Civic integration

When you come to live in NL, it is important that you learn the Dutch language. It is also important that you learn how Dutch people live and work. We call this civic integration. Once you have passed the civic integration exam, you have integrated.

Civic integration from 1 January 2022

On 1 January 2022, the new Civic Integration Act entered into force. From then on, it is the municipality's task to have you integrate as quickly as possible. You take language lessons, go to work, or follow a training programme. With this new law, newcomers quickly participate in NL. More information about these rules can be found on www.inburgeren.nl.

Please note: The new system applies to civic integration candidates who are obliged to integrate after 1 January 2022. The letter from DUO states from which date you must integrate. This date determines which system applies to you. Do you no longer have the letter? In Mijn Inburgering on www.inburgeren.nl you can see from when you must integrate.

How does it work?

You are required to integrate if you:

have a residence licence
have a religious profession (for example, minister, pastor, imam, or rabbi)
teach religion or worldview

Voluntary civic integration is also possible. This means that you really want it yourself, but it is not mandatory.

Check on the website of the IND in which cases you do not have to take a civic integration exam.

What to do?

You will receive a letter from DUO (Education Executive Agency). The letter states from which date you must integrate. Do you no longer have the letter? In Mijn Inburgering you can see from when you must integrate.
You can study for the exam yourself, but most people take a course at a school. On the website www.zoekinburgerschool.nl you will find a list of schools where this is possible.
You have 3 years to integrate. This is the integration period.
If you are a refugee or your partner, parent, or child is a refugee, you will receive help from the municipality. You will receive notification about this from the municipality.

Participation declaration

If you began your integration program on or after October 1, 2017, and you are registered as a “ enrolled ” (person with a residence permit) with the municipality, you must sign a participation declaration within one year. By doing so, you declare that you want to actively participate in Dutch society and that you respect what is important in the Netherlands. The participation declaration is different from the exam administered by DUO. The municipality will send you a letter explaining how the participation declaration process works.

I live abroad

If you still live abroad and have applied for a residence licence, you take the basic civic integration exam in the country where you live. If you pass this exam, you can come to NL. Please contact the Dutch embassy about this.

I do not want to take an exam

By integrating, you can participate in Dutch society. For example, you can then follow a training programme and you have a better chance of finding a job. That is why it is so important that you do this. Moreover, if you do not cooperate, you can receive a fine. It can even have consequences for your residence licence.

What do I need?

your identity document and that of any partner
proof of your residency status
proof of your citizen service number and that of any partner
proof of your education and employment history

How long does it take?

You will receive the result of your exam within 8 weeks.

Passed

Have you passed the civic integration exam?

DUO will then send your diploma to you by registered mail.

Failed

If you have not passed, you can take the exam again. You will also have to pay again.