Integration

What is it?

When you come to live in the Netherlands, 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 integration. Once you have passed the civic integration exam, you are integrated.

Integration from Jan. 1, 2022

On January 1, 2022, the new Integration Act came into effect. From then on, it is the municipality's job to get you integrated as soon as possible. You take language lessons, get a job or take a course. With this new law, newcomers quickly participate in the Netherlands. You can read more about these rules at www.inburgeren.nl. 

Note: The new system applies to persons who are obliged to integrate after January 1, 2022. The letter from DUO states the date from which you are required to integrate. This date determines which system you fall under. Do you no longer have the letter? In Mijn Inburgering on www.inburgeren.nl you can see from when you have to integrate.

How does it work?

You are required to citizenship if you:

  • have a residence permit
  • Have a religious profession (e.g., minister, pastor, imam or rabbi)
  • teaches religion or philosophy of life

Voluntary citizenship is also possible. That means you want it yourself, but it is not mandatory.

Check the IND website to see in which cases you do not have to take an integration exam.

What to do.

  • You will receive a letter from Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO). The letter states the date from which you must integrate. Do you no longer have the letter? In Mijn Inburgering you can see from when you have to integrate.
  • You can learn for the exam on your own, but most people do a course at a school. You can find a list of schools where you can do this on the website www.zoekinburgerschool.nl.
  • 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 get help from the municipality. You will be notified about this by the municipality.

Participation Statement

If you started civic integration on or after October 1, 2017 and are registered with the municipality, you will sign a participation statement within 1 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 statement is different from the exam at DUO. The municipality will send you a letter explaining how the declaration of participation works.

I live abroad

If you still live abroad and have applied for a residence permit, you will take the basic integration exam in the country where you live. If you pass this exam, you can come to the Netherlands. Contact the Dutch embassy about this.

I don't want to take an exam

Citizenship allows you to participate in Dutch society. For example, you can then get an education and you have a better chance of finding work. That is why it is so important that you do this. Moreover, if you do not cooperate, you may be fined. It may even affect your residence permit.

How long does it take?

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

Successful

Have you passed the integration exam? 

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

Failed

If you did not pass, you can take the exam again. You will then also pay one more time.