Civic integration examination in Germany
If you want to come to the Netherlands for an extended period of time and are a national of Germany, you do not have to take the civic integration exam abroad.
If you live in Germany but have a different nationality, find out what you must do.
Follow the steps below
1. Verify whether you must take the exam
You do not have to take the civic integration exam abroad if you meet the conditions for exemption.
2. Prepare for the exam
You can prepare for the civic integration exam using the Naar Nederland self-study pack. It is available in different languages. Read the Frequently Asked Questions on Naarnederland.nl for more information.
3. Register with DUO
Before you can sit the civic integration exam, you must register with the Education Executive Agency (DUO).
4. Make payment to DUO
The exam consists of the following parts:
- Speaking
- Reading
- Knowledge of Dutch society
In total the exam costs € 150, which must be paid to DUO.
5. Make an appointment to sit the exam
You must sit the exam at a Dutch mission in a country of which you are a national or for which you hold a residence permit. The section ‘Making an appointment’ below explains how to make an appointment and what you must bring.
6. Wait for your result
You will receive an email from DUO within 8 weeks informing you whether you have passed your exam.
7. Apply for authorisation for temporary stay (MVV)
If you’ve passed your civic integration exam, you can apply for an authorisation for temporary stay (MVV, also called a long-stay visa). You must submit your application within one year of passing your exam.
8. Continue the civic integration process
After arriving in the Netherlands you must continue the civic integration process.
Making an appointment
Within 5 days of paying the exam fees you will receive payment confirmation from DUO. After receiving the confirmation you can make an appointment.
Make an appointment online at the embassy in Berlin
Once you have made an appointment you will receive a confirmation email. You then send an email with payment confirmation from DUO. Please indicate in this email for which date and time you have made an appointment. You will then receive confirmation of the appointment from an embassy employee after which you can take the exam.
What to bring to your appointment
Bring the following with you to your appointment:
- a valid passport
- a proof of legal residency in the Schengen area
- confirmation of your appointment
- a recent colour passport photograph
Contact
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.