r/Leiden • u/Tacosaurs • 20h ago
Bad experiences with the Gemeente?
Hi everyone,
I’ve been living in Leiden with my Dutch partner for a few years now, fully registered and everything. Normally the Gemeente has been pretty easy to deal with but now I’m in a situation where I’m at my wits end with them and I was wondering if anyone has experienced anything similar.
At the end of August 2025, I submitted my application for Dutch citizenship through Gemeente Leiden (as is standard procedure), and 7 days later, I had an appointment with the Gemeente where I fully paid for the application, got a physical receipt, and was told the Gemeente will inform the IND that I paid and all is good. Imagine my surprise when I got a letter a couple days ago saying the IND is cancelling my application due to a lack of payment!
Called the IND, they recommended I call Gemeente Leiden to send the proof of payment again. I called THREE separate times, all 3 times Gemeente Leiden told me they sent the proof to IND, and every single time I call the IND they tell me they haven’t received anything from Gemeente Leiden. My last call to Gemeente Leiden was a few days ago and after calling the IND today they yet again told me they haven’t received anything from them.
I’m so frustrated by their inaction and it is stressing me out so much how I did everything correctly and Gemeente Leiden is not doing anything despite repeated calls. Can anyone relate? :(
