The Dutch citizenship test: what you need to pass to naturalise

Last checked: 29 October 2026

The Dutch citizenship test is the civic integration exam, which the IND also calls the naturalisation test. To naturalise, you pass four language exams at A2 level (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) and KNM (Knowledge of Dutch Society). Depending on your situation you also need ONA or MAP and the participation statement. DUO runs the exams. The IND decides on citizenship.

More Dutch is not affiliated with DUO or the IND. Our practice questions are our own, not real or leaked exam questions.

Is there a separate Dutch citizenship test?

No. Some countries have a special citizenship quiz. The Netherlands uses the civic integration exam (inburgeringsexamen). If you pass it, you get a digital integration diploma, and with that diploma you can apply for naturalisation (ind.nl). So if you already passed inburgering at A2 or higher, you have usually done the test.

At the end there is a naturalisation ceremony where you make a declaration of solidarity. That is a statement, not a test (ind.nl).

The parts of the citizenship test

Language: four exams at A2

You take Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking at A2 or higher. The Nt2 state exam at B1 or B2 also counts. Which language exams and diplomas the IND accepts is explained in our Dutch language test for citizenship guide.

KNM: Knowledge of Dutch Society

KNM (Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij) is a 45-minute computer exam (inburgeren.nl) with 40 multiple-choice questions, according to DUO's official practice exam. It covers daily life: housing, work, health care, education, history and how the country is governed. Since 1 July 2025 it includes more on women's self-determination and the Holocaust (rijksoverheid.nl).

For most people who already speak some Dutch, KNM is the part to plan for. Read how to pass the KNM exam and how many questions the KNM exam has.

ONA or MAP: the labour market part

Under the 2013 law this is ONA (Orientation on the Dutch labour market). Under the 2021 law (Wet inburgering 2021, in force since 1 January 2022) it is MAP (Job Market and Participation Module), which you do with your municipality (ind.nl).

You can be exempt from ONA, for example if you reached state pension age, or if you worked in the Netherlands at least 48 hours a month in at least 6 of the last 12 months (ind.nl).

PVT: the participation statement

The PVT is a short course on Dutch values that ends with signing a statement. If you never had a duty to integrate and only need the diploma to naturalise, you are exempt from the PVT (ind.nl).

Which parts apply to you

Sources: inburgeren.nl, ind.nl. If you are not sure, log in to Mijn Inburgering or ask your municipality. They check your documents when you apply.

Who does not need the test

You may get an exemption if you show you are already integrated, for example with a Dutch diploma from Dutch-language education above primary level, or if you lived here for at least 8 years between the ages of 5 and 16 (ind.nl). The language guide lists the diploma exemptions in more detail.

A dispensation is different. It is for people who cannot pass for medical reasons, or who can show serious effort, such as many attempts and at least 600 hours of lessons at a recognised school (ind.nl). Following the Z route under the 2021 law is not enough on its own. You also need a recommendation from DUO.

If you qualify for the option procedure, you skip the integration exam altogether (ind.nl).

After the test: applying for citizenship

Passing the test is one requirement. The IND also checks, among other things, that you (ind.nl):

• are 18 or older,
• have lived in the Kingdom of the Netherlands for at least 5 years in a row with a valid residence permit,
• are not a danger to public order,
• are willing to give up your current nationality, unless an exception applies.

You apply at your municipality and pay there. The IND has 12 months to decide. If approved, you become Dutch at the naturalisation ceremony, which you must attend within 1 year (ind.nl).

Source: ind.nl, fees. The government has proposed raising the 5-year term to 10 years (rijksoverheid.nl). Check ind.nl for the current rule before you apply. The full list is in Dutch citizenship requirements.

How to prepare

Book the exams early. Getting a date for KNM or an A2 exam can take more than 6 weeks (inburgeren.nl). Then:

1. Do DUO's free practice exams for every part (inburgeren.nl).
2. Study KNM one theme at a time with our KNM chapter guides.
3. Drill with the KNM practice exam. Short free drills are a good daily habit.
4. Shore up your Dutch with the 594 most common words.

Try a free 15-question KNM drill. More Dutch Plus adds the full 450-question bank and mock exams for a one-time €14.99 (pricing). You can also sign up for one KNM question a week.

Frequently asked questions

What is on the Dutch citizenship test?

Four Dutch language exams at A2 (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) and KNM. Depending on your situation, also ONA or MAP and the participation statement.

Is the Dutch citizenship test the same as the inburgering exam?

Yes. The IND calls it the naturalisation test, but it is the civic integration exam run by DUO.

How many questions are on the Dutch citizenship test?

The KNM part has 40 questions in 45 minutes. The language exams each have their own format and time.

How much does the Dutch citizenship test cost?

€50 per exam at DUO. The naturalisation application itself costs €1,139 for one person.

Do I need to retake the exam if I already did inburgering?

No. An integration diploma at A2 or higher, under the 2013 or 2021 law, meets the requirement.

Can I take the test outside the Netherlands?

Yes. You can take the language exams and KNM at a Dutch embassy or consulate.