This is what you need to know about civic integration

If you are between the ages of 18 and 67 and have an asylum residence permit, the Dutch government requires you to undergo civic integration. Civic integration means learning Dutch and learning about Dutch society.

You are required to take courses and do civic integration exams.

After you have received a residence permit you will receive a letter about civic integration. You will receive this letter by post from DUO within 8 weeks.

You will usually receive a letter explaining you that you have to undergo civic integration. And how long you have to undergo civic integration. Sometimes you receive two letters: one telling you that you have to undergo civic integration and one telling you how much time you have to undergo civic integration.

The Netherlands has two different civic integration systems: the integration system since 2013 and the integration system 2021. Both systems have different rules.

To find out what rules apply to you, look at the letter from the

Your personal file on inburgeren.nl also shows which system of civic integration applies to you.

Choose which civic integration system applies to you below to get information about civic integration in your personal situation:

The letter you receive from DUO is important. The letter contains 3 things about your civic integration that you will need later:

• When to start the civic integration.

• How much time you have to undergo civic integration. The government calls this the 'inburgeringstermijn' (civic integration period). You usually have 3 years to complete the civic integration.

• In the Netherlands there are two different systems for civic integration. The letter from DUO tells you in which system you have to undergo civic integration.

You do not have to be a citizen if:

• You are under 18 or over 67 and entitled to a pension.

• You get your school diploma at at least level

  mbo 2
  within a certain time.

• You have a physical or mental disability that makes it impossible for you to complete civic integration. DUO must approve that you do not integrate.

• You have other personal reasons that prevent you from integrating. For example, because you care for someone who has a physical or mental disability. DUO must approve that you do not integrate.

There are two different laws for civic integration in the Netherlands. The letter from DUO states which law and therefore which integration system applies to you. Choose below which civic integration system it is to receive information about your personal situation: