Disclaimer
This page on our website has been translated from Dutch into this language. This was done by a computer system, without human intervention. As a result, the text may be different than if it had been written in this language.
Integrate in the Netherlands
Are you new to the Netherlands? Usually you have to integrate. You will learn the Dutch language and how we live and work in the Netherlands. Usually you also have to take an exam.
Since 1 January 2022, there are new rules for integration. The following information is about the new rules.
When do you need to integrate:
You must integrate if one or more of the situations below apply to you.
- You are 18 years or older and
- You come from outside the European Union to live in the Netherlands. This also applies if you have turkish nationality. More information can be found on the website of the National Government.
- From 1 January 2022, you came to live in one of the following municipalities: Hoorn, Stede Broec, Enkhuizen, Drechterland, Koggenland, Opmeer, Medemblik
- You have received a letter from DUO stating that you must integrate.
When should you not integrate:
- You are under the age of 18.
- You are retired.
- You have a passport from a country in the European Union or from Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. Or you are related to someone with such a passport.
- You have been to school in the Netherlands for 8 years or more before the age of 16.
- You have Dutch diplomas. Or you have proof that you are or have done a course in the Dutch language.
- You are temporarily coming to the Netherlands for study or work.
The information on the page is for residents of the municipalities of Stede Broec, Enkhuizen, Drechterland, Koggenland, Opmeer and Medemblik. Are you a resident of the municipality of Hoorn? Then the municipality of Hoorn will help you with your integration. For more information about this, go to the website of the Municipality of Hoorn.
- You will learn the Dutch language. You will also learn how people in the Netherlands live, live and work. You will learn this by following a learning route. After completing this learning route, you will take exams or you will have a final interview with the municipality.
- You will learn what is important in the Netherlands and how you can participate in society so that you can participate faster and have better chances of getting a job. You will learn this during the participation declaration process.
- You will learn how to find work in the Netherlands. You will (usually) learn this during the Module Labour Market and Participation. For this you can, for example, do a work placement or volunteer work.
The costs of your integration depend on the reason why you are in the Netherlands.
Status holder
Are you a status holder? Then the municipality pays for your course and the exam. If you have to take the exam again, the municipality pays 1 more time. You cannot borrow money from DUO.
No status holder
Are you not a status holder, but for example a family migrant? Then you can choose: pay for the course and the exam yourself, or borrow money from DUO. Borrowing money is only possible for approved schools. More information about approved schools can be found on www.zoekinburgerschool.nl.
If you have to integrate, you will receive a letter from DUO stating the date from which you must integrate. The reason why you came to the Netherlands and your personal situation determine the route of your integration.
You will be invited for an introductory meeting with an integration coach from the Regionaal inburgeringsteam West-Friesland. In this conversation we make agreements about your integration process. You also take a test to determine what you can already do. This test is called the learnability test (LBT). We call the outcome of the test and the interview the broad intake. After the broad intake, your learning route will be determined and a choice will be made from the offered learning routes.
Learning routes
It doesn't matter what kind of learning route you follow, as long as it suits you well.
The B1 route
This route is called the B1 route because with this route the goal is to reach language level B1. This level stands for simple Dutch. In addition, you work or do volunteer work.
How long this learning route takes depends on how quickly you learn. On average, it takes 1.5 years to a maximum of 3 years.
The educational route
This route is mainly for young people. Through this route they can get a school diploma as quickly as possible. This way they can make a good start in the Netherlands.
The self-reliance route
The Z in the Z-route stands for self-reliance. Self-reliance is about how well you can manage on your own. This learning route is for integrationists who find learning a bit more difficult. The Z-route can also be a good route if you cannot read or have experienced a lot (trauma).
In addition, there is a lot of attention for how you can live independently in the Netherlands. You will learn where to ask for help. You will also learn how to handle money; how computers work; and how you get in touch with other people in the Netherlands. The Z-route helps you to participate in the Netherlands as quickly as possible, if possible also through paid work.
Once we have agreed which learning route you will follow, your integration process will start. You have 3 years to complete the integration process.
After the broad intake, you and your integration coach will draw up a Personal Integration and Participation Plan (PIP). This plan states what you need to do to integrate and what kind of exam you are going to take. It is also indicated whether you have to take the exam and what kind of exam.
Do you want to learn Dutch quickly? Then it is good to practice a lot. Below are a few tips on how to practice at home. On the internet you can find programs with which you can practice the Dutch language.
Take a look at:
Participate in activities
The library often organizes activities for people who want to learn Dutch. E.g. a language café. You can then come and drink a cup of coffee and speak Dutch.
Library
Reading a lot also helps. The library has a special collection of books in easy language.
Practice exams on the computer
On the internet you can find exams with which you can already practice. You can find them on these websites:
- inburgeren.nl: practice exams integration exam
- staatsexamensnt2.nl: practice exams state exam Dutch as a 2nd language.
- ikwilnaarnederland.nl: practicing for the basic civic integration exam, for people who come to the Netherlands to live with their partner.
Textbooks Dutch for integration
In the library you can borrow books from which you can learn Dutch, in preparation for your integration exam.
If you have any questions about the integration after reading, you can contact the Regional Integration Team West Friesland.
This can be done by mail to rit@werksaamwf.nl, or by telephone via the general telephone number of WerkSaam: 0229-258758.