Question 1

Am I required to integrate (inburgeren)?

Accepted Answer

If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you are legally exempt. Non-EU/EEA nationals usually have a mandatory integration obligation unless they are under 18, above state pension age, or hold temporary visa types like highly skilled migrant or student visas.

Question 2

What is the difference between A2 and B1 requirements?

Accepted Answer

Under the older Wet Inburgering 2013 (obligation started before 2022), the required level is A2. Under the newer Wet Inburgering 2021 (started in 2022 or later), the default requirement is B1, although some routes (PIP) like Z-route require A1, and certain students can qualify for higher B1/B2 routes.

Question 3

Can I downscale my B1 requirement to A2?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you are assigned the B1-route, you can request municipality approval to take exams at A2 level after completing at least 600 hours of language classes and demonstrating maximum effort to learn.

Question 4

Do highly skilled migrants have to pass exams?

Accepted Answer

Highly skilled migrants are legally exempt from the mandatory integration obligation. However, to apply for Permanent Residence or Dutch Naturalization (citizenship), you must voluntarily pass integration exams (currently at A2 level).

Which inburgering exam do you actually need?