Immigration Services

Netherlands – Proposed extension of naturalisation periods

What is the change?

The caretaker government plans to extend the minimum period of legal residence needed for obtaining Dutch citizenship through naturalisation from 5 to 10 years. Additionally, there are currently certain groups that can naturalize after 3 years. The caretaker government plans to abolish some of these exceptions and increase the naturalization term of the remainder to 5 years.

Proposed changes:

• The term for acquiring Dutch citizenship through naturalisation will be extended from five to 10 years.
• Spouses and partners of Dutch nationals will be eligible after 5 years of legal residence and cohabitation, instead of after 3 years.
• Spouses of Dutch nationals and former Dutch nationals can no longer acquire Dutch citizenship from abroad.
• The changes will not apply to applications already submitted before the law takes effect. 

The proposal comes from a caretaker government and it’s therefore uncertain whether this proposal will be implemented by the new government. If followed through, the legislative process is expected to take up to two years. 

Deloitte will monitor the developments closely and keep you informed of any relevant updates. Please reach out to your Deloitte immigration contact if you wish to discuss the potential impact for your employees or their family members.

Netherlands – Proposed extension of naturalisation periods

What is the change?

Effective 12 October 2025, the Netherlands has begun its phased implementation of the European Entry and Exit System (EES). The EES is an automated border technology system that replaces manual passport stamping. It is designed to register non-EU and non-EFTA nationals (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) who enter the Schengen Area for short stays (90 days within any 180-day period), regardless of whether they need a visa. It does not apply, among other exceptions, to holders of a long stay visa (MVV) or a residence permit.

The EES will register:

• • Personal data from the passport, such as name and date of birth.
• The date, time, and border crossing location.
• Biometric data such as fingerprints and facial image.

The EES will be fully implemented by 10 April 2026 across all external Schengen borders. An initial launch at Schiphol Airport is scheduled for November 3, with broader deployment expected from early December.  

Key Points:

• Expect longer waiting times in the initial phases of the roll-out. Eventually the system is expected to reduce waiting times at the border.
• Full implementation at all Dutch border posts is expected within six months. During the transition phase, passport stamping will continue.• Biometric passport holders will be able to enter more quickly using the self-service system (if available at that border crossing point).
• An online tool will be launched that enables travellers to check the remaining duration of their authorized stay in the Schengen Area.
• The EES enables authorities to more effectively monitor the movements of non EU/EFTA short term travellers, including detecting overstays and other non compliant behaviour.
• Once the EES is in place, ETIAS, a pre-travel screening system for citizens of visa-exempt countries, will be rolled out in late 2026.

If you would like assistance updating policies, carrying out a travel compliance health check or preparing traveler communications, contact your Deloitte immigration adviser for tailored support.