Practical Guide: Cracking the Inburgering Code in 2026
If you want to make it official, whether that’s Permanent Residence or full-blown Dutch Citizenship, there’s one final boss to defeat: the Inburgering (Civic Integration) exams.
If you’ve been googling this lately, you’ve probably hit a wall of confusion. Is it A2? Is it B1? What on earth is a MAP? Don’t panic. We’ve dug through the 2026 regulations to bring you the actual, current situation for expats. Grab a koffie (or a fluitje), and let’s break it down.
The Big Question: A2 or B1?
This is the number one thing everyone asks in our community.
The Short Answer: As of early 2026, for voluntary candidates (that’s most expats on highly skilled migrant or work visas applying for PR/Citizenship), the minimum language level is generally still A2.
The Nuance: The government really wants to raise this to B1 (intermediate) to match the stricter rules for refugees (who have had a B1 requirement since the 2021 Act). However, implementing this for everyone has faced delays.
- Safe Bet: If you are applying right now in 2026, A2 exams are likely still accepted.
- Future-Proofing: If you are planning to apply in 2027 or later, aim for B1. It makes life easier anyway, try arguing with a Dutch plumber in A2 Dutch and see how far you get!
The Exam Menu: What Do You Actually Have to Do?
For most expats voluntarily integrating in 2026, your "Inburgering Diploma" consists of six parts. You don't get a grade; you just have to pass.
- Reading (Lezen): Multiple choice. You’ll read emails, news snippets, and advertisements.
- Listening (Luisteren): You listen to conversations (often excruciatingly slow ones) and answer questions.
- Writing (Schrijven): You’ll write short notes (e.g., "Write an email to your boss saying you are sick"). Tip: Keep it simple. Short sentences win points.
- Speaking (Spreken): The awkward one. You talk to a computer. It records you. You feel silly. You pass.
- Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM): The famous "culture" test. It asks practical questions like “Do you bring wine or cash to a wedding?” or “Who pays for the doctor?”
- ONA (Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market): This is a portfolio about finding work.
- Good News: If you have been working in the Netherlands for at least 12 months (meeting minimum hour requirements), you can apply for an exemption for this part. Always check this—it saves you huge amounts of paperwork!
Wait, what about MAP? If you see the term MAP (Module Arbeidsmarkt & Participatie) online, ignore it. That is for mandatory integrators (like asylum seekers) under the new municipal system. As an expat, you stick to ONA (or get exempted from it).
How to Prepare (Without Spending a Fortune)
You don't need a €2,000 course to pass A2. Here is how to prepare using official and free resources.
1. The Holy Grail: Inburgeren.nl
This is the official DUO website. It’s where you register, but it’s also where you find practice exams.
- Action: Go to the "Oefenen" (Practice) section. They have real past exams. If you can pass these comfortably, you are ready for the real thing.
2. Net in Nederland
A fantastic, government-supported website created by public broadcaster NPO. It has news and stories in simple Dutch, specifically designed for people learning the language.
- Why we love it: It has subtitles! It helps your listening skills without the stress of "study mode."
- Link: netinnederland.nl
3. Your Local Bibliotheek (Library)
Dutch libraries are community hubs. Most have a Taalhuis (Language House) or Taalcafé.
- What it is: Free conversation groups run by volunteers. It’s not a formal class; it’s just coffee and chatting in slow Dutch.
- Vibe: Very gezellig. Great for getting over the fear of speaking.
4. Ad Appel & Youtube
While not "government official," the name Ad Appel is legendary in the expat community. His free YouTube grammar explanations are basically the gold standard for cracking the exams.
A Final Piece of Advice
Don't wait until your 5-year mark is exactly up to start. The waiting times for exams at DUO locations can be months long in 2026.
- Log in to DUO with your DigiD today.
- Check the wait times.
- Book your exams (you can spread them out!).
You’ve got this. Success (Good luck)!
