Featured: SNBN Newsletter – Progress on Dual Nationality & Updates Affecting Dutch Citizens Abroad

The latest newsletter from the Foundation of Dutch People Abroad (SNBN) brings encouraging developments for Dutch citizens living outside the Netherlands, following the release of a D66–CDA formation document that will serve as the basis for wider coalition negotiations.

One of the most notable points in the document is a commitment to modernize nationality law, ensuring that Dutch citizens abroad will not lose their nationality faster than citizens of neighboring countries such as Germany, Belgium, France, and the UK. According to SNBN, this marks significant progress in a lobbying effort that began in 2011, advocating for dual nationality and restoration of involuntarily lost Dutch citizenship. The foundation considers this development a direct result of years of letters, motions, media engagements, and public campaigns.

The formation text also acknowledges the consequences of a scaled-down diplomatic network and expresses an intention to reinvest in the Netherlands’ global presence. This comes as welcome news for Dutch citizens abroad who have increasingly faced long waiting times for passport renewals and limited consular services.

While the document does not mention digital voting pilots or the right to maintain a Dutch bank account abroad, SNBN notes that this absence does not necessarily signal opposition; progress has already been made in these areas in recent years.

What Comes Next

Coalition discussions will continue over the coming weeks, determining which parties will build on this formation text and how the final agreement will be shaped. SNBN has committed to closely monitoring developments to ensure that the interests of Dutch citizens abroad remain protected and that the gains reflected in this draft are not removed.

SNBN also expressed gratitude to the global Dutch community, sharing that nearly 1,000 emails were sent to politicians in the past week alone—a response that significantly amplified the visibility of diaspora concerns.

Additional Update: Permit Requirement for Amsterdam Residents with a Second Home

The Municipality of Amsterdam has announced a new rule taking effect in January 2026. Dutch citizens living abroad who maintain a pied-à-terre in Amsterdam must apply for a permit to keep the property as a second residence. Homes where no one is registered in the BRP will require this permit; failure to comply could lead to fines. Details and application procedures are available on the municipality’s website.

👉 Read the full SNBN newsletter here.