Although, in principle, states decide completely autonomously which persons are given their nationality, they can limit their autonomy by concluding treaties with each other. Thereby they accept certain international obligations. This article contains critical reflections on the nationality law of the Netherlands in international perspective. The authors provide an overview of the treaties that are relevant in the field of nationality law and that have been ratified by the Netherlands. They proceed by describing the nationality law of the Netherlands. The various grounds for the acquisition – ex lege, by declaration of option and by naturalisation – and loss of Netherlands nationality are discussed. Special attention is paid to the relation of the new provisions of the Nationality Act with the international obligations deriving from the treaties that have been ratified by the Netherlands. The authors conclude that, although some modifications to the Nationality Act that were realised in 2003 were aimed specifically at bringing Netherlands nationality law better in compliance with international obligations, there are still several points which are problematic in perspective of international law.

Loss of Nationality — Person of Double Nationality — Loss of Nationality as the Result of Prolonged Residence in Country of Origin.

Loss of Nationality — Denaturalization of Naturalized Citizens — Conviction for Espionage — Conviction prior to Denaturalization — Liability to Deportation — The Law of the United States of America.

Loss of Nationality — Dual Nationality — Voting in Political Elections in a Country of the Other Nationality.

Dual Nationality — Voting in Political Election by Person under Age of 21 — Voluntary Expatriation — Whether Voting in Election Held in Country of One Nationality Entails Loss of Nationality in the Other — The Law of the United States of America.

Loss of Nationality — Foreign Military or Civil State Service — Minors.

Loss of Nationality — Enlisting in Foreign Military Service — Distinction between Military or Police Service — Effect on Wife.

Acquisition of Nationality — Resumption of Nationality of Origin — The Law of the United States.

Naturalization — Of Parents — The Children’s Right of Election — The Law of the United States.

Loss of Nationality — Effect upon Children — The Law of the United States.

Dual Nationality — Loss of Nationality — Effect upon Children — Resumption of Nationality of Origin — Effect upon Nationality of Children — Naturalization of Parents and the Children’s Right of Election — The Law of the United States.

Loss of Nationality — Denationalisation — Effect in Foreign States — Status of Russian Émigrés Denationalised by Soviet Government.

Stateless Persons — Burden of Proof — Certificate of State of Origin.

Loss of Nationality — Alleged Statelessness — Burden of Proof — Certificate of the State of Origin.