Integrating in the Netherlands, explained
What you have to do, in what order, and where you can check it yourself. Every figure in these guides has a source.
The guides
01 · 3 min read · PDFDo I have to do inburgering?
Not everyone has to do inburgering. Check in one minute whether the duty applies to you, when you are exempt, and which integration act applies in your case.
02 · 7 min read · PDFVrijstelling or ontheffing
When do you not have to do inburgering? The difference between vrijstelling and ontheffing, which diplomas exempt you, and how to apply at DUO.
03 · 5 min read · PDFWhat does inburgering cost?
What do you pay for your integration? The price per exam, when it is free, borrowing from DUO, and what changed about the fines back in 2025.
04 · 5 min read · PDFWhich law and which route?
Integration Act 2013 or 2021? One date decides. See the difference, the three learning routes, when you may drop from B1 to A2, and how long you have.
05 · 10 min read · PDFInburgering: what it is and how it works
What is inburgering, how long do you get and which steps do you go through? The Dutch integration process explained, with a sample exam task and a timeline.
06 · 8 min read · PDFPVT, MAP and ONA
The participatieverklaring, the Module Arbeidsmarkt en Participatie and the ONA exam. Who does which part, how it works and which deadlines apply.
07 · 9 min read · PDFThe ONA exam
ONA is part of the Wet 2013: eight resultaatkaarten, six weeks of marking and then a final interview or 64 hours of course. How to build it in time.
08 · 7 min read · PDFYour term and the fine
Your inburgering deadline is three years, but waiting times eat into it. How the term runs, when you get extra time, and who can no longer be fined.
- 09 · 9 min read · PDF
Naturaliseren: heb je A2 of B1 nodig?
Voor naturalisatie is A2 nu genoeg, ook als je in de B1-route zit. Wat er verandert als je partner Nederlander wordt, en wat geldt voor een vaste vergunning.
Read the guide
What is inburgering?
Inburgering means learning Dutch and learning how the Netherlands works. You take exams at DUO. Pass them all and you get your diploma. Exactly which exams you take depends on your personal plan (PIP) and your learning route.
What the route looks like
- DUO sends you a letter
It states the date from which your integration period runs.
- Your municipality makes a PIP with you
It sets out your learning route and which exams you take.
- You learn the language
Usually with lessons at a language school, plus practice on your own.
- You sit the exams
Each component is a separate exam, on a separate day.
- You get your result
Failed one component? You retake only that one.
Also worth reading
Explanations per exam component and about the language levels, in simple Dutch.
See where you stand
Ten questions per component, with an explanation after every answer. No account needed.
Start for free