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Dutch citizenship by naturalisation

To become a Dutch citizen by naturalisation in the European Netherlands, most adults must pass the civic integration exam (inburgeringsexamen) at language level A2 and meet the residence rules. This guide explains the steps and links to the official pages.

The path to Dutch citizenship by naturalisation

  1. Check the basic conditions

    You must be at least 18 years old and have lived lawfully in the Netherlands for at least 5 years in a row. In some cases you can apply earlier. The IND lists all conditions and exceptions.

    Official source

  2. Pass the civic integration exam at level A2

    The naturalisation test is the inburgeringsexamen at language level A2: reading, listening, writing and speaking, plus Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM). Depending on your situation there can be more parts, which the IND lists. You can also pass the Staatsexamen NT2 at level B1 or B2 instead.

    Official source

    How the inburgeringsexamen works

  3. Check whether you are exempt

    Some people do not need the exam, for example with certain Dutch diplomas or years at school in the Netherlands, or with a medical dispensation. The IND lists the exemptions. A dispensation under the 2021 integration law alone is not always enough for naturalisation.

    Official source

  4. Book your exams with DUO

    You book each exam in Mijn Inburgering with DigiD. It can take more than six weeks to get a date, so book early.

    Official source

  5. Apply for naturalisation

    When you meet all the conditions, you apply for naturalisation. The IND page explains where and how to apply and which documents you need.

    Official source

  6. Know about planned changes

    The government plans to raise the language level for naturalisation from A2 to B1 and to change the number of years you must have lived in the Netherlands. These are proposals, not law, and they have no start date yet. Check the IND page before you apply.

    Official source

Official sources (13) · last checked 18 October 2026