Politics and Democracy in the Netherlands

Voting Rights (Kiesrecht)

Voting Rules

• Voting is NOT mandatory in the Netherlands (niet verplicht)
• Dutch citizens can vote from age 18
• Non-Dutch EU citizens can vote in municipal elections (gemeenteraadsverkiezingen)
• Non-EU citizens can vote in municipal elections after living in NL for 5 years

Government Structure

Het Parlement (The Parliament)

The parliament makes and approves new laws (nieuwe wetten aannemen):

• Tweede Kamer (150 members): Elected directly by the people, creates and debates laws
• Eerste Kamer (75 members): Elected indirectly, can only accept or reject laws

De Rechter (The Judge)

• Determines punishments for crimes (bepaalt de straf)
• Not the police or burgemeester (mayor)

De Koning (The King)

• Ceremonial role — King Willem-Alexander
• Makes official visits to other countries
• Does NOT make laws or organize elections

Minister-President

• Current: Dick Schoof
• Head of government

Fundamental Rights and EU Membership

Gelijkheid (Equality): Women may do the same work as men (vrouwen mogen hetzelfde werk doen als mannen). Same-sex marriage is legal (twee mannen/vrouwen mogen trouwen).

Freedom of religion: You may choose your own religion (je mag je eigen religie kiezen). There is no state religion.

The Netherlands is part of the EU. Dutch citizens can travel and work in other EU countries without a visa — for example, going to Belgium (België) for work requires no visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between actief kiesrecht and passief kiesrecht? +

Actief kiesrecht is the right to vote. Passief kiesrecht is the right to be elected. Dutch citizens have both rights from age 18.

Can I vote if I'm not a Dutch citizen? +

Non-Dutch EU citizens can vote in municipal elections (gemeenteraadsverkiezingen). Non-EU citizens can vote in municipal elections after living in the Netherlands for 5 years. Voting is not mandatory in the Netherlands.

What are the two chambers of parliament and what do they do? +

The Tweede Kamer has 150 members elected directly by the people and creates and debates laws. The Eerste Kamer has 75 members elected indirectly; it can only accept or reject the laws that the Tweede Kamer has already passed.

Who is the head of government? +

The Minister-President is the head of government. The King (currently King Willem-Alexander) has a ceremonial role and does not make laws or organise elections.

What freedoms are guaranteed in the Netherlands? +

Gelijkheid (equality) is guaranteed — women may do the same work as men, and same-sex marriage is legal. Freedom of religion is also guaranteed — you may choose your own religion and there is no state religion.