Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

Extending the required residency period for Dutch citizenship from five years to ten years would create unnecessary barriers for well-integrated residents who are already contributing to society. Many immigrants actively work, pay taxes, and participate in their local communities, and a decade-long wait would delay their full inclusion in civic life. Citizenship is not only a legal status but also a commitment to a country’s values and future. By keeping the requirement at five years, the Netherlands demonstrates that it values integration and encourages newcomers to build long-term lives without facing excessive obstacles.

Furthermore, extending the waiting period could discourage highly skilled professionals and families from choosing the Netherlands as their home. In a globalized world, countries compete for talent, and an unnecessarily long path to citizenship risks making the Netherlands less attractive compared to its neighbors. Citizenship should be seen as a reward for integration and contribution, not as a privilege indefinitely withheld. Maintaining the current five-year requirement ensures fairness, supports integration, and strengthens the bond between new citizens and Dutch society.