Integration in the Netherlands: know your Act, route and evidence

1. Confirm whether integration is mandatory for you

DUO determines whether you are required to integrate and which Act applies. Under the 2021 Act, the duty normally begins after you have a BSN, a residence permit and municipal registration. DUO says its first letter can take up to eight weeks after those items are in place. If no letter arrives after that period, contact DUO rather than assuming you are exempt.

Some people integrate voluntarily, including people who need evidence for a stronger residence permit or naturalisation. Always check Mijn Inburgering for your personal status and required components.

2. Complete the broad intake and PIP

Under the 2021 Act, the municipality invites you to an interview and learnability test. Together these form the broad intake. The municipality then records your learning route, participation goals and required exams in a Personal Integration and Participation Plan (PIP). DUO sends a further letter confirming when your integration period starts.

3. Understand the three routes

4. Follow the components in your own plan

Language testing can cover reading, writing, speaking and listening. Knowledge components can include Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM), the Participation Statement Process (PVT) and the Labour Market and Participation Module (MAP), depending on the Act and route. Do not register for every exam from a general checklist: use the PIP and Mijn Inburgering.

5. Choose the correct school and funding route

Under the 2021 Act, the municipality arranges the school for asylum status holders. Family and other migrants generally choose their own school. When choosing independently, DUO advises using a Blik op Werk-accredited school listed on Zoekinburgerschool.nl, especially when a DUO loan is involved.

Costs depend on the Act and residence category. Under the 2021 Act, the municipality pays the course for asylum status holders and the first two attempts for each required exam are free when taken at the PIP level. Other migrants may pay course and exam costs and may be able to borrow from DUO. Check the current amounts and borrowing rules before enrolling.

6. Plan and take the exams

1. Check the exact exam list and deadline in Mijn Inburgering.
2. Choose the course or self-study plan matching the required level.
3. Use DUO practice materials for A2, B1 or B2 where applicable.
4. Register for exams through the official DUO process and bring valid identification.
5. Track results in Mijn Inburgering. DUO states that A2 and knowledge-exam results can take up to eight weeks.
6. After passing all required components, download the digital integration diploma through Mijn Diploma's. A Z-route participant normally receives a municipal certificate instead.

7. Act early if time, health or learning barriers arise

DUO can impose a fine when integration is not completed on time and no extension applies. Do not wait until the deadline. Official routes exist for additional time, adjusted exams, illness or disability, recognised diplomas, previous Nt2 results, long residence and work, and exceptional individual circumstances. The decision depends on evidence and the applicable Act.

8. Connect integration to permanent residence or citizenship

For naturalisation, IND currently requires civic-integration evidence at at least A2 unless an accepted exemption applies. DUO warns that a Z-route certificate alone is not enough for naturalisation; an advisory statement on demonstrable effort may be relevant in limited circumstances. Bring the precise evidence requested by the municipality or IND.