Yes, I became Dutch!
I officially became a Dutch citizen in 2023, after years of living, adapting, and growing here in the Netherlands. For more updated information, check the Dutch Government Website on how to become a Dutch citizen. This journey has shaped not just where I live, but also how I live, and it deeply connects to my passion for sustainability.
So, today I’m sharing a personal milestone, but also how this process mirrors the values I now try to carry in everything I do, care, patience, responsibility, and long-term thinking.
Becoming Dutch — step by step
There are several ways someone can become a Dutch citizen. In my case, I applied through naturalization — a process available to people who have lived legally in the Netherlands for at least five consecutive years (or three if you're married to a Dutch citizen).
Here’s what the process looked like for me:
I wasn’t born here. I had no Dutch parents or grandparents. But I had built my life here legally, working, studying, paying taxes, and contributing. That gave me the foundation to apply through naturalization.
2. Gathering the documents
Like any good Dutch process, it’s all about paperwork! I needed my birth certificate (translated and legalized), passport, proof of residence, language exam certificates, and more. Every detail had to be perfect.
3. Taking the integration exams
The NT2 exam tested my Dutch language skills. The KNM exam checked my knowledge of Dutch society. These exams are more than formalities — they push you to learn, reflect, and truly engage with the culture around you.
4. Applying through my gemeente
Once everything was ready, I submitted my application through the local municipality. It was then reviewed by the IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst). The waiting took almost a year, but patience paid off.
5. The naturalization ceremony
In 2023, I was invited to attend the naturalization ceremony — the final and most emotional step. It wasn’t just administrative. It was symbolic: I made a public commitment to this country, its values, and its future.
What this journey taught me
Becoming Dutch isn’t about giving up who I was; it’s about becoming more of who I am.
It required dedication, self-awareness, and long-term thinking, all qualities I now bring to my work in sustainability.
Much like citizenship, sustainability is a journey. It’s not just about changing your habits; it’s about changing your mindset, investing in systems that work for people and the planet, and staying committed, even when it takes time.
Today, as I deepen my knowledge in sustainability, ESG, and systemic impact, I carry with me the personal experience of integration, transformation, and belonging. That’s the foundation of the work I want to do: creating fair, regenerative systems where people thrive, not just survive.
This blog
This space is where I reflect on personal stories, learning experiences, and the broader sustainability topics I’m passionate about. Whether you’re navigating your international journey, exploring what sustainable living really means, or simply curious, welcome. I’m glad you’re here.
— Morena
Curious about how sustainability works in practice? Check out “Learning How ESG Works” to dive deeper into Environmental, Social, and Governance principles shaping the future of business.