Dutch citizenship: the A2 language requirement and the naturalisation test

To become Dutch by naturalisation you need the civic integration exam at A2 — "the naturalisation test" — or an accepted equivalent. What the IND asks today, who is exempt, what it costs, and what the planned move to B1 means for you.

Updated November 3, 2026 · 5 min read

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The Binnenhof in The Hague, seat of the Dutch government, across the Hofvijver — Photo: Michielverbeek, CC BY-SA 4.0, resized.

The IND's naturalisation page was last updated on 20 October 2026, and it still says what it has said for years: you must pass the civic integration exam on at least language level A2 (IND). This guide sets out that requirement, the other conditions, and the planned changes — clearly marked as plans.

In short: the civic integration exam at A2 (reading, listening, writing, speaking + KNM), or an NT2 diploma, or another exemption; 5 consecutive years with a valid residence permit; €1,139 (€1,454 with a partner); a decision within 12 months; you become Dutch at the naturalisation ceremony.

The integration requirement

"If you want to become a Dutch citizen through naturalisation, you must have completed the civic integration process" — the IND's words: you speak, read, write and understand Dutch fairly well and can get by in Dutch society. You show it by passing the civic integration exam at A2, "also known as the naturalisation test", which you book with DUO; the digital civic integration diploma is what you apply with (IND).

Part of the exam	Our guide
Reading (A2: 65 min)	The reading exam
Listening (A2: 45 min)	The listening exam
Writing (A2: 40 min, on paper)	The writing exam
Speaking (A2: 35 min, on a computer)	The speaking exam
KNM — knowledge of Dutch society (45 min)	The KNM exam
ONA (2013 Act) / MAP (2021 Act), PVT	The three routes

The digital diploma from Mijn diploma's is free and has the value of a certified copy; you can use it for naturalisation — but only digitally: a printout is not valid (inburgeren.nl).

When you do not need the exam

a Staatsexamen NT2 diploma, programme I or II (which programme?);
a civic integration diploma (2013 or 2021 Act) at A2 or above;
a Dutch diploma above primary level from a programme taught in Dutch;
8 years in the Netherlands between the ages of 5 and 16;
a Dutch-taught Belgian or Surinamese diploma with an apostille;
a dispensation for medical or other reasons — or the option procedure, which needs no exam.

The full list is on the IND page; our exemptions guide puts it next to DUO's rules for inburgering.

The other conditions

You are 18 or older and can prove your identity and nationality.
You have lived in the Kingdom for at least 5 consecutive years with a valid residence permit, extended on time (exceptions to the 5-year term exist).
You hold a qualifying permit — permanent, long-term EU resident, a non-temporary purpose, EU/EEA/Swiss residence and others — at application, during the procedure and at the ceremony.
You are not a danger to public order or national security.
You renounce your current nationality, unless an exemption applies.
You are willing to make the declaration of solidarity at the ceremony.

Applying, cost and timing

	IND
Where	at the town hall of your municipality, by appointment
Fee	€1,139 for one person · €1,454 with a partner · €168 per child under 18 with a parent · €847 for a stateless person or asylum permit holder (€1,163 with a partner)
Option statement	€241 · €412 with a partner
Decision	within 12 months; follow it in My IND
Becoming Dutch	only at the naturalisation ceremony, where you make the declaration of solidarity

Fees: IND. They change every 1 January — check before you pay.

Planned, not law. The government's 2027 budget plans B1 for naturalisation and a longer residence period ("in principle six years"). As of 3 November 2026 these are plans with no start date; the IND asks A2 and 5 years. If you can apply under today's rules, do not wait for B1 — but if you are still learning, aiming at B1 costs you nothing.

How to get to A2 — and beyond

Find your level with our free level test (A1–B2, no sign-up).
Do DUO's free A2 practice exams for every part, including KNM.
Learn the core verbs you will use in every part: zijn, hebben, wonen, werken, kunnen, willen, moeten, gaan.
Learn the words by topic with our inburgering path — 40 sets from survival phrases to KNM.
Follow a plan: our 12-week plan books one exam every two to three weeks.

A2 in five minutes a day

16Word drills the Dutch words and sentences of the naturalisation test, 16 at a time, with a game of Blocks between answers. Free to start.

Keep learning

All our Dutch exam guides

Frequently asked questions

What level of Dutch do I need for Dutch citizenship?

A2. You must pass the civic integration exam at A2 or higher — the naturalisation test — or show an accepted equivalent such as an NT2 diploma. B1 is planned but not law as of 3 November 2026.

What is the naturalisation test?

The IND's name for the civic integration exam at A2: reading, listening, writing, speaking and Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM), plus ONA or MAP and the participation statement depending on your Act. You register with DUO.

How many years must I live in the Netherlands to naturalise?

Normally 5 consecutive years with a valid residence permit. Exceptions exist, and a longer period is planned but not law.

How much does Dutch naturalisation cost?

€1,139 for one person and €1,454 with a partner; €847 for a stateless person or asylum permit holder. Fees change every 1 January.

Can I use a printed integration diploma for naturalisation?

No. Use the free digital diploma from Mijn diploma's, digitally; a printout is not valid.

Do I have to give up my nationality to become Dutch?

As a rule yes, with exemptions. Check the IND's page on renouncing your nationality before you apply.

When do I become Dutch?

At the naturalisation ceremony, after the IND's positive decision and the King's signature. The IND decides within 12 months.