During an official meeting at the municipality hall, you become a Dutch citizen
If the IND decides positively, you will receive an invitation from the municipality for an official meeting to become a Dutch citizen. During this meeting, you will make a 'verklaring van verbondenheid' (declaration of commitment). This is the final step to becoming a Dutch citizen.
The mayor invites you to the meeting by letter
The mayor of the municipality where you live invites you to an official meeting where you become a Dutch citizen. This meeting is called the 'naturalisatieceremonie' (naturalisation ceremony). This meeting usually takes place at the municipality hall. It is a festive gathering. There are probably more people who will become Dutch citizens like you.
You are required to come to the naturalisation ceremony
You do not become a Dutch citizen until you go to the 'naturalisatieceremonie' (naturalisation ceremony). So you must always go to the naturalisation ceremony if the municipality invites you. Municipalities organise these official festive gatherings. The municipality celebrates with you that you become a Dutch citizen.
Was your child 16 years of age or older when the application for naturalisation was submitted? Then your child is also required to attend this meeting. Is your child under the age of 16? Then your child does not have to attend the ceremony, but they may.
You make an official statement
At the meeting, you must read a 'verklaring van verbondenheid' (declaration of commitment). By doing so, you promise to respect the freedoms and rights that come with being an official Dutch citizen. And you promise that you will also abide by the duties that come with that. By doing so, you are basically saying that you know that Dutch laws now apply to you as well. That does not mean you have to know all the laws. But it does mean that you accept and respect them. Children who are 16 years and older who are naturalising with you must also make this statement. After you have pronounced the declaration, you will receive the 'Naturalisatiebesluit' (naturalisation decree) from the mayor: This is proof that you are a Dutch citizen. Only when the mayor gives you this 'Naturalisatiebesluit' do you become a Dutch citizen. You are a Dutch citizen from the day your application to become a Dutch citizen is decided. Therefore, Dutch citizenship takes effect from the date stated on the naturalisation decree. Besides the official part, the naturalisation ceremony is a cheerful and festive gathering.
You are now officially a Dutch citizen and can apply for a passport
The naturalisation certificate you received at the celebration is the official proof that you are a Dutch citizen. With this you can apply for a Dutch passport or identity card at the municipality.