Dutch passport applications in New Zealand as from 1 October

Dutch passport applications in New Zealand as from 1 October 2015

Dutch citizens in New Zealand are kindly reminded that from 1 October 2015 it will only be possible to apply for a Dutch passport at the Embassy in Wellington. From that date on it will not be possible anymore in Auckland and Christchurch. In 2014 the Embassy already distributed information on this subject via meeting with the Dutch community, newsletters, letters to Dutch clubs and social media.

The new situation will have an impact for many Dutch people around New Zealand. However, a number of new developments can be helpful:

Validity period of passport:
Since March 2014 new passports, applied for by adults, will have a validity of 10 years, so that they don’t need to be renewed every 5 years. The validity of passports issued to persons younger than 18 will remain 5 years.

Apply in the Netherlands:
The number of municipalities in the Netherlands where you can apply for a new passport when living abroad has increased. So the advice is to use that opportunity if you need a new passport when visiting the Netherlands. There is even a passport desk at Schiphol, which can help you if you make an appointment in advance. Please be aware that in order to apply for a passport, even inside the Netherlands, you often need supporting documents. Please check this with the municipality in question.

Be quick:
For those Dutch citizens in New Zealand who live far from Wellington and whose passport expires in 2015 or beginning 2016, the advice is to apply for a new one before August 2015. Don’t wait too long. It is possible that you need supporting documentation which takes time to gather. For example a birth certificate, marriage certificate, documents from the Netherlands or another country where you or your family lived before. Moreover, the Embassy can only accept complete applications.

Dual nationality
If you have both Dutch and New Zealand citizenship (which is possible in a number of exceptions) or if you have more than two nationalities, it is very important to always renew your passport within 10 years. If you don’t do this, you risk losing your Dutch nationality. For that reason it is very important to be on time, at least 3 months before the end of that 10-year term.

Certificate of Dutch nationality:
In case you don’t need a Dutch passport for travelling because you also have an New Zealand passport, please consider the possibility to apply for a Certificate of Dutch nationality. This document can be applied for in writing at the Embassy. But, it cannot be used for identification or travelling.

Questions? Please contact wel-ca@minbuza.nl or visit our website www.netherlandsembassy.co.nz

ENDS

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