Assessment of consequences of loss of Dutch nationality
Former Dutch nationals who have lost Dutch citizenship and EU citizenship since 1993 may be able to regain it. An online tool helps this group of Dutch people to determine whether they have indeed lost their Dutch citizenship. In that case, they can request a so-called proportionality test.
Everyone who has Dutch nationality also has EU citizenship. EU citizenship allows you, among other things, to travel freely, live and work in the territory of the EU. If you lose your Dutch nationality, you may also lose your EU citizenship. The possibility of free travel, living and working within the EU will then lapse.
Council of State
On 12 February 2020 and 20 May 2020, the Council of State determined that the Dutch national government must investigate the concrete consequences if someone loses EU citizenship.
Proportionality test
If the national government judges that the consequences of the loss of EU citizenship are disproportionate, you will be a Dutch citizen again with retroactive effect. This investigation and judgment by the central government is referred to as the proportionality test.
More information
Also read it extensive news report on Rijksoverheid.nl. The information from this news item will remain available in the file Losing Dutch nationality. This file is also available on Rijksoverheid.nl.
Do you have any questions regarding this information? Then consult the questions and answers at Rijksoverheid.nl.
Unfortunately, the requirements are very strict, also because the assessment moment is the day that Dutch citizenship is lost. In many cases, this is ten years after someone (who must also have a second nationality!) has left the European Union. This is different for minor children: since they follow their parents in terms of nationality, they can lose their Dutch nationality earlier.
Since 2003, where someone was born no longer plays a role.
In my opinion, children will benefit the most from the new test.
In any case, prevention is better than cure.
Therefore, always make sure you have a valid Dutch passport and remember that the issue date is decisive, NOT the application date.
A good tip is also to register in the electoral register of The Hague for at least the election of the European Parliament: https://www.denhaag.nl/nl/bestuur-en-organisatie/verkiezingen/kiezers-buiten-nederland/permanente-registratie-voor-kiezers-buiten-nederland.htm I definitely recommend this to children who have now turned 18 but have lost their Dutch nationality together with a parent. In this way, you create a file before the moment it counts, because it is often too late to do anything by then.