Counting time abroad when naturalizing
Hoi!
I have a question regarding the time it takes to naturalize when making the request based on your marriage to a Dutch partner. Our situation is as follows:
- I (Dutch citizen) married my husband (Korean citizen) in July 2025 while living in the US and he moved in with me
- We moved to the Netherlands with him on a spousal visa this year in July 2026
- IND says the following on the page regarding Naturalization after 3 years in the Kingdom of the Netherlands: Did you live together outside the Kingdom before the application, married to or as registered partner with the same Dutch partner? You may also count that period.
Does this mean that our year in the US can be counted towards the 3 years that are usually required for naturalization and apply in 2028? If so, what proof would we need to provide? The US doesn't have a registry for people. We had a lease contract together for our apartment and a bank account and some bills in both our names.
Dankjewel!