Civic integration

Civic integration is the statutory duty of newcomers to learn the Dutch language and acquire knowledge of Dutch society and the labour market. It applies to most holders of an asylum residence permit and to family migrants from outside the European Union.

Legal basis

The Civic Integration Act 2021 entered into force on 1 January 2022, replacing the 2013 Act. Unlike before, the municipality directs the process: it carries out a broad intake, draws up a personal integration and participation plan with the newcomer and provides guidance. There are three learning routes: the education route, the B1 route and the self-reliance route. Alongside the language examination there are the Participation Statement programme and the Labour Market and Participation module. The period is in principle three years. For asylum status holders the municipality manages their finances during the first six months. Anyone who fails to comply in time risks a fine and cannot obtain a permanent permit or naturalisation.

How it works in practice

The starting point is language level B1, with the option of stepping down to A2 where B1 is demonstrably out of reach. Those who became subject to integration requirements under the previous Act in principle remain under that regime, including the DUO loan scheme. Exemption is possible for holders of a Dutch diploma or those demonstrably already integrated; a waiver may be granted for demonstrable effort or on medical grounds.

Where it goes wrong

The deadline is underestimated, particularly when moving municipality or changing language school. A second error is applying for a waiver without substantiating the effort made. Third, the link with naturalisation is overlooked: without a completed integration examination, naturalisation is not possible.