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Pass The Dutch Civic Integration Exam To Migrate To Netherlands

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  • The Dutch naturalization test is conducted in Dutch
  • Applicants must pass all sections to be eligible for citizenship
  • Results of the exam are valid for 1 year

The Netherlands welcomes a large number of migrants every year. The country is known to have a good work-life balance, low crime rate and great social life. If you’re planning to migrate to the Netherlands and becoming a citizen, you will need to pass the Dutch civic integration exam. Read on to find out more about becoming a Dutch citizen.

The Netherlands is the most densely populated country in Europe. A significant percentage of its population is made up of immigrants from other European countries as well as non-European countries.

Migrate To Netherlands
Image by Mabel Amber, still incognito… from Pixabay

Migrants In The Netherlands

In 2017, around 234,957 people migrated to the Netherlands from around the world. This was more than twice the number of migrants in 2007. Migrants in the Netherlands can be broadly classified as western and non-western migrants.

Year20102011201220132014201520162017
Western Origin Migrants52,80952,21147,46952,04660,07178,48995,13687,103
Non - Western Origin Migrants101,623110,751110,905112,726122,878126,126135,603147,854

Source – CBS

How To Become A Citizen Of The Netherlands?

Foreign nationals can become Dutch citizens by naturalization after having legally lived in the country for at least 5 years. The process for naturalization takes about 1 year. To be eligible to apply, the following criteria must be met.

  • The applicant must be at least 18 years old
  • The applicant should have lived in the Netherlands for at least 5 years with a valid residence permit.
  • The applicant must have a valid residence permit
  • The applicant must have a clean criminal record with no ongoing criminal proceedings against him/her
  • The applicant must have not received fines amounting to more than EURO 1,215
  • The applicant must pass the Dutch civic integration exam

Migrating To The Netherlands And The Dutch Civic Integration Exam

If you are planning to migrate to the Netherlands, you need to take this exam. The Dutch Civic Integration Exam may be taken at any Dutch consulate.

Before taking the test, the applicant must register himself/ herself and pay a fee of EURO 150. A self-study pack is available online but applicants are not obligated to use this to study.

The Dutch civic integration exam has six sections:

  1. Reading Competence
    • The applicant must be able to read and understand simple, short texts.
    • Test duration: 65 minutes
  2. Speaking Competence
    • The applicant should be able to speak in Dutch and use sentences and phrases to talk about himself/ herself, their family, educational background, occupation and living conditions.
    • Test duration: 35 minutes
  3. Listening Competence
    • The applicant must pass the A2 level exam and be able to understand the central theme of short messages.
    • Test duration: 45 minutes
  4. Writing Competence
    1. The applicant must pass the A2 level exam and be able to write short sentences and messages. Test duration: 35 minutes
  5. Knowledge of Dutch society
    • This is a computerized multiple-choice exam also known as the Kennis Nederlandse Maatschappij examen.
    • The test is conducted in Dutch and based on the rules and laws of the Netherlands and the life in the country.
    • Test duration: 45 minutes
  6. Orientation to Dutch Labor Market
    • There are two parts to this exam- an interview or 64 hour ONA course or certain assignments.

Results Of The Dutch Citizenship Test

The results of the test will be emailed to the applicant within 8 weeks of taking the exam. A PDF attachment to the email will state the sections cleared. A separate certificate of passing the exam is not sent.

Applicants who fail the test may retake the test after paying the fees and registering again. On the other hand, applicants who have passed the test may submit an application to be naturalized with a copy of the email and PDF.

Also See

Citizenship Tests