Inburgering for Naturalisation: Which Exam Proof Do You Need?

To naturalise as a Dutch citizen, you usually need to prove that you meet the civic integration requirement. In practice, that means an inburgeringsdiploma from the civic integration exam at least at A2 level, or a Staatsexamen NT2 diploma at B1 or B2. The municipality receives your naturalisation request, but the IND decides whether your proof is enough for Dutch nationality.

• Naturalisation means becoming a Dutch citizen. You normally apply at your gemeente, and the IND assesses the application.
• For the integration part, DUO says you first need the inburgeringsexamen at A2 level, or Staatsexamen Nederlands als tweede taal (NT2) at B1 or B2.
• If you apply from abroad, the naturalisation test can be taken at a Dutch embassy or consulate. If you live abroad but take the exam in the Netherlands, DUO also lists ONA.
• A Z-route certificate alone is not enough for naturalisation. DUO says some people may instead ask for an advies aantoonbaar geleverde inspanningen.
• Exemptions and dispensations exist, but they are assessed by the municipality and IND from original evidence. Do not assume a DUO exemption automatically solves naturalisation.

Use this table as a starting point before you speak with your municipality. Naturalisation rules depend on your residence history, current permit, age, documents, and personal circumstances.

If you passed the integration exams, download your digital inburgeringsdiploma through Mijn Inburgering and Mijn diploma's. DUO says the digital diploma has the same value as a certified copy when used digitally. You can also request one free paper diploma; DUO says it is sent to your home address within 8 weeks. If you cannot log in, use DUO's contact route to request help.

If you live in the Netherlands and cannot pass the exam despite serious effort, DUO may be able to give an advies aantoonbaar geleverde inspanningen: advice that you made demonstrable efforts. DUO lists conditions such as course hours at an approved school and repeated exam attempts, or a literacy-course route with a separate test. This is not automatic. If illness, disability, or exceptional circumstances are the reason, start from the IND naturalisation guidance and ask what evidence is needed.

• Check the IND naturalisation requirements first, including residence period, residence permit, documents, public-order rules, and renouncing your current nationality.
• Collect your passport, birth certificate, residence proof, and civic integration proof before your appointment.
• Apply at the municipality where you live. The municipality checks the first documents and sends the application to the IND.
• The IND says the decision period is normally 12 months after the fees are paid, unless more time is needed.
• A positive decision does not make you Dutch immediately. You become Dutch after the Royal Decree and the required naturalisation ceremony.

If you are still preparing, start with the main inburgeringsexamen guide. If you already passed, read how to download your diploma or uittreksel. If you think you do not need every exam, use the exemptions and special cases guide before you speak with the municipality.