Costs, Loans & Fees 2025: A Guide to Paying for Your Inburgering
Understand the full cost of the Dutch integration process, from exam fees to DUO loans. Learn who pays, who can borrow, and how repayment works.
Navigating the financial side of the inburgering process can be confusing. This guide breaks down the costs, explains how DUO loans work, and clarifies who is responsible for payment, whether you're integrating by obligation or for citizenship.
Standard Exam Fees (2025)
For most people, the exam fees are set by DUO and are the same regardless of your integration path:
- Language Exams (Lezen, Luisteren, Schrijven, Spreken): €50 per component
- Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij (KNM): €50
- Oriëntatie op de Nederlandse Arbeidsmarkt (ONA): €40
This brings the total for a full exam set under the 2013 Act to €290. For those under the 2021 Act, ONA is replaced by the municipality-led MAP module, making the DUO exam total €250.
Who Pays for What? It Depends on Your Situation
| Your Situation | Who Covers the Cost |
|---|---|
Asielstatushouder (2021 Act) | The municipality (gemeente) pays for your course and your first two exam attempts for each component. You cannot get a loan from DUO. |
Asielstatushouder (2013 Act) | You are responsible for costs but can borrow up to €10,000 from DUO. If you pass on time, the loan is forgiven (becomes a gift). |
Gezinsmigrant / Other Migrant | You are responsible for all costs. You can apply for a loan from DUO, but it must be repaid. |
Voluntary Integrator (for citizenship) | You pay for everything yourself. EU/EEA citizens may be eligible for a DUO loan depending on their income. |
Understanding the DUO Loan
- How to Apply: You can apply for a loan via the Mijn Inburgering portal.
- What it Covers: The loan can be used for courses at certified schools (listed on zoekinburgerschool.nl) and for exam fees.
- Payout: DUO pays the school or exam center directly. The money does not go to your bank account.
- Repayment: Repayment starts 6 months after you complete your integration. You have 10 years to pay it back, with interest. The monthly amount can be adjusted based on your income.
For more detail on your specific obligations, read our guide on the 2013 vs. 2021 Integration Acts.
Official Source
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