Inburgering in the Netherlands
If you're new to the Netherlands, there's a good chance you'll need to complete the Inburgering process. It’s designed to help you learn the language, understand Dutch culture and find your place in society. Whether you're here for work, family, or a fresh start, this guide will walk you through what Inburgering is, who needs to do it and how to get started.
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What is Inburgering?
Inburgering is the official integration process in the Netherlands for people who come from outside the EU and want to live here long-term. The goal is to help newcomers learn the Dutch language, understand the culture and laws, and become more active in Dutch society.
It’s not just about learning to speak Dutch — it also helps you understand how things work in daily life, like finding a job, going to the doctor, or understanding your rights and duties.
Depending on your situation (for example, if you're here as a refugee, for family reunification, or for another reason), you might be required by law to complete the Inburgering. It’s a step toward becoming more independent and, if you choose, applying for permanent residence or Dutch citizenship in the future.
Who needs to do Inburgering?
Not everyone who moves to the Netherlands is required to do Inburgering, but many non-EU newcomers are. In general, you must complete the Inburgering process if:
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You are from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.
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You are between the ages of 18 and the retirement age.
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You are coming to the Netherlands to live for a longer period (not just as a tourist or for a short stay).
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You are moving here for family reunification, asylum, or other long-term reasons.
There are different rules depending on your personal situation. For example:
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Asylum status holders (refugees): You are usually required to start Inburgering as soon as possible and have access to free courses provided by the municipality.
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Family migrants (partners or spouses of Dutch citizens or residents): You may need to pass a basic language test (Basisexamen Inburgering) before coming to the Netherlands, and then continue the full Inburgering process once you're here.
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Other migrants (e.g. religious workers, certain long-term residents): You may also be required to integrate, depending on your residence permit.
Some people are exempt, such as those who have already lived in the Netherlands before, those with certain types of residence permits, or people who already speak Dutch at a high level.
The government (DUO or your local municipality) will inform you officially if you are required to do Inburgering.
What’s included in the Inburgering process?
The Inburgering process is designed to help you fully participate in Dutch society. It includes several parts that focus on language, culture, and work. Depending on your personal situation, you may need to complete all or only some of these subjects:
Dutch language (Taalonderwijs)
You will need to learn Dutch, usually up to level B1 (formerly A2, but the requirements are changing). This includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening. You will take exams to prove your skills. (You can check for Dutch language schools here.)
Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM – Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij)
This part teaches you about Dutch values, rules, traditions, and how daily life works in the Netherlands. You’ll learn about health care, education, transportation, and more.
Participation statement (Participatieverklaringstraject – PVT)
You attend a workshop or course to learn about Dutch democratic values, freedom, and responsibilities. You must sign a participation statement afterward.
Orientation on the Dutch Labor Market (ONA – Oriëntatie op de Nederlandse Arbeidsmarkt)
This helps you prepare for working in the Netherlands. It includes creating a portfolio, attending workshops, or completing assignments about finding a job or working conditions. Not everyone is required to do this part, depending on your situation.
Inburgering exam
Once you’ve completed the necessary parts, you’ll take official exams. These tests are managed by DUO and must be passed to complete the integration process.
How long do you have to finish?
Most people have three years to complete the Inburgering process, starting from the moment the requirement begins. This date is called your start date and is usually mentioned in the letter you receive from DUO or your municipality.
If you’re an asylum status holder, your municipality will help you get started quickly, often within the first few months of your arrival. For other migrants, the process usually begins once you’ve received your residence permit.
It’s important to take the deadline seriously. If you don’t finish in time, you might face a fine or have problems renewing your residence permit or applying for permanent residency or Dutch citizenship later.
In some cases, you can request more time, especially if you have a valid reason such as health problems or personal difficulties. But this needs to be approved by DUO.
How to prepare?
Preparing for the Inburgering process involves choosing the right resources, planning your time, and possibly attending classes. Here are some common ways to get ready:
Take a course
You can enroll in a Dutch language and integration course at a school approved by DUO. These schools are experienced in preparing people for the Inburgering exams.
Use DUO Study materials
DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs) offers free study materials online, including practice exams and exercises for all parts of the integration process.
Borrow money for courses
If you are required to integrate and don’t have enough money, you might be eligible for a loan from DUO to pay for your courses and exams. This is especially common for people who are required to do Inburgering under the old rules (before 2022).
Create a study plan
Make a realistic schedule to study and attend classes regularly. It’s important to manage your time well, especially since there is a deadline for completing the process.
Practice speaking Dutch
Try to speak Dutch in daily life — at the supermarket, with neighbors, or by joining local activities. This will help you feel more confident and improve faster.
Ask for help
Your municipality (gemeente) or local integration coach can help guide you, especially if you’re a newcomer or an asylum status holder.
What happens after you finish?
Once you’ve successfully completed all the required parts of the Inburgering process — including passing the exams — you will receive an Inburgeringsdiploma (integration diploma). This certificate proves that you have integrated into Dutch society according to the official standards.
This diploma is important for several reasons:
It may be required if you want to apply for a permanent residence permit in the Netherlands.
It is also usually necessary if you want to apply for Dutch citizenship (naturalization).
It shows that you are capable of participating fully in Dutch society, both socially and professionally.
After completing Inburgering, you are no longer required to take integration classes or exams. You are free to continue improving your Dutch, building your life in the Netherlands, and pursuing work, education, or other opportunities.
Your municipality or DUO will inform you once you have officially completed the process.