citizenship if you join the fighting. Worldwide… Read more: Ukraine Nationality Law ¦ Fighting in/for Ukraine

Update from our favourite money changer, Jason. Re Ukraine/Russian influence on currencies. “Exchange rates currently sit as follows; GBP/EUR 1.1890 GBP/USD 1.3096 EUR/USD 1.1011 With The U.S and The UK both expected to raise Interest Rates in the next 24 hours, we expect the EUR to weaken further bringing great… Read more: 16 March ’22 Money exchange/transfer advise

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 in some delays in our answers over the next few days. Although we don’t expect any,… Read more: Email Maintenance

Imagine you live far away in a remote area and there is no nearby Dutch consulate or embassy where you can apply for your Dutch passport. For example, Perth to Sydney is only a 3,932.9 km drive…. Or maybe you are not just far away, but bedbound in hospital or… Read more: Dutch mobile passport applications in your area!?

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 no doubt been both GBP & USD meaning any clients buying property in Europe from The… Read more: Ukraine influence on GBP, EUR, USD exchange rates.

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 in some delays in our answers over the next few days. Although we don’t expect any,… Read more: Technical Maintenance

The Dutch nationality law is going to change. “Yipeee!” I hear…. But hold your horses. These are only small changes. When? On April fools day, 01 April 2022. What? For dual nationals effectively only one thing will change. The current 10-Year Clock version 3 will morph into a new 13-Year… Read more: April fools day, 10 to unlucky 13-Year Clock and codification of the Proportionality test. Statelessness. Changes to the Dutch nationality law.

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 appreciate your understanding. As Kris had to unexpectedly travel to the NL during a lock down… Read more: Early January urgent Dutch cases only!

Hurray! It’s a happy day. But before we are getting really excited. Know that there is still some opposition to really modernize the legislation. In the 2017 coalition agreement, there were also plans to somewhat modernize the nationality legislation, but that did not happen. But maybe now it is different,… Read more: Dutch government coalition agreement 2021 and Nationality

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 has seen quite a few morality challenges in her recent career, has proposed to do the… Read more: Minimal Reasonable Change of Dutch Nationality Law

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 Ankie Broekers-Knol prefers to ignore the advice of the Council of State and the permanent Commission… Read more: We don’t want to do more! Says the Dutch Secretary of State for Justice and Security

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 Dutch citizen. Automatic loss without considering if this is reasonable, proportional, acceptable or morally just, can… Read more: Dutch politicians ask questions! Tjebbes proportionality test and proposed change to the Dutch nationality law 35 859 (R2157)

Please note that this is written with the British and Dutch nationality laws in mind. For other countries there may be other ramifications, or none. Good news!As of 01 July 2021, the British Nationality Act (Citizenship) has had a small but significant update. In fact, for many a very nice… Read more: Automatic British Citizenship for EU children with perhaps automatic loss of other nationality.

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 to give the right info to people so that less fall victim to losing their Dutch… Read more: SBS Dutch radio interview on complexity of Netherlands nationality law.

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 heeft er vaak hard voor gewerkt, of geluk om het te… Read more: Pensioen, backpacker, na reizen terug naar NL problematiek!

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. Folowing World War 2 there were many European refugees and disenfranchised people. Not just in Europe of course, and no, not… Read more: UN urges Dutch to change their legislation for defacto stateless child of trafficked mother.

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 automatically when marrying a foreigner. If they did not get the other nationality through marriage and… Read more: Stateless Dutch born Women

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 people every year. Since 1985 that is roughly about 70,000 people who automatically, unwillingly, lost their… Read more: Have you lost your Dutch nationality? Want it back?

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… Read more: Dutch Passport Expiring? How To Prevent Loss of Nationality during COVID-19

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 some slight differences. Age of Majority = The age you are legally an adult and your… Read more: Dutch Historical Age of Majority or Maturity