Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

Members of the consultation committee,

I am a non-EU national who chose to come to the Netherlands over job offers from Germany and Belgium, mainly because of the clear and fair rule that after five years of legal residence I could apply for Dutch citizenship. That transparent path was a decisive factor in choosing to build my future here.

Since 2023, I have relocated my husband and my son, and we have been actively integrating: learning Dutch, engaging in local community life, and embracing Dutch culture and values. I work as a highly skilled migrant at one of the largest companies in the Netherlands and volunteer as a mentor for students from universities such as Delft and Groningen. I contribute economically, socially, and academically, and see the Netherlands as our permanent home.

It feels unfair to people like me, who made a conscious decision to commit to life here, bring their families, and invest in integration, to now face a possible doubling of the naturalisation period. The proposal sends the message that even if one follows all the rules, learns the language, and contributes to society, it still takes a decade to be trusted as part of it.

Extending the term to ten years would reduce the country’s attractiveness for international talent, as professionals may prefer nations with shorter and clearer paths to citizenship. Integration and belonging should be rewarded, not delayed. Families need stability to plan their future, and uncertainty discourages long-term commitment. Highly skilled migrants contribute innovation, research, and tax revenue; longer insecurity may undermine this engagement.

While I understand the goal of ensuring citizenship for those truly integrated, a uniform 10-year rule fails to distinguish between those who work, pay taxes, and participate, and those who do not. A fairer solution would be differentiated criteria such as higher Dutch language levels (B1–B2), proven community participation, or verified employment and education.

If the naturalisation period is extended to ten years, fairness requires that this change not apply retroactively. Those already living, working, and integrating here relied on the current five-year rule when planning their lives. The new law should apply only to newcomers registered after it takes effect.

Thank you for considering my perspective. The Netherlands is strongest when it honours its commitments and continues to welcome those who choose to make it their home.