Feature: SNBN Newsletter – Green Light for Opening Up Dual Nationality for Dutch Citizens Abroad

The Foundation for Dutch Citizens Abroad (SNBN) has announced a major breakthrough for Dutch citizens living outside the Netherlands. After more than a decade of sustained advocacy, there is now political green light for opening up dual nationality for Dutch citizens abroad, marking a fundamental shift in long-standing Dutch nationality policy.

What began in 2011 as a global lobbying effort, and gained renewed momentum in 2019 with the establishment of the Foundation for Dutch Citizens Abroad, has culminated in this milestone outcome. The recently published coalition agreement “Aan de slag”, authored by D66, VVD, and CDA, outlines key policy intentions that directly affect Dutch citizens living abroad.

Opening the Door to Dual Nationality

The coalition agreement states that by modernising Dutch nationality law, Dutch citizens abroad will no longer lose their nationality more quickly than citizens in neighbouring countries such as Germany, Belgium, France, and the United Kingdom. While newcomers seeking to naturalise in the Netherlands will still generally be required to renounce their other nationality, this policy direction signals a clear departure from the Netherlands’ historically restrictive stance on dual nationality.

Although the precise legal framework is yet to be defined, SNBN emphasises that this represents a fundamental policy shift. With the support of VVD, alongside PvdA-GroenLinks and Volt, there is currently a broad majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate in favour of this opening. That said, the parliamentary process is expected to take time, and further negotiations lie ahead. SNBN cautions that implementation is unlikely to be completed in 2026, but confirms it will continue to apply pressure and engage policymakers throughout the process.

SNBN has also expressed appreciation to the hundreds of Dutch citizens abroad who wrote to political parties in December and January. This collective advocacy effort played a significant role in influencing the policy turnaround reflected in the coalition agreement.

What Is Still Missing

While the progress on dual nationality is significant, some key issues remain unresolved. Notably absent from the coalition agreement is the restoration of Dutch citizenship for involuntary former Dutch citizens. SNBN notes that this would require a separate legislative proposal but considers it a logical next step following this policy shift. Encouragingly, earlier discussions with one of the governing parties indicate willingness to pursue such legislation, and SNBN has confirmed it will actively advance this issue.

Digital Voting and Other Developments

The coalition agreement also signals a breakthrough in digital public services, referencing Estonia as a model and committing to making all government services accessible online. SNBN welcomes this development, particularly as it relates to elections, which remain a key concern for Dutch citizens abroad. While details on implementation are not yet available, SNBN plans to engage further with authorities on digital voting from abroad.

Other areas mentioned or partially addressed in the agreement include Dutch education abroad, access to Dutch bank accounts, consular capacity, and changes to naturalisation rules. SNBN continues to monitor these developments closely, especially where they may affect families, non-Dutch partners, and long-term residents abroad.

Continued Advocacy and Support

SNBN reiterates its commitment to representing the interests of more than one million Dutch citizens living outside the Netherlands. As an entirely volunteer-led organisation, its work depends on continued engagement and support from the Dutch diaspora. SNBN encourages stakeholders to remain involved as discussions progress and policy details take shape.

Read the full SNBN newsletter here.