Civic integration in the Netherlands: how does it work? (2026)
What is civic integration?
Civic integration is the process of learning Dutch and learning how the Netherlands works: housing, working, going to the doctor, and how the government is organised. The goal is for you to be able to participate independently in society as soon as possible.
Do I have to integrate?
Most people who come to the Netherlands from abroad to stay here must integrate — for example asylum status holders and many family migrants. Some people are exempt or can be relieved of the obligation, for example due to a medical limitation. Not sure? Your municipality or inburgeren.nl can check this for your situation.
The Wet inburgering 2021
Since 1 January 2022, the Wet inburgering 2021 (Wi2021) has been in effect. The key difference from the old law: your municipality now leads the process. Together with you, the municipality draws up a Plan Inburgering en Participatie (PIP): an agreement on which learning route you follow, what support you get, and your goal.
The learning routes
There are three learning routes. Your municipality decides together with you which one fits:
- B1-route — the most commonly chosen route. Aims for language level B1, with work as the goal.
- Education route — for people who want to move quickly into further education.
- Self-reliance route (Z-route) — for people for whom B1 is not (yet) achievable; focused on functioning independently.
Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM) is mandatory in all three routes.
Costs and loan
Asylum status holder? Your municipality usually pays for your course and your first exam attempts are often covered. Other migrant (for example a family migrant)? You can apply for a loan from DUO to pay for your course and exams. Missing your deadline without a valid reason can result in a fine.
Please note
Deadline and extension
You generally have 3 years to complete your civic integration, from the date you became subject to the obligation. If circumstances prevent this — for example illness, pregnancy, or course waiting times — extension grounds exist. Always request an extension well before your deadline, from DUO.
Frequently asked questions
Who has to integrate?
Most people who come to the Netherlands from abroad to stay, such as asylum status holders and many family migrants. Exemption or relief is possible in certain situations.
What's the difference between the B1-route, the education route and the Z-route?
The B1-route focuses on language level B1 and work, the education route on moving into further education, and the Z-route on self-reliance when B1 is not (yet) achievable.
What does civic integration cost?
It varies: asylum status holders often get the course via the municipality and the first exam attempts covered; other migrants can apply for a loan from DUO. Check current amounts on inburgeren.nl.
How much time do I have to integrate?
Generally 3 years from the date you became subject to the obligation, with extension possible for valid reasons.