In one of our previous blogs, we explained the details of Dutch citizenship and how highly skilled migrants can apply for Dutch citizenship after living in the country for 5 years. We know that the Dutch naturalization process is full of uncertainties during the application stage, and we continue to expand our library with useful articles to eliminate these uncertainties. As Unusual Payroll specialises in Employer Services and Payroll Solutions in the Netherlands, in this blog, we will summarise the details of the naturalization test, also known as the Inburgering exam in the Netherlands. This article will answer the following questions: “What are the stages of the Dutch naturalization exam?” and “What does the Dutch naturalization exam test?”. First, we will summarise the process of applying for Dutch citizenship.
Dutch naturalization process
The Netherlands offers people who have uninterruptedly lived in the country for 5 years the opportunity to apply for Dutch citizenship through their municipality. The application and naturalization process, which we summarise in this article, is carried out by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). Those who meet the following requirements can apply for the naturalization process: are over 18 years of age; prove their identity with valid documents; have lived within the borders of the Netherlands for 5 years with a valid residence permit; have extended their residence permit in time; and who have Dutch language proficiency. Those who are employed in the Netherlands as highly skilled migrants and meet the requirements are also eligible to apply. Before the naturalization process can be completed, the Dutch government requires the applicant to pass the Dutch naturalization test.
What is the Dutch naturalization test?
This exam, known as Inburgeringsexamen in Dutch, also known as the Social Integration Exam, and generally referred to as the Dutch citizenship test or the Dutch citizenship test, is one of the requirements that people who want to apply for Dutch citizenship are expected to meet. Most migrants coming to the Netherlands from countries outside the European Union have to take this exam to obtain citizenship.
What does the Dutch citizenship test measure?
The Dutch citizenship test measures whether migrants coming to the Netherlands have basic competencies in the language spoken in the country and the Dutch culture. This exam, conducted by the Education Executive Agency, abbreviated as DUO, consists of the following stages:
- Knowledge of Dutch society
- Dutch Speaking
- Dutch Listening
- Dutch Reading
- Dutch Writing
The speaking, listening, reading and writing sections measure Dutch language proficiency. It can be said that the fact that the exam mainly measures language proficiency shows the importance of Dutch for admission to Dutch citizenship.
In the knowledge accumulation section of Dutch society, abbreviated as KNM, candidates who take a computerised exam watch short videos on topics such as shopping or going to the doctor and answer questions after watching these videos. In this way, the candidates’ knowledge about how life works in the Netherlands is measured. DUO, which carries out the exam processes, shares the exam samples on this page.
Next steps and preparation tips for the Dutch naturalization test
Candidates who complete the Dutch social integration exam will receive a social integration diploma when they meet the requirements and can apply for the naturalization process with this diploma. Exam results are announced within 8 weeks, and candidates receive their result documents from DUO via letter. Additionally, information from Dutch government sources shows that the application fee for the Dutch naturalization test is € 350 (2023).
Candidates who want to prepare for the Dutch naturalization test can also access trial exams and educational resources for writing, speaking, listening, reading and KNM sections on the DUO website, where they can also access detailed information about the integration exam. In addition, official sources direct those who want more preparation tips to short videos and exam practices on oefenen.nl.
Follow our blogs for detailed information about immigration to the Netherlands
As Unusual Payroll, we specialise in Payroll and Employer Services in the Netherlands. Our blogs discuss topics relevant to highly skilled migrants, such as relocation to the Netherlands, immigration to the Netherlands, and application for Dutch citizenship. It makes it easier for you to access up-to-date information. You can closely follow our blog, which is updated monthly.
Additionally, by entrusting all paperwork to Unusual Payroll's team of professionals with a 100% success rate, you can employ highly skilled migrants in the Netherlands and benefit from tax incentives such as the 30% Ruling. Moreover, Unusual Payroll offers all these services with its service model. You can contact us for information about our full range of Dutch Payroll and other Employer Services.
