Dutch Inburgering Exam
Information about the Dutch social integration requirements (Inburgering) in the Netherlands for non-EU citizens applying for residency permanent residency. The requirement is satisfied with the passing of the ‘inburgeringsexamen’.
DUTCH CIVIC INTEGRATION ACT
The Dutch Civic Integration Act (Wet Inburgering) makes it compulsory for most non-EU nationals to pass one of the two citizenship exams: the Civic Integration Examination (‘inburgeringsexamen‘) or the Basic Civic Integration Examination Abroad (‘het basisexamen inburgering in het buitenland‘) if they wish to:
- Apply for permanent residency in the Netherlands
- Apply for Dutch citizenship
- Keep living in the Netherlands (for those who are already Dutch residents, the exam must be passed within three years of the date residency is granted).
Note: For non-EU citizens wishing to apply for permanent residency or citizenship but who do not wish to do the inburgering, the other option is to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Dutch language, usually by passing a language-only exam called the NT2 Staatsexamen. Unlike the Civic Integration Exam, NT2 does not test an applicant on civil knowledge and does not require the portfolio demonstrating an understanding of the Dutch job market. For some residents (especially those who are not planning to work in the Netherlands or who are self-employed) this may be a more convenient option. More information on this third option can be found on the Dutch Language Skill Levels page.
Learn more about the Dutch civic integration policy (including exemptions) on the Inburgering website
WHO MUST TAKE INBURGERING EXAM
Individuals who wish to live and work in the Netherlands are normally obliged to take one of the civic integration exams if they meet all of the following conditions:
- Are aged 18-65 years
- Are registered in the State Register
- Live in the Flemish region
- Have a residence permit of more than three months for the first time
- Hold a non-European Union passport
The obligation does not apply in Brussels. Citizens of EU/EEA and Switzerland are only obliged to take the exam if they are family members of Belgians or to a person who recently took up residence in Flanders and hold a Belgian nationality.
DUTCH CIVIC INTEGRATION COURSES
Special courses (in Dutch) are available to help candidates prepare for the exam. These courses focus on developing basic Dutch language skills as well as learning about Dutch culture and society.
The level of skills and knowledge required to pass the exam is set in law by the Civic Integration Act (Wet Inburgering). Changes to the act in 2021 included raising the minimum required Dutch language skill level from A2 (on the CEFR scale) to B1 as of 01 January 2022. However due to delays with the implementation of the changes, the A2 level will continue at least until 01 January 2024.
The cost of an inburgering course is borne by the individual seeking permanent residency. If he or she is unable to pay for it outright, they can apply to the government agency DUO for a loan. To qualify for the loan, the course must be taken at an approved school.
INBURGERING EXAM
Upon first registration with the local gemeente, non-EU residents will receive a letter if they are obliged to sit the Civic Integration Exam. This letter will give the deadline for passing the exam. Failure to successfully pass an integration test by this date may result in fines and/or cancellation of the residency permit. Exceptions can be made in the case of extended illness, pregnancy, or difficult personal circumstances as long as the applicant communicates clearly and early with the local authorities.
Each gemeente has a relationship with a privately-owned but government-funded language school in the area. An appointment will automatically be made for new residents to attend an intake appointment with this school, however it is not compulsory to study with the nominated school. An individual is free to choose their own school or even not attend classes at all if they are comfortable studying alone. In this case it is then the individual’s responsibility to ensure that they apply to take the exam and pass it within the allotted time.
Information about registering for the Inburgering exam.
Find a local examination centre on the Inburgering website
SECTIONS OF INBURGERING EXAM
There are six parts to the inburgering exam. Most of these components are completed on a computer at an exam centre. The portfolio component (reintroduced in January 2015) is handled separately (see below for further explanation).
Part I. Knowledge of Dutch Society
Example topics may include:
- How the Dutch government works
- Understanding of the regions & municipalities within the Netherlands
- How people generally interact with each other in the Netherlands
Part II. Speaking
An applicant will hear snippets of conversation via their headphones and be given a certain amount of time to speak into their microphone in reply. Answers are later listened to, and graded, by an examiner.
Part III. Listening comprehension
An applicant will hear snippets of conversation or a short lecture on a topic via their headphones. They will then be asked a question and are required to choose the correct answer from a set of multi-choice options.
Part IV. Reading comprehension
An applicant will be given a paragraph or page to read. They will then required to choose the correct answer from a set of multi-choice options.
Part V. Writing
An applicant will be given a series of writing exercises. They will then be required to demonstrate their understanding of written Dutch. This may be done on paper, on a computer, or on a combination of the two.
Example topics may include:
- Writing an email to a work colleague inviting them to a company social function
- Looking at a series of pictures and explaining what is happening in each
- Writing a congratulatory card to be given to a neighbour who has just had a baby
Part VI. Understanding the Dutch job market
An applicant will need to gather written evidence that they have interacted (in Dutch) with recruiters and/or potential employers. This is achieved through eight separate exercises, each of which is documented in their own way. Upon presentation of this portfolio to the examiners, an applicant may then qualify for the second stage of this component: an interview with an examiner who reviews the portfolio and asks the applicant a series of questions (all in Dutch).
Detailed information about the exam format (including samples) is available on the Inburgering website.
DUTCH CIVIC INTEGRATION EXAM ABROAD
Certain non-EU foreign nationals, aged 18-65, intending to move to the Netherlands, must take the Basic Civic Integration Exam before arriving in the country. The exam is administered at a Dutch Embassy or Consulate General in the person’s country of residence. This initial examination is a test of basic knowledge of Dutch and Dutch society.
The exam is made up of 3 separate tests which can be taken together or separately. Each earns a certificate when passed and 3 certificates are needed to pass the exam as a whole. The focus and cost of each test are as follows…
- Knowledge of Dutch society (€40)
- Dutch language ability (€60)
- Reading and comprehension skills (€50)
The tests are completely administered by computer. The results of the exam are valid for one year. A temporary residence permit or authorisation for temporary stay (MVV) may be refused as a result of failing the exam.
Download a leaflet about the Basic Civic Integration Examination Abroad.
Self-study packages are recommended as a form of exam preparation, and are available from Dutch bookshops. Order a self-study pack for the Basic Civic Integration Examination Abroad (site recommended by the Dutch government). Practice examples are available on the Inburgering website.
Register for one or more components of the exam via the Dutch government Inburgering website
Related information…