Dutch language test for citizenship: which level and which exams count
Last checked: 29 October 2026
For Dutch citizenship through naturalisation, you need to show Dutch at language level A2 or higher. Most people do this with the civic integration exam: Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking at A2, taken at DUO. The Nt2 state exam at B1 or B2 also counts. Some Dutch-language diplomas mean you do not need a language test at all.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum level | A2 (ind.nl) |
| Language parts | Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking (ind.nl) |
| Exam body | DUO, register at inburgeren.nl |
| Also accepted | Nt2 state exam, programme I (B1) or II (B2) (inburgeren.nl) |
| A2 exam fee | €50 per exam (inburgeren.nl) |
| Who decides | The IND, after your municipality checks your documents |
This page is about the language part only. For the full naturalisation exam, including KNM, read the Dutch citizenship test. More Dutch is not affiliated with DUO or the IND.
Which level of Dutch do you need for citizenship?
A2. The IND says you must have passed the civic integration exam at language level A2 or higher (ind.nl). A2 is a basic level. You can handle short everyday conversations, read simple letters and notices, and write a short message or fill in a form.
Under the 2021 law (Wet inburgering 2021, in force since 1 January 2022), most people integrate at B1. That does not raise the bar for naturalisation. A diploma under the 2021 law counts if it is at A2 or above, and so does a diploma under the 2013 law, which is always A2 (ind.nl).
The rules on naturalisation are under political discussion. The government has proposed raising the minimum residence period from 5 to 10 years (rijksoverheid.nl). That proposal is about residence, not language. Check the IND page before you apply, as rules can change.
Which language exams count
The A2 integration exams at DUO
This is the usual route. You take four separate exams. All are booked through Mijn Inburgering (inburgeren.nl), and the times come from inburgeren.nl:
| Exam | Time | How |
|---|---|---|
| Speaking | 35 minutes | Computer, short films and questions |
| Listening | 45 minutes | Computer |
| Reading | 65 minutes | Computer |
| Writing | 40 minutes | Pen and paper, 4 tasks |
Each costs €50 (inburgeren.nl). The details of each part are in our A2 inburgering exam guide.
The Nt2 state exam at B1 or B2
The state exam Dutch as a second language (Staatsexamen Nt2) has two levels: programme I is B1 and programme II is B2 (staatsexamensnt2.nl). A diploma for either one exempts you from the integration exam for naturalisation (ind.nl). It is harder than A2, so most people only take it if they need B1 for work, study or their PIP anyway. See the Dutch B1 exam.
When you do not need a language test
The IND lists situations where you are exempt from the civic integration exam (ind.nl). The ones most people ask about:
- You have a Dutch diploma above primary level and the programme was in Dutch.
- You lived in the Netherlands for at least 8 years between the ages of 5 and 16.
- You have a Belgian or Surinamese diploma from Dutch-language education, with an apostille (conditions apply).
- You passed Dutch in the European Baccalaureate, or in the IB or IGCSE.
- You hold an integration diploma (2013 or 2021 law) at A2 or above, or an Nt2 diploma.
There are also partial exemptions. For example, with a CNaVT certificate (Dutch as a foreign language) at A2 or higher, you only need to pass KNM (ind.nl).
Your municipality checks your original documents and tells you if you still need to take an exam. An exemption from DUO for your integration duty is not always enough for naturalisation, so ask first (inburgeren.nl).
If you can become Dutch through the option procedure, you do not need the integration exam at all (ind.nl).
Is the language test the only exam?
No, and this is where people get caught out. Passing the four language exams alone does not meet the requirement. You also need KNM (Knowledge of Dutch Society), and depending on your situation ONA or MAP and the participation statement (PVT) (ind.nl). We explain the full package in the Dutch citizenship test, and all requirements, such as 5 years of residence, in Dutch citizenship requirements.
How to get your Dutch to A2
A2 is reachable for most adults with steady practice. A few things help more than anything else:
- Vocabulary first. The 594 most common Dutch words cover a large share of what you read and hear at A2.
- Word order. It is the most common grammar mistake in writing and speaking. Use the word order cheat sheet.
- De or het. Writing graders notice it. The de/het trainer builds the habit.
- Official practice. DUO has free practice exams for all four A2 language exams (inburgeren.nl).
When your language is on track, add KNM: try a free 15-question KNM drill.
Frequently asked questions
Is A2 enough for Dutch citizenship?
Yes, today it is. The IND requires the civic integration exam at A2 or higher. Check ind.nl before you apply, since rules can change.
Do I need B1 for naturalisation?
No. B1 is accepted, but A2 is the minimum. If you already passed the Nt2 state exam at B1 or B2, that counts.
Is there a separate language test for citizenship?
No. The language part is the four language exams of the civic integration exam, the same ones used for inburgering.
Can I take the Dutch language test from abroad?
Yes. You can take the language exams and KNM at a Dutch embassy or consulate if you apply for naturalisation from abroad.
Does an English-taught Dutch degree count?
No. For the diploma exemption, the programme must have been taught in Dutch.
How much does the language test cost?
€50 per A2 language exam, so €200 for all four. KNM is another €50.