Option scheme for Dutch nationality
A while ago this photo was on the Facebook page of the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok with the following text (translated):
“Our temporary chargé d'affaires, Paul Menkveld, was pleased to present Pannada Crins with the final confirmation of her Dutch citizenship. The naturalization ceremony took place after the option scheme procedure had been successfully completed. Congratulations Pannada!”
In a response, someone asked: “What is that, an option scheme?” I wouldn't have been able to answer that immediately, but I was also curious. I quickly found all the information on this website: ind.nl/Nederlanderschap/Paginas/Optie.aspx
In the case of Pannada, I think that two passages from that scheme formed the basis for her to apply for Dutch citizenship via the option scheme, namely:
You are underage. Pursuant to a court decision or from your birth, you are under the joint custody of a non-Dutch father or mother and a Dutch national. You have been cared for and raised by this Dutch person for at least 3 years since the establishment of that authority.
Children who were legitimized, recognized or adopted in the past by a Dutch national or a person who could have become a Dutch national through an option, can also acquire Dutch nationality through an option in special cases.
I am not entirely sure, however, as I am not acquainted with Pannada Crins' personal circumstances.
However, this option scheme could also be of interest to other Dutch citizens who still want to have their minor child naturalized as a Dutch citizen.
The question is, therefore, whether there are any blog readers who also have experience with this option scheme and who can give some more details about the procedure to be followed?
Source: Facebook page of the Dutch embassy in Bangkok – Photo: idem.
Know the recognition through the court in Thailand of a child, father is Dutch and mother Thai, not married. Father requests recognition of his child (because he is not married after all). Then go to the embassy with documents stating that you are unmarried and some more, and you will then receive Dutch nationality and a passport. So no option scheme necessary.
https://ind.nl/Nederlanderschap/Paginas/Nederlander-door-geboorte-of-erkenning.aspx
The option scheme is also explained here
Sorry, Keith. On that website (of the IND) it is NOT about the option scheme, but about Dutch citizenship 'by law' by birth or recognition. 'By operation of law' means that the person AUTOMATICALLY acquires Dutch nationality.
If you read carefully, you will see that for “certain cases” there is a reference to the option scheme, which is then neatly explained. Instead of thick letters better buy reading glasses.
Dear Kees,
You can blow high from the tower, but you better go to Specsavers first.
You wrote, I quote: "The option scheme is also explained here." with a link to the page on the explanation of Dutch citizenship by birth or recognition. However, the story is not about acquiring Dutch citizenship by birth or acknowledgment, but about the option scheme. That's NOT what the link points to. The fact that a link has been placed in that explanation to the page in which the option scheme is explained does not change this. Moreover, that link leads to the same page as the link Gringo has in his story. So there is NO other page you mentioned that gives the same explanation. Your statement therefore falls under fake news.
I'm glad it's clear to you now
If I read everything like this, I think that she falls under a scheme where no DNA has been donated and she is older than 7. Then she falls under the option scheme.
Why is there a ceremony anyway? When I applied for my daughter, now 3 years old, all I got was a passport at the counter. And the passport states that she has Dutch nationality. Furthermore, no document or evidence that she had become a Dutch citizen.
That's right Ger, your daughter has acquired Dutch citizenship by birth or recognition by operation of law, just like our daughter. In the story, Pannada Crins did not acquire Dutch citizenship by operation of law through birth or acknowledgment, but through the option scheme for naturalization.
The option scheme is a simple procedure for a number of people who must meet one of the conditions. The application must be made in the municipality in which the person lives. Pannada received her Dutch citizenship at the Dutch embassy in Bangkok. It follows that she did not live in the Netherlands but somewhere in Thailand. So that condition is dropped. She was apparently able to meet one of the other conditions and was therefore able to acquire Dutch citizenship by means of the option scheme.
It remains strange, of course, that a ceremony is associated with acquiring Dutch citizenship by means of the option scheme.
The condition of the option arrangement is the statement of commitment that you must make, hence the ceremony.
You will only become a Dutch national if you attend the ceremony and have made the Declaration of Solidarity. Then you declare that the laws of the Kingdom of the Netherlands also apply to you. You make the declaration of solidarity in person. If you do not make the Declaration of Solidarity, you cannot become a Dutch national.