Netherlands Moves Closer to Allowing Dual Citizenship After Decade-Long Legislative Journey
The Hague, 31 March 2026
A groundbreaking proposal to modernise Dutch nationality law has reached parliamentary debate after nearly ten years in the legislative process. The bill would fundamentally change citizenship rules by allowing dual nationality, ending the current requirement for new Dutch citizens to renounce their original citizenship. This represents a significant shift for asylum seekers and immigrants who have long faced the difficult choice between their heritage and Dutch citizenship. The proposal includes withdrawing from international treaties that currently restrict dual nationality, marking a potential end to one of Europe’s strictest citizenship policies.
Parliamentary Progress After Years of Delays
The legislative proposal, formally known as the ‘Rijkswet tot wijziging van de Rijkswet op het Nederlanderschap’, was first submitted on 16 December 2016 by MPs Rob Paternotte and Tunahan Mutluer [1]. The bill experienced significant delays in its early stages, with proceedings halted in December 2016 pending advice from the Council of State [1]. After a lengthy period of review, the proposal was transferred to the permanent committee for Justice and Security in October 2023 [1]. The committee subsequently declared the bill non-controversial in December 2023, allowing it to proceed through the standard legislative process [1].
Key Provisions of the Modernisation Bill
The proposed law seeks to modernise Dutch nationality rules by removing barriers to dual citizenship that currently exist under the Rijkswet op het Nederlanderschap [GPT]. Under existing legislation, individuals seeking Dutch citizenship must typically renounce their original nationality, creating a significant barrier for asylum seekers and immigrants who wish to maintain cultural and legal ties to their countries of origin [GPT]. The bill addresses this by proposing amendments that would allow new Dutch citizens to retain their previous citizenship without legal complications.
International Treaty Withdrawal Required
Central to the proposal is the Netherlands’ withdrawal from Chapter I of the 1963 Strasbourg Convention on the Reduction of Cases of Multiple Nationality and Military Obligations in Cases of Multiple Nationality, along with its Second Protocol [1]. These international agreements currently bind the Netherlands to policies that restrict dual citizenship arrangements [GPT]. The bill specifically includes provisions for ‘goedkeuring van het voornemen tot opzegging’ - approval for the intention to withdraw from these treaty obligations [1]. This withdrawal would be necessary to legally implement the proposed dual citizenship framework without violating international commitments.
Current Parliamentary Status and Next Steps
The proposal reached a significant milestone on 18 May 2026, when it was scheduled for plenary debate in the House of Representatives [1]. This followed the committee’s decision in September 2025 to submit the bill for full parliamentary consideration [1]. As a ‘Rijkswet’ or Kingdom Act, the legislation requires approval from both houses of the Dutch parliament - the House of Representatives and the Senate - before it can take effect [GPT]. The bill’s progression to plenary debate indicates substantial legislative momentum after nearly a decade in the parliamentary system, though final passage remains subject to parliamentary approval through the formal voting process.