Netherlands: residency, citizenship and cost of living
Paths checked against sources: 2026-10
Path to citizenship
Calculated under the current law: 5 years. The government is preparing a bill for 10 years (the 2026 coalition agreement also mentions 6 years with language), but as of October 2026 it has not been passed. As a rule, previous citizenship must be renounced; a dual citizenship bill is due for a parliamentary debate in December 2026.
- • 5 years of legal residence, civic integration exam, renouncing previous citizenship
- • Spouse of a Dutch citizen after 3 years of marriage and living together; renunciation not required
Citizenship application processing, years: 0.75–1.25. Some points are not yet confirmed by sources — see the note above.
Check your own pathMonthly budget
Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026. Deposits, furniture and the move itself are not included.
| City | Single | Family 2+2 |
|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam | €2,430 | €5,120 |
| Rotterdam | €2,110 | €4,490 |
| The Hague | €2,110 | €4,490 |
| Utrecht | €2,100 | €4,480 |
| Eindhoven | €1,940 | €4,170 |
Country scores (out of 100)
- Safety82
- Earning potential95
- Healthcare91
- Path to citizenship68
- Schools and education78
- Environment86
- Warm, sunny climate41
Frequently asked questions
How do you get citizenship in Netherlands, and how long does it take?
5 years of legal residence, civic integration exam, renouncing previous citizenship; spouse of a Dutch citizen after 3 years of marriage and living together; renunciation not required. Processing takes 0.75–1.25 years. The questionnaire shows the timeline for your situation.
How do you get residency in Netherlands?
The main routes we cover: EU citizen residence; Temporary protection; Residence permit; Residence permit for study. The questionnaire shows which fit you and where they lead next.
Can I keep my citizenship in Netherlands?
There are exceptions — for example, for spouses of Dutch citizens.
How much does it cost to live in Netherlands per month?
Per month, one person / family of four: Amsterdam ≈ €2,430 / €5,120; Rotterdam ≈ €2,110 / €4,490; The Hague ≈ €2,110 / €4,490; Utrecht ≈ €2,100 / €4,480; Eindhoven ≈ €1,940 / €4,170. Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026.
How much is rent in Netherlands?
A home for one person, from modest to comfortable: Amsterdam €1,000–€1,570; Rotterdam €802–€1,260; The Hague €803–€1,260; Utrecht €800–€1,260; Eindhoven €686–€1,080.
How up to date is this data?
Paths to citizenship checked against sources: 10.2026; budget as of 10.2026. Sources are listed on this page; rules change, so check official sites before deciding.
Sources
This is not legal advice. Rules change — check official sources before deciding.