What does civic integration involve?
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If you have a residence permit or are new to the Netherlands, you will often be required to complete civic integration. You will learn the Dutch language and how to live, work and participate in society in the Netherlands. In this article, you can read about what civic integration involves and what you need to arrange.
When should you start the civic integration?
You will receive a letter from
Have a
BSNHave a residence permit
Are registered with the municipality
On RefugeeHelp, you can read more about
You follow a pathway for the civic integration
There are three pathways for the civic integration. The municipality will work with you to determine which pathway is best suited to you.
The B1 pathway
The B1 pathway is the standard pathway. You will learn Dutch at B1 level. This pathway will also help you find a job or volunteer work. You are usually expected to complete the pathway within three years.
The education pathway: O pathway
The education pathway is intended for people who wish to study in the Netherlands. This pathway helps you to progress to
The self-sufficiency pathway: Z pathway
The Z pathway is for people who find the B1 pathway or the education pathway too difficult. On this pathway, you will mainly learn how to get by in the Netherlands. You will also learn how to participate in society.
This is what you will learn during your civic integration
During your civic integration, you will learn a variety of things. These will help you to participate more fully in Dutch society.
1. You learn Dutch
The Dutch language is very important. You will learn to read, listen, write and speak. This will help you communicate better with the people around you. For example, with your neighbours, the municipality, your doctor, your school or your employer.
The language also helps you find work and participate in society. The language level you need to achieve depends on your learning pathway.
Once you have finished learning, you will sit the language exams. You will take four separate exams: reading, listening, writing and speaking. These exams are usually taken on a computer.
2. You will learn about Dutch society
This is called KNM: Knowledge of Dutch Society (Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij). In KNM, you learn how the Netherlands works. This is important because you are living in a new country.
For example, you will learn about living in the Netherlands, work and income, education, healthcare, politics and government, traffic and safety, rights and responsibilities, and the rules.
KNM helps you find your way around the Netherlands. You will learn where to go for help and what you need to sort out yourself. You will also learn about your rights and responsibilities.
Once you have finished learning, you will sit the KNM exam. This exam is taken on a computer.
3. You will learn about work and participation
This is called MAP: Labour Market and Participation Module (Module Arbeidsmarkt en Participatie). In the MAP, you will learn about working and looking for work in the Netherlands. You will also learn how to participate in society.
The municipality will provide more information about the MAP during the initial assessment. You must complete the MAP before the end of your civic integration period.
The MAP consists of two parts:
1. Labor market
In this section, you will learn more about working in the Netherlands. For example, you will find out what jobs are available in the Netherlands, which jobs suit you, which professions match your qualifications, which professions match the work you have done previously, what you need to work in the Netherlands, how to look for a job, and how to apply for one. You will learn all this by completing exercises.
2. Participation
In this section, you will learn how to get involved in Dutch society. You will also undertake practical assignments, such as volunteering, work placements and paid work.
During the training, we will look at what suits you best. For example, you will learn how to get in touch with a company. You will also learn how to make a good impression on an employer.
The declaration of participation
This is called PVT: the participation declaration programme (participatieverklaringstraject). Through the PVT, you will learn what is important in the Netherlands. You will learn about the rights, responsibilities and values of Dutch society.
For example, you will learn:
Everyone in the Netherlands is equal
Everyone is free to choose what they believe
Everyone is free to express their opinion
Discrimination is prohibited
Everyone must obey the law.
You need to sort out everything related to the PVT with the municipality. The municipality will send you a letter. The letter will tell you what you need to do.
Once you have learnt enough, you should sign the declaration of participation. By doing so, you are stating that you wish to play an active part in Dutch society. You are also confirming that you respect the values and rules of Dutch society.
Civic integration costs money
The municipality usually arranges and pays for your civic integration course. This is the case for people with an asylum residence permit who are covered by the Dutch Civic Integration Act 2021.
You are allowed to sit each exam twice for free. If you still have not passed after two attempts,, you will usually have to pay for any additional attempts yourself.
You are also allowed to sit an exam at a higher level. However, you cannot simply sit an exam at a lower level than the one specified in your PIP.
If you pass an exam on your first attempt, you can sit that exam again at a higher level.
What happens if you finish late?
You usually have three years to complete the civic integration. If you do not finish on time and are not granted an extension, DUO may impose a fine.
The fine for failing to complete your learning pathway on time is a maximum of €1,000. If you finish the PVT or MAP late, the fine can be up to €340.
If you are experiencing difficulties, for example due to illness or other exceptional circumstances, please contact your municipality or DUO as soon as possible. In some cases, you may be granted an extension. You may also be able to request an adjustment.
Civic integration is important for your future
Civic integration is important for your future in the Netherlands. You will learn the Dutch language and gain a better understanding of how the Netherlands works. This will make it easier for you to interact with neighbours, schools, doctors, municipalities and employers. Civic integration also helps you to become more independent.
Do you want to apply for a permanent residence permit or become a Dutch citizen in the future? If so, you will often need a civic integration certificate.
So make sure you start this process in good time. Read letters from DUO and the municipality carefully. Ask for help if there is anything you do not understand. That way, you will avoid problems and gradually build your future in the Netherlands.