Would you like to become a Dutch citizen? If so, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient knowledge of the language, living and working on Bonaire, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. You do this by taking the naturalization test.
First, contact the IND Caribbean Netherlands to determine whether you are eligible for Dutch citizenship.
What does this product or service mean?
To become a Dutch citizen through naturalization, you must complete several steps. The naturalization test is one of these steps. You can find all the information in the brochure “How to Become a Dutch Citizen.”
Naturalization means that you will acquire Dutch nationality.
You will then officially become a Dutch citizen.
To demonstrate that you:
- have sufficient proficiency in Papiamentu and Dutch;
- have sufficient knowledge of living and working on Bonaire;
- have sufficient knowledge of the political structure of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
you must take the naturalization test. This test is mandatory for naturalization as a Dutch citizen, unless you are exempt.
The naturalization test is an exam and consists of three parts:
- Part 1: knowledge of society and the political system;
- Part 2: Papiamentu (reading, writing, listening, and speaking);
- Part 3: Dutch (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
You must pass all sections to receive the Naturalization Test Certificate.
Please read the “Naturalization Test” brochure for detailed information about the exam sections.
Naturalization Ceremony
Becoming a Dutch citizen is a special occasion. That is why the Governor’s Office organizes special gatherings that highlight the significance of Dutch citizenship and your connection to Dutch society. This naturalization ceremony is intended for anyone who becomes a Dutch citizen through option or naturalization. You are required to attend the ceremony.
You will not become a Dutch citizen until you attend the naturalization ceremony and take the declaration of commitment there. If you do not appear at the naturalization ceremony, you will receive a new invitation to the next naturalization ceremony. You must attend the naturalization ceremony within 1 year of the decision and, after taking the declaration of allegiance, receive the official notification or confirmation of your option; otherwise, you will not obtain Dutch citizenship. After 1 year, you will have to start a new naturalization or option procedure in order to become a Dutch citizen. You are only exempt from attending in very exceptional cases. If you believe you are in such an exceptional situation, you may contact the Governor’s Office.
How do you apply for this?
Naturalization Test
The Governor is responsible for administering the naturalization test. The Governor’s Office provides support in this regard.
The naturalization test is held twice a year. The test dates are announced in the newspaper and on the radio.
To participate, please register with the Governor’s Office. You may register for the entire naturalization test or for one or more sections of the test:
- Download the form
- Email the fully completed form to: naturalisatie@bonairegov.com
You can also pick up the form at the Administrative Office.
Fees
Before submitting the form, you must have paid the exam fee:
Part 1: Knowledge of the political system and society $154
Retake of Part 1 $78
Part 2: Papiamento exam (all four language skills) $126
Retake for Part 2, per component $42,-
for more than three components $125,-
Part 3: Dutch exam (all four language skills) $62,-
Retake for Part 3, per component $21,-
for more than three components $62,-
You must pay the exam fee to account number: 11711808 (MCB Bank Bonaire), specifying: “Naturalization Test Exam Fees.”
Please read the “Naturalization Test”brochure for practical information regarding the exam.
Naturalization Ceremony
The Governor’s Office organizes the ceremony. You will be invited to a naturalization ceremony, where you will take the oath of allegiance and receive your certificate of naturalization or confirmation of citizenship.
The naturalization ceremony takes place three times a year. You will be notified when the time comes.
Who can you contact?
For registration, questions, or forms, please contact:
Office of the Governor
Adress:Kaya Grandi 30
Phone: (+599) 715 5330
Email: info@bonairegov.com
