If you have Dutch citizenship, it's possible for you to have a Dutch passport.
Dutch passport application procedure
To apply for a Dutch passport in the Netherlands (passport aanvragen) you must visit the town hall of the municipality (gemeente) where you are registered. You must go yourself in person, it is not possible to have someone else apply for you.
Documents necessary for a passport application
When you visit the gemeente, you must bring the following with you:
- A recent passport photo that meets the strict passport photo requirements (in Dutch).
- Documents that prove your identity and your Dutch nationality, this can be your current or expired passport or identity card or, in some cases, your Dutch nationality certificate (bewijs van Nederlanderschap).
Application costs for a Dutch passport
When you submit your application at the gemeente, you must also pay a processing fee. These are the maximum fees, you may end up paying less.
2024 Dutch passport application fees
| Age | Fee |
|---|---|
| under 18 years | 63,42 euros |
| 18 years and over | 83,87 euros |
2024 Dutch passport application fees abroad
| Age | Fee |
|---|---|
| under 18 years | 129,45 euros |
| 18 years and over | 148,50 euros |
Dutch passport processing time
The processing time for a Dutch passport is roughly five working days. However, if you are applying for your first Dutch passport it is wise to request a passport well in advance of any travel plans in case you need additional documentation. If you urgently require a new passport you can make use of the expedited passport service (spoedprocedure) which can deliver your new passport the next working day if you lodge your request at your gemeente before 2pm (this can differ per municipality). This process has a higher fee.
When your passport is ready you can pick it up from the gemeente. Alternatively, you can also have your new passport delivered, which you must request and pay for when you submit your application.
Period of validity of a Dutch passport
Dutch passports and identity cards are valid for 10 years for adults and for five years for children under the age of 18.
Can I renew a Dutch passport?
It is not possible to "renew" a Dutch passport, instead you must request a new one by following the above procedure. If you hold dual nationality it is extremely important that you get a new Dutch passport before your current Dutch passport expires. Otherwise, you can risk losing your Dutch nationality.
Lost or stolen passport in the Netherlands
If you lose your passport in the Netherlands the action you should take depends on the nationality of your passport.
Lost Dutch passport in the Netherlands
- If your Dutch passport is lost or stolen then you must do a declaration (aangifte) with the Dutch police or gemeente, depending on the city or province.
- If you live in or around Amsterdam, or in the provinces of Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe or Limburg, then you must go to the police to declare your passport lost or stolen.
- If you live in other areas of the Netherlands then you can do a statement of loss (verklaring van vermissing) directly at your local gemeente.
Lost foreign passport in the Netherlands
If your non-Dutch passport is lost or stolen in the Netherlands then it is recommended to file a report with the Dutch police to avoid identity theft. You will need to contact the embassy or consulate of your home country in the Netherlands to arrange a new passport or replacement travel document.
How to apply for a Dutch passport from abroad
If you are a Dutch citizen living abroad and you want to apply for a Dutch passport then you can visit the Dutch consulate or embassy in your country of residence. You will need to make an appointment, fill in a passport application form (paspoortaanvraagformulier) and then bring the form and necessary documents to your appointment at the embassy or consulate.
The delivery time for a Dutch passport issued abroad is several weeks, as the documents must be produced and shipped from the Netherlands. If additional information is required then the process can be even longer. It is therefore wise to request a passport well in advance of the expiry date of any travel documents or of any travel plans.
It is also possible to apply for a new Dutch passport from abroad by post with certain Dutch municipalities, which offer slightly lower fees.
Can I have two passports?
Whether you can have one or more passports in addition to a Dutch passport depends on the conditions under which you gained Dutch citizenship. Some of the most common circumstances where two passports are possible are:
- If one of your parents is Dutch.
- If you are married to a Dutch citizen or you are registered partners.
- If you met one of the requirements for dual nationality when you applied for Dutch citizenship.
Benefits of having a Dutch passport
The Dutch passport is recognised as one of the world's most powerful passports as it grants access to 171 countries without needing to apply for a visa. With a Dutch passport, it is also possible to move and reside freely within other countries of the European Union. To find out about other benefits of a Dutch passport see our page on Dutch citizenship.
