The Netherlands

Abstract

The first Dutch Nationality Act of 1892 introduced the principle of nationality acquisition iure sanguini, thereby putting a stop to the possibility of acquiring Dutch nationality by mere birth on Dutch territory. As of 1 July 1893 1, Dutch nationality was acquired through birth from a Dutch father. This was not the only gender discriminatory provision in Dutch nationality law. It also provided for automatic acquisition of Dutch nationality for foreign women marrying Dutch men and for loss of Dutch nationality in case a Dutch woman would marry a foreigner. Both regulations were abolished in 1964. It was, however, not until 1985 that the Dutch nationality regulations provided for acquisition of Dutch nationality through Dutch mothers.