Tips for renewing your passport

Tip:

Once you live abroad, a new passport costs about twice as much as when you were still living in the Netherlands. On top of that, there are the costs of various documents, passport photos, and travel expenses. It might be wise to apply for a new Dutch passport before you deregister in the Netherlands, even if it hasn't expired yet (or even remotely). That way, you'll at least be covered for the next ten (or five for minors).

Tip:

Be aware that it can take a considerable amount of time to get an appointment to renew your passport from abroad. Obtaining documents from abroad can also take a long time. Begin the renewal process no later than six months before your Dutch passport expires.

Tip:

If you live far from a Dutch embassy or consulate, combine a visit to the Netherlands with applying for your new Dutch passport. This way, you don't have to travel specifically for your passport; obtaining a passport in the Netherlands is also a few tens of euros cheaper than at an embassy or consulate. Plan this well in advance, as it usually takes several weeks or months before you can get an appointment.

Tip:

Try to align the validity of passports within a family as much as possible. This way, you only need to renew all family members' passports once.