Inburgering Exam for Naturalization: What You Need for Dutch Citizenship

The IND requires the civic integration exam at at least A2 language level for naturalization, unless you qualify for an exemption or dispensation. Passing B1 is not an extra citizenship requirement. See the IND’s naturalization requirements.

A2 for citizenship and your integration route

Your obligation to integrate and your citizenship application are separate. Under the Wet inburgering 2021, your personal integration plan (PIP) sets your learning route. On the B1 route, you take language exams at B1. After at least 600 hours of language lessons, if you still cannot pass at B1, DUO says to discuss a reduction to A2 with your municipality. The reduction is not automatic. See DUO’s explanation of the routes.

An A2 inburgering diploma can satisfy the citizenship integration requirement. Check any separate B1 obligation with your municipality before changing your study plan.

Diplomas and exemptions

The IND’s exemption list includes:

• An inburgering diploma under the 2013 or 2021 law, at A2 or above.
• A full Staatsexamen NT2 diploma, programme I or II. This is a full exemption, not language-only proof requiring an extra KNM exam.
• A Dutch diploma above primary-school level, awarded under Dutch education law, for education followed in Dutch.

Other documents can give full or partial exemptions. Bring originals to your municipality for assessment. A partial exemption only covers the named parts.

Retirement age gives an ONA exemption, not a blanket exemption. Medical dispensation requires specified evidence: for example, Argonaut advice must be no more than 6 months old when applying. See the same IND page for the conditions.

A previous exemption from your integration obligation is not automatically enough for citizenship. DUO explains how to have it checked. A Z-route certificate alone is not enough either.

Which exams and documents do you need?

The applicable law and any exemptions determine your requirements. Check your own list in Mijn Inburgering and have your municipality review your proof before applying.

Downloading your diploma

In Mijn Inburgering, choose Diploma to open Mijn diploma’s and download the digital diploma. DUO says it can be used for naturalization. Send the digital file: a printout of that file is not valid. A paper diploma is a separate document you can request. If your digital file is lost, you can download it again. See DUO’s diploma instructions.

Older diplomas and individual certificates

Use the IND exemption list above to identify your document. It names older qualifications as well as current diplomas, with conditions for each. Do not assume that every old certificate has expired, or that any certificate will be accepted indefinitely.

If you hold individual NT2 certificates, DUO explains how to obtain the full diploma in its diploma instructions. Bring other individual certificates to the municipality to check what remains required.

Applying for naturalization

For an application in the Netherlands, start at your municipality. It checks your documents and sends the application to the IND. Integration proof is only one requirement: check the IND’s full list for identity, residence rights, public-order and nationality conditions.

The usual residence requirement is 5 consecutive years of lawful residence. Exceptions exist. A Dutch partner does not automatically turn this into a 3-year residence rule: the conditions include your relationship and time living together. Read the IND’s exceptions to the five-year term.

The IND’s decision period is 12 months and can be extended. Approval is followed by the naturalization ceremony; approval alone does not make you Dutch. See the official application process.

Fees and paying for exams

The IND fee table lists these 2026 naturalization fees:

Application	Fee
One person, standard rate	€1,139
Together with a partner, standard rate	€1,454
Stateless person or asylum residence-permit holder	€847
Stateless person or asylum residence-permit holder, together with a partner	€1,163

Other categories have their own rates. Check the table when you apply; fees change annually.

Exam costs are separate. Eligibility for financial support depends on your circumstances and the integration law that applies to you. Check DUO’s payment rules before budgeting. Ask for quotes for translation or legalization if your application requires them.

Preparing for the exams you still need

Once you know which parts remain, start with DUO’s practice exams. Our exam preparation guide helps you plan practice. For KNM preparation, use our KNM resources and practice questions and terms. For retakes, see what happens if you fail an exam.

Inburgering Coach offers practice for the Dutch integration exam.

Official sources checked on 23 September 2026.