Inburgering exam and integration requirements 2026: Complete guide for expats
Pass the Dutch integration exam, understand A2 vs B1 levels, master civil knowledge requirements, and navigate the path to permanent residency or citizenship
Critical 2025 updates
- KNM exam changed July 1, 2025: New format focusing on factual knowledge (how Dutch society works) vs behavioral expectations (what you should do)
- A2 vs B1 level: Depends on your permit date. Before Jan 1, 2022 = A2. After Jan 1, 2022 = B1
- 3-year deadline: Complete integration within 3 years from residence permit date (strict enforcement)
Understanding the Netherlands inburgering (civic integration) process is crucial for many expats. This comprehensive guide covers who must integrate, permanent residency requirements, A2 vs B1 language levels, the 2025 KNM exam changes, costs, timeline, and study strategies to help you successfully complete integration.
What is inburgering? Your complete integration journey
Inburgering (integration) is the Dutch government's formal civic integration process. It's not optional for many expats (it's a legal requirement) that leads to your official inburgeringsdiploma (integration certificate), which is essential for:
- Applying for permanent residency (verblijfsvergunning voor onbepaalde tijd)
- Applying for Dutch citizenship/naturalisation
- Demonstrating successful integration to government
Understanding this process immediately upon arrival can save you months and thousands of euros.
Who must integrate? (Your legal situation)
Legally compulsory (must integrate)
These groups MUST integrate:
- •Refugee status holders
- •Family reunification visa holders (spouses, partners)
- •Residence permit holders on family/relationship grounds
- •Residence permit obtained after January 1, 2021
Deadline: You typically have 3 years from the date of your residence permit letter to complete integration.
Consequence of not integrating: Your residence permit can be refused renewal; you cannot apply for permanent residency without proof of integration.
Voluntary integration (optional but highly recommended)
These groups CAN integrate voluntarily:
- Highly skilled migrant visa holders (30% ruling eligible)
- Work permit holders (TWV)
- Students with study permits
- Digital nomad visa holders
- EU citizens (technically optional, but EU citizens planning to stay 5+ years should integrate)
Why integrate voluntarily?
- Mandatory for permanent residency/citizenship: Even if it's optional now, you'll need it eventually if you want PR or Dutch citizenship
- Job opportunities: Some employers prefer integration diploma proof
- Social integration: Courses help you understand Dutch culture and meet other people
- Residency security: Shows government commitment to staying long-term
If you're planning to stay longer than 3 years, integrate. The process costs €250-500 and takes 6-12 months. Delays only make it harder later.
Timeline: When do you have to integrate?
If you received your permit BEFORE January 1, 2022
What law applies: Old civic integration law (Wet inburgering 2013)
Language level required: A2 (basic Dutch)
Exam structure: Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking, Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM), Orientation on Dutch Labour Market (ONA)
Cost: €250-350 for exams
Timeline: You still have time to complete under old rules, but should act urgently
Deadline: Apply and start process before your 3-year window closes
If you received your permit AFTER January 1, 2022
What law applies: New civic integration law (Wet inburgering 2021)
Language level required: B1 (intermediate Dutch) (SIGNIFICANTLY higher than A2)
Exam structure: Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking, Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM), Participation Statement (free)
Cost: €250 for exams + course costs (often €1,000-3,000 for approved school)
Timeline: You have 3 years from your permit date
Major difference: B1 is substantially harder than A2. Plan for 6-12 months of dedicated study.
A2 vs B1: What's the difference?
This is crucial to understand because it affects your study timeline and difficulty level:
| Aspect | A2 Level (Basic Dutch) | B1 Level (Intermediate Dutch) |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | 1,000-1,500 basic words | 1,500-2,500 words |
| Grammar | Present tense, simple past, basic sentence structures | Conditional tense, subordinate clauses, subjunctive mood, complex sentence structures |
| Conversations you can handle | Ordering food at a restaurant, asking for directions, simple doctor's appointment, basic work conversations | Detailed workplace discussions, explaining a problem to a government official, discussing opinions and feelings, handling unexpected situations |
| Reading/Writing | Simple emails, short forms, basic text understanding | Complex emails, government documents, detailed forms, longer texts |
| Listening | Understand simple, clearly spoken Dutch | Understand Dutch with some background noise, accents, faster speech |
| Study time required | 150-200 hours (4-6 months with 1-2 hours daily study) | 300-400 hours (8-12 months with 1-2 hours daily study; many take 12-18 months) |
| Exam difficulty | Moderate; many non-native speakers pass on first attempt | Significantly harder; many test-takers need 2-3 attempts |
Example A2 questions:
- •"Wat eet je graag?" (What do you like to eat?)
- •Writing a simple note to your neighbor
- •Understanding a basic announcement
Example B1 questions:
- •Discussing your opinion on a Dutch social issue
- •Writing an email resolving a complaint
- •Understanding a documentary about Dutch society
The 2025 KNM exam changes (critical!)
The Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM) exam underwent major changes effective July 1, 2025. This affects anyone taking the exam after this date:
Old KNM exam (before July 1, 2025):
- •Focused on "how should you behave" in Dutch situations
- •Example: "What should you do to congratulate someone on their birthday?"
- •Behavioral expectations
New KNM exam (July 1, 2025 onwards):
- Focuses on "how does Dutch society actually work"
- Example: "Is congratulating people on birthdays a custom in the Netherlands?"
- Factual knowledge about how Dutch society functions
The new exam requires deeper understanding of Dutch society, not just behavioral compliance. It's less "prescriptive" and more "descriptive."
New KNM exam topics (2026):
The new exam covers four practical life areas with eight themes:
1. WORK (Werk)
- •Employment rights and workplace behavior
- •Contracts and negotiations
- •Workplace communication and hierarchy
2. LIVING (Wonen)
- •Housing system and tenant rights
- •Neighborhood relationships
- •Recycling and environmental practices
- •Local governance
3. CONTACT WITH AUTHORITIES (Contact met autoriteiten)
- •Digital government systems (DigiD - critical new addition)
- •Healthcare system and GP referrals (including POH - practice support worker)
- •Social services and benefits
- •Legal procedures
4. CITIZENSHIP (Burgerschap)
- •Dutch history and cultural values
- •Government structure and democratic system
- •Holocaust and anti-Semitism (newly added, mandatory)
- •Women's rights and self-determination (newly added, mandatory)
- •Rule of law (law supersedes religious/cultural rules)
- •Equal rights
These topics indicate the exam is testing your understanding of modern Dutch civic participation, not just cultural customs.
Exam costs breakdown (2026)
| Exam | Cost 2026 |
|---|---|
| Reading | €50 |
| Writing | €50 |
| Listening | €50 |
| Speaking | €50 |
| KNM (Knowledge of Dutch Society) | €50 |
| **Subtotal Exams** | **€250** |
| ONA (Labour Market orientation) | €40 (if required) |
| Participation Statement Workshop | €0-€150 (depends on your situation) |
| **Total Exam Costs** | **€250-€490** |
Option 1: Self-study with online resources
Cost: €0-200
Materials: Materials: InburgeringOnline (€9/month), YouTube, library books
Time commitment: 200-500 hours
Success rate: 40-60%
Option 2: Approved integration school
Cost: €1,000-3,000
Materials: Materials: Provided by school
Time commitment: 150-200 classroom hours + homework
Success rate: 75-85%
Potential government subsidy: €500-1,500 (if eligible, 21-65 years old)
Option 3: Private tutoring
Cost: €400-1,500
Materials: €20-50/hour (typically 20-30 hours needed). Materials: Self-provided
Time commitment: 20-30 hours
Success rate: 70-80%
Total realistic cost: €1,000-4,000 (including exams + course)
Preparation strategy: From current level to exam-ready
Self-assessment: Where are you now?
- Level 0 (No Dutch): Can't understand anything
- Level A1 (Beginner): Can say hello, order food, introduce yourself
- Level A2 (Basic): Can handle basic conversations, read simple texts
- Level B1 (Intermediate): Can discuss opinions, handle complex situations, understand news
Study timeline estimates:
- • If you're Level A1 or below → A2 exam: 6-9 months study needed
- • If you're Level A2 → B1 exam: 8-12 months study needed
- • If you're Level B1 → B1 exam: 2-3 months review needed
Self-study path (budget option)
Resources:
- InburgeringOnline.nl (€9/month) - Highly recommended for both language + KNM prep (Interactive lessons A2-B1, KNM preparation included, Practice exams, Mobile app available)
- Duolingo (Free or premium €10/month) - Good for vocabulary building (NOT sufficient alone for integration level, Helpful supplement)
- YouTube Channels: Easy Dutch (free, practical conversations), Dutch lessons dedicated channels, Search "inburgering exam practice"
- Library Resources: Free books on Dutch grammar, culture (Some libraries have integrated exam practice materials)
- Meet-ups & Language Partners: Tandem app (find language exchange partners), Local language exchange events, Utrecht, Amsterdam, Rotterdam have active communities
Study schedule: 1-2 hours daily, 6 days/week for 8-12 months
Realistic success rate: 50-65% pass on first attempt (requires discipline)
Approved school path (structured option, recommended)
How to find schools:
- Visit zoekinburgerschool.nl
- Search by city/region
- Filter by level (A2 or B1)
- Check reviews and student testimonials
Major school providers:
- • Talencentrum (multiple cities)
- • Humanitas (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht)
- • AFL/AVO (various locations)
- • ROC institutions (vocational schools with integration programs)
Typical school course:
- • Duration: 3-6 months (intensive) or 8-12 months (part-time)
- • Hours: 100-200 classroom hours
- • Cost: €1,000-2,500
- • Potential subsidy: Up to €1,500 (if eligible)
- • Higher success rates (75-85%)
How to register: Step-by-step process
For compulsory integrators (refugee or family visa)
- Receive Official Letter (Automatic)
Your municipality sends a formal letter (inburgeringsbeschikking). Letter specifies: deadline (usually 3 years from permit date), required level (A2 or B1), your obligations. Keep this letter - you'll need it.
- Register at Your Municipality (Within 1 Month)
Contact your local gemeente (municipality office). Bring: Letter, residence permit, ID, proof of residency. They create your integration plan (integratieplan). Plan specifies: language level, courses you'll take, timeline. You sign the plan.
- Enroll in Approved Course (Within 3 Months)
Municipality provides list of approved schools. You choose a school. Enroll and begin attending classes. Alternatively: Self-study (allowed but not encouraged).
- Prepare for Exams (6-12 Months)
Attend courses or self-study. Use practice tests (inburgeren.nl, InburgeringOnline). Book exam dates on inburgeren.nl or through your school.
- Take Exams (Spread Over 6 Weeks to 3 Months)
You can take exams individually or all together. Each exam must be passed (minimum 6/10 = 60%). If you fail, you can retake (first 2 free if asylum holder; otherwise €50/attempt). Results available 2-3 weeks after exam.
- Complete Participation Statement (If Required)
Attend free workshop (2021 law) or paid workshop (2013 law if not asylum holder). Workshop covers: Dutch society participation, rights, job search. Certificate provided after workshop.
- Receive Your Integration Diploma
Once all exams passed + participation requirement met. Municipality issues official inburgeringsdiploma. Needed for permanent residency/citizenship applications.
Total timeline: 6-18 months (depending on starting level, study intensity)
For voluntary integrators (highly skilled migrants, students, EU citizens)
Process is simpler:
- Register on Inburgeren.nl: Create account on official DUO Inburgeren website. No municipality registration required initially. Choose whether you want to integrate (voluntary).
- Enroll in Course (Optional): You can self-study or take approved courses. Approved courses are at schools on zoekinburgerschool.nl. Government subsidy available (€500-1,500) if 21-65 years old and low income.
- Book and Take Exams: Book exams directly on inburgeren.nl. Pay exam fees (€250 total). Sit exams on chosen dates. Results available 2-3 weeks later.
- Complete Participation Statement: Must attend free participation statement workshop (2021 law applies to most expats) OR pass ONA exam (old law).
- Receive Diploma: Once exams passed + participation met. Official inburgeringsdiploma sent to your address. You can use this for future applications.
Timeline for voluntary integrators: Can be faster (3-6 months) if you self-study or take intensive courses
FAQ: Common integration questions
Do I have to pass all exams on the first try?
No. You typically get 3 attempts per exam (or 2 free attempts if you're an asylum holder, then €50 per additional attempt). Many people need 2-3 attempts, especially for speaking and KNM. This is normal and expected.
What happens if I fail an exam?
You can retake it. Scheduling the retake: (1) Wait for official results (2-3 weeks), (2) Book new exam date on inburgeren.nl (as soon as next available), (3) Study for 4-8 weeks, (4) Retake (most people pass on second attempt). Timeline impact: Each failed exam adds 4-8 weeks to your overall timeline.
Is the KNM exam really difficult?
Yes and no. The new KNM (since July 2025) is primarily about factual knowledge of Dutch society. You CAN study factual information; it's not dependent on speaking fluency. Success strategy: Get the official KNM study guide (Welkom in Nederland), use flashcard apps for memorization, study the sample exams on inburgeren.nl, focus on new topics (DigiD, POH, Holocaust, women's rights). Many people find KNM easier than the speaking exam (which tests real-time language use).
What's the hardest part of integration?
Ranking by difficulty: (1) Speaking exam (requires real-time language production, highest failure rate), (2) Writing exam (second hardest; must construct sentences grammatically), (3) KNM exam (third; very learnable through memorization), (4) Reading & Listening (easier; comprehension-based). Most people's strategy: Start with reading/listening early, save speaking for last when your Dutch is stronger.
Can I use English with the examiners?
No. All exams are 100% Dutch. Examiners speak no English during exams. This is intentional (the exam tests whether you can function in Dutch-only situations). However, before the exam, you can ask questions in English about exam procedures.
Is there a passing score, or must you get everything right?
Passing score: 60% (6/10). You need minimum 60% on EACH exam individually. For example: Reading: 7/10 ✅, Writing: 6/10 ✅, Speaking: 5/10 ❌ (must retake, didn't reach 60%), Listening: 8/10 ✅, KNM: 7/10 ✅. If one exam fails, you only retake that exam, not all of them.
Can I use the integration diploma for anything besides PR/citizenship?
Yes: Some employers prefer seeing it (demonstrates commitment), Useful for job applications emphasizing Netherlands integration, Required for certain government jobs, Shows dedication when applying for Dutch professional licenses, Generally boosts your credibility in Dutch society.
Ready to start your integration journey?
Self-Study Resources
- • InburgeringOnline.nl (€9/month)
- • DUO Inburgeren official platform
- • Practice exams and study guides
- • YouTube channels for Dutch learners
Approved Schools
- • Visit zoekinburgerschool.nl
- • €1,000-3,000 total cost
- • Government subsidy up to €1,500
- • Higher success rates (75-85%)
Your Path Forward
- • Check your permit date (A2 vs B1)
- • Review 3-year deadline
- • Start early, stay consistent
- • Ask for help when needed
Thousands of expats pass the integration exam every year, in every language background. You can do this too. The key is starting early, staying consistent, and asking for help when needed.
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