Number of dual nationalities grows more slowly

On 1 January 2007 1,047 million people in the Netherlands had at least one other nationality alongside their Dutch nationality. This is two and a half times the number on 1 January 1995. In spite of this, the increase in the number of people with a dual nationality has slowed down it the last four years, especially as a result of fewer naturalisations.

Dutch nationals with at least one other nationality, 1 January

Births account for large part of growth

Nearly 22 thousand children born in the Netherlands in 2005 automatically received dual nationality at birth, because one of their parents had a non-Dutch nationality in addition to the Dutch nationality.

Dutch nationals with dual nationality, by grounds for dual nationality

Increase through option and adoption

In 2005 just over 5 thousand persons acquired Dutch nationality in addition to their original nationality by option or adoption. 

Fewer dual nationalities through naturalisation

Lastly, in 2005 more than 18 thousand persons acquired dual nationality via naturalisation. This number has dropped sharply in recent years, however. 

In the second half of the nineties in particular, naturalisations pushed up the number of Dutch nationals with dual nationality. Between 1 January 1992 and 1 October 1997 non-Dutch nationals were allowed to keep their original nationality when they acquired the Dutch nationality; they did so on a large scale. Since  1 October 1997 only one nationality is allowed. However, because of a considerable number of exceptions three-quarters of persons naturalised in the years 1998–2005 were able to retain their original nationality.

Turks and Moroccans biggest groups with dual nationality

Nearly half of people in the Netherlands with dual nationality have the Turkish or Moroccan nationality in addition to the Dutch nationality. Dutch nationals with the British or German nationality follow at a considerable difference.

Non-Dutch nationality of Dutch nationals with dual nationality, 1 January 2007

Han Nicolaas