A person is a Dutch national if he or she has the Dutch nationality. There are three ways to obtain the Dutch nationality: automatically by descent, by option or naturalization. On the pages below, you can read more about both ways to become a Dutch citizen.
Persons who do not have the Dutch nationality by descent, but who wish to acquire it, must sumbit an application at the Cabinet of the Governor. This can be done through the option or naturalization procedure. Which process the person follows, depends on their situation.
| Option | Naturalization | |
|---|---|---|
| Naturalization exam | No civic integration requirement (no naturalization exam applicable). |
The civic integration requirement applies (unless you qualify for an exemption or full waiver). |
| Decision-making authority |
The Governor decides on the application based on the guidelines of the Dutch Nationality Act. |
The King decides on the naturalization request by Royal Decree. This decision is based on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice and Security. |
| Processing time |
The processing time for the option procedure is a maximum of 26 weeks. |
The processing time for the naturalization procedure is a maximum of 12 months. |
| Costs |
The fees for processing the option-application are lower than for the naturalization procedure. |
The fees for processing the naturalization request are higher than for the option procedure. |
Becoming a Dutch citizen is a special event. Therefore, the Cabinet of the Governor organizes naturalization ceremonies. Everyone who obtains the Dutch nationality through option or naturalization must attend a naturalization ceremony within one year of the decision.
During this ceremony, the Governor focuses on the significance of the Dutch nationality. He also speaks about the core values of the Kingdom and the rights and obligations of every Dutch citizen. The Governor also speaks about how people who get the Dutch nationality are connected to the society of Sint Maarten and the Kingdom.
During the naturalization ceremony the applicant takes the oath or makes the declaration and promise. After this, the applicant officially acquires the Dutch nationality. Two weeks after the naturalization ceremony, he or she can schedule an appointment online at the Civil Registry Department of Sint Maarten (Census Office) to apply for a Dutch passport.
After obtaining the Dutch nationality, the applicant must usually renounce their other nationality.
When submitting the application, they are informed if renunciation is mandatory. The applicant is also asked to sign a declaration stating that they are willing to renounce the other nationality.
| Product | Costs |
|---|---|
|
option; singular |
Cg 481,- |
|
option; joint |
Cg 823,- |
|
option; co-opting minor |
Cg 52,- (per minor) |
|
naturalization; singular; |
Cg 2.373,- |
|
naturalization; joint; |
Cg 3.029,- |
|
naturalization; co-naturalizing minor |
Cg 350,- (per minor) |
* The fees for the application for Dutch citizenship by option or naturalization are indexed annually.
Customers can pay in cash or by debit card in Caribbean Guilders (XCG) at the Cabinet of the Governor of Sint Maarten. Payment by credit card or cash in US dollars (USD) is not accepted.
Am I eligible?
Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for Dutch citizenship through the option or naturalization procedure. With our online questionnaire, you can check in advance if this applies to you and for which of the two procedures you are possibly eligible.
Online questionnaire
Complete the below questionnaire step by step. It is important that you answer the questions honestly and based on your personal situation. Based on your answers, you will see whether you may be eligible.
Did you complete the online questionnaire and do you potentially qualify? Then you will receive a checklist with the requirements for the option or naturalization procedure. Download the checklist, collect the necessary documents, and make an appointment using our online appointment system. You will find its link together with the checklist. Please bring the documents from the checklist to your appointment.
Please note! This online questionnaire does not guarantee that you qualify for Dutch citizenship. During your consultation, the consular officers will check your documents and advise you. The questionnaire is a tool to help you prepare for your first appointment.
Do you have questions about your checklist? Contact the department of Consular Affairs.