Exemptions & Special Cases: Who Can Skip the Inburgering Exams?
A complete guide to getting an exemption (vrijstelling) or ontheffing for the Dutch integration exams due to diplomas, work history, health, or other reasons.
Not everyone has to complete the full inburgering process. Whether you are obligated to integrate or are doing it voluntarily for citizenship, you might be eligible for a full or partial exemption (vrijstelling) or a permanent waiver (ontheffing). This guide outlines the most common scenarios.
Full Exemption from the Inburgeringsplicht
You may be completely exempt from the integration requirement if you:
- Hold a Dutch diploma from a VWO, HAVO, or MBO (level 2 or higher) institution.
- Have a Belgian or Surinamese diploma from a Dutch-language institution.
- Follow a Dutch-taught program in higher education (HBO/WO) that leads to an exempting diploma.
- Have lived in the Netherlands for at least 8 years during the period of compulsory education.
- Are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
Partial Exemptions for Specific Exams
- ONA Exemption: You can skip the ONA exam if you have worked in the Netherlands for at least 6 months (for at least 48 hours per month) in the year prior to your application. This is a common exemption for those who are already employed. Find out more in our ONA exam guide.
- Staatsexamen NT2 Certificates: If you have already passed one or more parts of the Staatsexamen NT2 (Programma I or II), you are exempt from the corresponding language exams (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) of the inburgeringsexamen.
Ontheffing (Waiver) for Special Circumstances
An ontheffing is granted when it is demonstrably impossible for you to meet the requirements.
- Medical Reasons: If a severe, long-term physical or mental condition prevents you from being able to take the exams, you can apply for a medical waiver. This requires a statement from a DUO-appointed doctor.
- Demonstrable Effort (Aantoonbaar Geleverde Inspanning): (Mainly for 2013 Act) If you have attended at least 600 hours of a certified language course and tried each exam multiple times without passing, you may be granted a waiver. This shows you have made a serious effort.
How to Apply for an Exemption or Waiver
All exemptions and waivers must be formally requested from DUO using specific application forms, which often require official proof like diplomas or medical statements. You can find these forms on the DUO website.
Official Source
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