Ceremony at naturalization
Have you successfully completed the process of naturalization? Then you will receive an invitation to the ceremony from the municipality.
Description
The naturalization ceremony is a special gathering for people who become Dutch citizens. At the ceremony, you will make a declaration of affiliation.
At the declaration of commitment, you promise:
- Respect the freedoms and rights that come with Dutch citizenship
- fulfilling the duties associated with Dutch citizenship
Then you will receive the decision of Dutch citizenship. This is the final step in the process of getting Dutch citizenship.
The decision of Dutch citizenship applies as soon as you receive the decision during the ceremony. If you do not attend the ceremony, you will not become a Dutch citizen. Attendance is mandatory for people 16 and older who want to become Dutch citizens.
Each municipality organizes a naturalization ceremony on National Naturalization Day (December 15). In addition, municipalities may organize additional ceremony days on other days throughout the year.
Municipality of Heerlen organizes several ceremony days during the year.
Requirements
You cannot receive an invitation to the ceremony until you have successfully completed the naturalization or option procedure.
The naturalization or option decision is issued by the municipality at the ceremony. Only then do the consequences of the decision take effect retroactively. From the date the decision is signed, you will become a Dutch citizen. If you do not appear at the ceremony, you will not become a Dutch citizen.
Term
Deadlines for awarding vary.
Have you followed the option procedure? Then you will receive a confirmation that you will be granted Dutch citizenship. The ceremony will take place within 9 weeks.
Have you followed the naturalization procedure? Then the king will sign the decree of your Dutch citizenship. Within 3 months the naturalization ceremony will take place. You will receive the invitation no later than 6 weeks before the ceremony.